If you have been on the lookout for a comforting, irresistible treat to brighten your mornings or add a cozy touch to your coffee breaks, then look no further. The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe brings together a tender crumb, a luscious sour cream tang, and a cinnamon-swirled streusel topping that’s just bursting with flavor. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo with a steaming cup of coffee. This recipe is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with mouthwatering satisfaction, making it an absolute must-have in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing essential texture and flavor that meld perfectly together. From creamy butter to the spicy cinnamon notes, these components create a harmonious balance in every slice.
- Butter (1/2 cup unsalted, softened): This adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake while helping it achieve a nice golden color.
- Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and moisture, keeping the cake fluffy and light.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and incredible moistness to the cake.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cake, balancing texture perfectly.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise to a soft, airy perfection.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the sour cream for lift and tenderness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors, making them pop.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Provides deep caramel notes for the streusel topping.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for streusel): Adds crunch and sweetness to the topping.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Brings warm spice that’s classic and comforting.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup for streusel): Binds the topping ingredients into crumbly perfection.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted for streusel): Creates that crisp, buttery topping contrast.
How to Make The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. This step is essential for a smooth release, guaranteeing those perfect slices you’ll be proud to serve.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your cake beautifully tender. Add in the eggs one at a time for full integration, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream for richness and moisture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt throughout the batter, which is key for uniform rise and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light and fluffy. The batter should be smooth but not overly worked.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This topping will create that crunchy, sweet, and spicy layer that elevates the entire cake experience.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Spread half of the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it, then add the remaining batter. Finally, top with the rest of the streusel, ensuring every bite will have that wonderful cinnamon crunch throughout.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before serving—this allows the flavors to set and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is stunning on its own, adding a little extra flair can make it feel even more special. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a dollop of whipped cream can bring delightful contrasts in flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
The richness of this coffee cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy latte to enhance your coffee break experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into small squares or layering it in a trifle with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning dessert centerpiece. You can also serve it warm with a pat of butter melting on top to bring out the cake’s moist tenderness even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and the streusel crisp, so each bite stays as good as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the cake at room temperature, then warm it gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked sensation, with a tender crumb and warm spices.
FAQs
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be a good substitute and will still add moisture and a slight tang, but sour cream tends to give the cake its signature richness and tenderness.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done?
A simple toothpick test works perfectly—insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready.
Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully. Just mix them into the streusel before sprinkling on top.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, they work together to help the cake rise and keep it tender. The baking soda reacts with the sour cream’s acidity, giving extra lift while baking powder provides generalized leavening.
Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
With some careful substitution of gluten-free flour that includes xanthan gum, you can adapt this recipe for gluten-free baking. Just be prepared for a slight change in texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your home, delivering cozy mornings and delightful coffee breaks filled with warm cinnamon sweetness and tender crumb. Don’t be shy—bake it, share it, and fall in love with this timeless favorite all over again.
Print
The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Coffee Cake recipe is a moist and tender treat with a rich cinnamon streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of coffee. Made with simple ingredients like butter, eggs, sour cream, and a blend of cinnamon and brown sugar streusel, this cake bakes to golden perfection in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract followed by the sour cream until evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Next, spread the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining streusel mixture evenly spread over the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This enhances the flavor and texture for the best experience.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and a bit more protein.
- For a nutty crunch, add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
