Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to bake something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with cinnamon swirls and topped with a crumbly streusel, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tender with just the right amount of crumbly texture. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or sharing it as a delightful treat with friends, this cake has that timeless charm and irresistibly cozy flavor that always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that signature cinnamon kick. From the softness of the sour cream to the crispness of the streusel topping, every element has a delicious purpose.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the streusel topping, giving it a tender crunch.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and moisture, essential for the topping’s sweet depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, spicy aroma and flavor everyone loves.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates a flaky, buttery streusel crumble when cut into the flour mixture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure for the cake batter, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle rise and light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and reacts perfectly with the sour cream.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the batter just like in the topping.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Whipped with sugar to create a creamy, airy batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant background note to the cake.
- 1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for complexity.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Part of the cinnamon swirl, intensifying that cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Perfectly combined with brown sugar for the cake’s cinnamon swirl.
How to Make Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Start by creating the irresistible streusel topping. In a small bowl, mix together ¾ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs with little butter pockets that melt into crisp topping during baking. Set this aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In another small bowl, simply combine ½ cup packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. This swirl mixture will give your cake those lovely cinnamon ribbons that everyone adores. Set it aside until assembly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9-inch round or square pan, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy—this is key for a soft crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to incorporate air. Mix in the vanilla extract. Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to this butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir gently until everything is just combined to keep the cake tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar swirl over the batter. Dollop and carefully spread the remaining batter on top. Then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on the surface and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it through the batter, creating beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the cake. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over everything for that perfect finishing crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake your coffee cake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This baking time allows the cake to set beautifully while the streusel becomes perfectly crisp. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm for ultimate coziness.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea to savor the full flavors. This Classic Coffee Cake Recipe is best enjoyed with good company and a comfy spot to relax!
How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake stands brilliantly on its own, don’t hesitate to add a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze for an elegant touch. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can also add texture and nutty flavor, enhancing the streusel’s crispiness.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to add brightness and contrast to the rich, buttery flavors. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits to offer a balance of sweet and savory options.
Creative Ways to Present
To switch things up, consider making this cake in individual ramekins for personal servings that look charming and inviting. You can also slice it into bars — perfect for picnics or on-the-go breakfasts. Another fun idea is layering crumbled cake pieces with whipped cream and fruit for a quick and indulgent trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it soft and moist. Be sure to cover it well so the streusel topping stays crisp.
Freezing
This Classic Coffee Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feeling, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This revives the buttery aroma and melts the streusel just right.
FAQs
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will keep your coffee cake moist with a similar tangy flavor. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.
What type of pan works best for this recipe?
A 9-inch round or square cake pan is ideal, but you can also use a 9×13 inch pan if you’d like a thinner cake. Just watch the baking time as it might change slightly.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep it tender.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative. The texture might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
Why does this cake have both baking powder and baking soda?
Using both helps achieve the perfect rise and tender crumb. Baking powder provides a gentle lift, while baking soda reacts with the sour cream’s acidity for extra fluffiness.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Coffee Cake Recipe is a true comfort food that feels like a little celebration every time you bake it. It’s simple to pull together yet impressively satisfying with its layers of cinnamon, sweetness, and buttery richness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create a coffee cake that’s absolutely unforgettable!
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Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Coffee Cake features a tender, moist crumb with a delightful cinnamon swirl and a buttery streusel topping, perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or tea. The cake is layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a crunchy streusel, creating a comforting and flavorful treat that is ideal for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife or toothpick. Top with the streusel topping.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite coffee or tea. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use cold butter for the streusel topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang.
- Make sure to swirl cinnamon sugar gently for a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices slightly before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
