The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for the absolute ultimate treat to pair with your morning coffee or wow your brunch guests, look no further: this really is The BEST Coffee Cake. Each bite is a harmony of tender, buttery cake swirled with ribbons of cinnamon streusel, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a sweet glaze drizzled over the top. Whether for a special occasion or a casual weekday treat, this classic gem is guaranteed to deliver big flavor, incredible texture, and pure cozy comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The BEST Coffee Cake comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, and each one plays a distinct role in creating that perfect crumb, rich flavor, and irresistible aroma. Here’s how each component contributes to this timeless favorite:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it just the right structure and lightness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that wonderfully tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness, flavor, and moistness; don’t skip this!
- Sour cream: Secret weapon for an ultra-moist texture and a subtle tang that brightens the cake.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and make the cake extra fluffy.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents team up to give the cake its perfect, light rise.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses deep, comforting, bakery-style flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and spiced notes.
- Brown sugar (for the streusel): Offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness that’s classic in coffee cake.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that creates those signature warm swirls in every bite.
- All-purpose flour (for the streusel): Helps hold the streusel together and gives texture.
- Cold unsalted butter (for the streusel): Creates those irresistible buttery, crumbly pockets on top.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Melts into a sweet finish—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- Milk (for the glaze): Thins the glaze for perfect drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Adds a final aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
How to Make The BEST Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start things off right by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×9-inch baking pan and either grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This simple step ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases without a fuss—no sticking, no crumbling!
Step 2: Create the Dry Mix
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking breaks up lumps and distributes the leavening, making sure your cake texture is light and even all the way through.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter and sugar together until they’re light, airy, and absolutely dreamy—think pale and fluffy. This step is key because it traps air in the batter, which helps give The BEST Coffee Cake its tender crumb.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in your eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then blend in your sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and luscious. These ingredients make the cake moist and infuse it with incredible flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as the last streak of flour disappears for the softest, fluffiest texture.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Streusel
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add cold, cubed butter and cut it in using a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms big, irresistible crumbles. This is the magic swirl for The BEST Coffee Cake—don’t be shy with your streusel!
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Spread half the batter into your prepared pan—don’t worry if it’s a bit thick, just use a spatula to coax it into the corners. Sprinkle half the cinnamon streusel over the top. Repeat with the remaining batter and finish with a final layer of streusel. These layers give every bite a lovely contrast of cake and crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan so it can finish setting up—with all those luscious layers, a little patience pays off!
Step 9: Optional Glaze Drizzle
If you’re in the mood for an extra flourish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a sweet, shiny finish that makes The BEST Coffee Cake truly bakery-worthy.
How to Serve The BEST Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Dress up slices of The BEST Coffee Cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few toasted nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a little extra cinnamon on top also make every bite pop—sometimes it’s the simple touches that take things over the top.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake shines alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, tangy Greek yogurt, or a crisp mimosa if you’re going the brunch route. The cake’s gentle sweetness and warm spice make it the perfect backdrop for both sweet and savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, try cutting The BEST Coffee Cake into small squares and arranging them on a cake stand or dessert platter. Or, serve individual slices in colorful cupcake liners for grab-and-go style at a potluck. You can even stack two pieces and skew with a fresh berry for a playful, modern twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of The BEST Coffee Cake left after your family gets their hands on it, simply cover it tightly and store at room temperature for up to three days. The cake stays moist and flavorful, making it just as delightful days after baking as it is fresh from the oven.
Freezing
Want to stash some cake for a future craving? Let The BEST Coffee Cake cool completely, then wrap individual pieces or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and it’ll taste like you just baked it.
Reheating
To gently warm up slices, pop them in the microwave on low power for 10–15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. This revives the soft crumb and wakes up that cinnamon aroma, so your coffee cake tastes bakery-fresh every time.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or fruit to The BEST Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are classic add-ins for extra texture, and a handful of blueberries or diced apples folded into the batter can create a delightful twist. Just be mindful not to overload, so the cake bakes evenly.
Is it okay to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream. It will give the cake that same moist tenderness and just a touch of extra tang—the result is still definitely The BEST Coffee Cake.
Do I have to use the glaze, or is it optional?
The glaze is totally optional, but highly recommended if you love a little extra sweetness and a glossy bakery look. The cake stands beautifully on its own, but the glaze tops it off with a bit of indulgence.
What if I only have a smaller or larger baking pan?
If you use an 8×8-inch pan, your coffee cake will be taller and might need a few extra minutes to bake. For a larger pan, the cake will be thinner and may bake a bit faster—just keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test for doneness.
Can I make The BEST Coffee Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The results are amazingly close to the classic—just keep in mind, not all gluten-free flours are created equal, so for best texture, use a blend that’s meant for baking cakes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re bringing it to a celebration or enjoying a cozy slice at home, The BEST Coffee Cake delivers on flavor, nostalgia, and crowd-pleasing appeal. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy and comfort that comes with every bite—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a true classic! Let me know how you make it your own.
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The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the BEST Coffee Cake you’ve ever tasted! This moist and flavorful cake with a cinnamon streusel topping is perfect for breakfast or dessert. The optional vanilla glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the cinnamon streusel:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
For the glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- To make the streusel, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
- Spread half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half of the streusel, then repeat with remaining batter and streusel.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If using the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream.
- This cake stays moist for days—store covered at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
