If you’ve been searching for that perfect, comforting treat to brighten your morning or sweeten your afternoon, look no further than this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of cake that brings together the joyful aroma of cinnamon, the tender crumb of a buttery cake, and a crunchy streusel topping that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with your favorite brew, this cake promises to be a delightful centerpiece that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Coffee Cake Recipe thrives on simplicity, with every ingredient playing its essential role. From the softness of sour cream that ensures moisture to the aromatic cinnamon that infuses every bite with cozy warmth, each component blends to create a comforting texture and rich flavor palette.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Used for the streusel topping, giving it structure without heaviness.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the streusel and swirl.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that signature warm spice that defines this cake.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for streusel): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for creating that crumbly, irresistible streusel texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, fluffy cake crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly and maintain lightness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to lift and lighten the batter.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for batter): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to a delicate crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure, stability, and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely finished aroma.
- 1 cup sour cream: Infuses the cake with moistness and a subtle tang.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl): Creates a gooey, delicious swirl of sweetness inside the cake.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl): Imparts that warm, inviting cinnamon flavor in the filling.
How to Make Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Then cut in the cold cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes coarse crumbs. This topping is crucial as it will bake into a crumbly, buttery layer that adds texture and sweetness on top.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. This simple mixture will create a luscious cinnamon-sugar ribbon that enriches every bite with warm, sweet spice.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan, round or square. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, blending well between each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Alternately fold in the dry ingredients and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture over the batter. Carefully add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and then gently swirl it throughout the top layer using a knife or toothpick. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over everything to provide that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pop your cake into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack so it can cool completely, setting the perfect crumb and assuring you’ll slice through it with ease.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Classic Coffee Cake Recipe warm or at room temperature beside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of glaze.
How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of vanilla glaze elevates this coffee cake from delightful to divine. For a homey touch, a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake shines alongside fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, to introduce a refreshing contrast. A steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or even hot chocolate perfectly complements the cake’s flavors, making your moment more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or treat yourself? Serve slices topped with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a sophisticated twist. Alternatively, layer it with cream cheese frosting for a dessert version that feels like a coffeehouse treat at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Classic Coffee Cake Recipe stays moist and delicious when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to savor the cake’s full freshness and crumb.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake by wrapping it securely with plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag or container. When properly stored, it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s softness, warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or toast gently in a toaster oven. This step breathes life back into the crumb and enhances the aroma of cinnamon and butter.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe?
While all-purpose flour is ideal for the texture and structure of this cake, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends. Just remember that substitutes may slightly alter the crumb and taste.
Is sour cream essential in this recipe?
Yes, sour cream is a key ingredient as it adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, creating a tender and flavorful crumb. You could substitute with Greek yogurt if needed, but sour cream gives the best results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
With some swaps such as plant-based butter, a nondairy sour cream alternative, and egg replacers, you can adapt this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe to suit dairy-free or vegan diets. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift slightly.
What’s the best pan size to use for this cake?
A 9-inch round or square cake pan works perfectly, providing the right thickness and cook time. Using a different size may require adjustments in baking time to avoid undercooked or dry edges.
How do I get more distinct cinnamon swirls in the cake?
Make sure to sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly and use a sharp knife or skewer to gently swirl it without overmixing. This technique creates beautiful ribbons that bake into pockets of warm cinnamon sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a slice of Classic Coffee Cake Recipe fresh from the oven, warm and fragrant, that feels like comfort and celebration all rolled into one. Whether it’s your weekend brunch or a midweek pick-me-up, this cake quickly becomes a treasured favorite to share and enjoy time and again. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Coffee Cake is a deliciously moist and tender cake featuring a luscious cinnamon swirl and a buttery streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, it’s designed to pair wonderfully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
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
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
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside for later use.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In another small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly. Set this mixture aside as well.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Alternately incorporate the dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top and smooth it gently with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top layer and create swirls by gently running a knife or toothpick through the batter. Finally, sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the cake to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the butter for the streusel topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- If you prefer, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
- A toothpick test is the best way to check if the cake is fully baked.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices briefly in the microwave to enjoy warm.
