The Fluffiest Homemade Coffee Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Make

A steaming slice of homemade coffee cake that instantly sparks joy and comfort.

Warm, crumbly textures and rich aromas dance through the kitchen, promising pure deliciousness.

Memories of lazy weekend mornings flood back with each soft, buttery bite.

Breaking through a delicate cinnamon-sugar crust that reveals a tender, moist interior.

This isn’t just any ordinary treat – it’s a moment of pure culinary bliss waiting to happen.

Every forkful carries hints of nostalgia and warmth that connect you to cherished moments.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Come see how easy it is to create this irresistible classic that everyone will adore.

Reasons To Enjoy Coffee Cake Again

• Savor Comforting Layers: This coffee cake delivers a delightful combination of tender cake and crumbly streusel, creating a mouthwatering texture that melts in your mouth with each delicious bite.
• Whip Up Effortless Deliciousness: The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Treat: Ideal for weekend gatherings, brunches, or casual morning get-togethers, this coffee cake brings warmth and joy to any breakfast or snack time with its irresistible cinnamon-sugar aroma.
• Quick and Convenient Baking: From start to finish, this cake comes together in under an hour, offering a speedy solution for satisfying sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need For Coffee Cake

• Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential dry ingredients that provide structure and help the cake rise with a light texture. All-purpose flour works best for consistent results.
• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Eggs: Core ingredients that create a rich, tender cake base. Use room temperature butter for smooth mixing.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet flavor enhancement to the entire cake.

• Brown Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon: Create a classic crumbly, sweet topping with warm spice notes. Light or dark brown sugar both work well.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a crumbly texture in the streusel by staying slightly solid when mixed.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
• Cooking Spray or Additional Butter: Used for greasing the baking pan to prevent cake from sticking.

How To Bake Coffee Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a 9-inch baking pan and give it a loving coat of grease. Line the bottom with parchment paper to make your cake’s exit smooth and easy.

Step 2: Create Streusel Magic

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon

Snag some cold butter and crumble it into the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a fork to create delightful crumbly bits that look like sandy treasure. Set this magical topping aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cake Batter

• Cream softened butter with granulated sugar until it becomes fluffy and light
• Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each
• Pour in vanilla extract for that extra flavor punch

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix gently – we want a tender cake, not a tough one!

Step 4: Layer and Decorate

Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly like a smooth blanket. Sprinkle the streusel topping all over, creating a delicious crumbly landscape.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the kitchen smells like heaven.

Step 6: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Slice, serve, and watch smiles spread across everyone’s faces!

Tips To Make Better Coffee Cake

• Butter Softening Secret: Remove butter from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure perfect creaming and smooth cake texture.
• Streusel Perfection Technique: Freeze cold butter and grate it directly into the streusel mixture for the most delicate, crumbly topping that distributes evenly.
• Moisture Magic Hack: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising the cake's rich, tender crumb.
• Gluten-Free Conversion Tip: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this coffee cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Freshness Preservation Method: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for longer storage.

How To Store Coffee Cake The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Room Temperature: Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to consume it quickly. Place it on a cake stand or plate with a loose covering to maintain its moisture and freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For a crispier streusel topping, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the cake's original texture and brings out its delicious flavors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and reheat gently to enjoy its original taste and texture.

Good Matches With Coffee Cake

• Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Pair this classic coffee cake with a freshly brewed medium roast Colombian coffee. The smooth, slightly nutty coffee notes complement the cake's sweet cinnamon streusel beautifully, creating a harmonious morning treat.
• Elevate with Creamy Beverage Boost: Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy vanilla latte. The rich, smooth dairy balances the cake's warm spices and provides a delightful contrast to the crumbly streusel texture.
• Add Fruity Flavor Enhancers: Garnish with fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries on the side. These bright fruits cut through the cake's sweetness and add a refreshing touch that makes each bite more vibrant and interesting.
• Create Decadent Dessert Pairing: Drizzle a light vanilla glaze over the cake or serve with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The additional creamy sweetness transforms this coffee cake into an indulgent dessert experience.

New Versions Of Coffee Cake To Try

• Fruity Coffee Companion: Add fresh blueberries or diced apples into the batter for a burst of natural sweetness and extra moisture. Gently fold the fruit into the mixture just before pouring into the pan to prevent sinking.
• Nutty Coffee Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for a delightful textural contrast. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their rich, deep flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Chocolate Swirl Surprise: Incorporate chocolate chips or create a chocolate ribbon by layering half the batter, adding a chocolate mixture, then topping with remaining batter. The result is a rich, marbled effect that complements the coffee cake's classic taste.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Enhance the streusel with additional warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom. Mix these into the existing cinnamon blend for a cozy, aromatic experience that captures the essence of fall baking.

Answers You’ll Want For Coffee Cake

• What makes this coffee cake special?

This coffee cake stands out with its rich, buttery texture and irresistible streusel topping. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and soft cake creates a delightful balance of flavors that makes it perfect for breakfast or dessert.

• Can I make this cake without a mixer?

While an electric mixer makes creaming butter and sugar easier, you can use a wooden spoon and some arm strength. Just ensure the butter is very soft and mix thoroughly until light and fluffy. The key is achieving a smooth, well-incorporated batter.

• Why is sour cream important in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, creating a soft, velvety texture. It also provides a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweet streusel topping and helps create a more tender crumb compared to using only milk.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. The edges will slightly pull away from the pan sides. Avoid overbaking to maintain the cake’s moisture and soft texture.

Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Sweet aromas of cinnamon coffee cake fill kitchens with warmth and comfort, inviting friends and family to gather around a slice of pure deliciousness. Moist crumb and rich streusel topping promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with each perfectly spiced bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g / 7.1 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Leavening Agents and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60 g / 2.1 ounces) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C). Create a non-stick surface in a square baking vessel by coating with butter and lining with parchment paper to ensure effortless cake removal.
2. Craft the crumbly streusel layer by mixing brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon in a compact mixing bowl. Integrate cold butter into the dry ingredients using a fork, transforming the mixture into a textured, sandy consistency. Reserve the topping for later application.
3. Generate the cake’s foundation by whipping softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Introduce vanilla extract for aromatic depth. In a separate container, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream, maintaining a delicate mixing technique to preserve the batter’s tender structure.
4. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, distributing it uniformly across the surface. Generously scatter the reserved streusel topping, creating an even, crumbly layer that will develop a delightful golden-brown crust during baking.
5. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a slender wooden pick into the center; it should emerge clean and without raw batter residue.
6. Allow the freshly baked cake to rest within the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to stabilize and cool slightly. Slice and serve, enjoying the cake either warm or at ambient temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Adjust oven temperature if using a dark or glass pan to prevent burning, as these materials conduct heat differently compared to light-colored metal pans.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream to ensure smooth batter consistency and even cake texture.
• Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake dense and tough instead of tender and soft.
• Customize the streusel by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg