Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a wonderfully tender and flavorful treat to enjoy with your morning brew or an afternoon cuppa, this Coffee Cake recipe is an absolute winner. With its moist, buttery crumb, an irresistible cinnamon streusel topping, and an optional drizzle of sweet icing, this Coffee Cake bakes up tender and delicious every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a casual kitchen adventurer, this simple yet classic recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and a cozy feeling — perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging all on your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Coffee Cake comes together beautifully with a handful of essential ingredients that create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a star role — from the rich butter adding depth to the crumb, to the cinnamon and brown sugar streusel that delivers that iconic coffee cake crunch and spice.

• 1 egg: Acts as the binding agent and adds moisture to ensure a soft crumb.
• 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola): Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
• 1 tsp vanilla: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
• 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps in creating a golden crust.
• 1/2 cup milk: Moisturizes the batter and helps with the cake’s light texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Provides the lift needed for a fluffy coffee cake.
• 1 1/2 cups flour: Forms the structure of the cake for that perfect bite.
• 2 T butter (melted): For the streusel topping, adding richness and binding the crumble.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes to the streusel topping.
• 2 tsp cinnamon: Infuses warm spice, making the streusel irresistibly aromatic.
• 2 T flour: Combines with the brown sugar and cinnamon to create the crumbly streusel texture.
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, optional): Adds crunch and a slightly nutty dimension to the topping.
• 1 T butter (room temperature): For the icing, giving it a creamy base.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweet and smooth, perfect for a light drizzle.
• 1 T milk (extra, if needed): Thins the icing to the perfect consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by heating your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for an easy release after baking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg until slightly frothy. Then add sugar, milk, salt, oil, and vanilla, mixing well to combine all those lovely flavors. Next, spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then dump it on top of the wet mixture. Sprinkle the baking powder over the flour and gently toss it to mix with the top half of the flour before stirring everything together until just combined. Pour this batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel

For the streusel topping, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until everything is well combined and crumbly. If you’re a fan of extra texture, toss in the chopped walnuts and mix gently.

Step 4: Layer the Streusel on the Batter

Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Here’s a fun trick: take your finger or the narrow end of a wooden spoon and poke the streusel halfway down into the batter about a dozen to eighteen times in random spots. This little action helps the streusel meld beautifully with the batter as it bakes, creating those delightful sweet pockets.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Keep a close watch to avoid overbaking — you want the cake moist and tender without drying out the crumb.

Step 6: Optional Icing Drizzle

If you love a bit of extra sweetness, mix the softened butter and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add milk little by little, stirring until the icing reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency. Lightly drizzle over the cooled coffee cake to add a delightful finish that melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A simple powdered sugar dusting can be beautiful and elegant, but if you want to elevate your Coffee Cake, a small spoonful of whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries on the side adds freshness and color. Chopped extra walnuts or a hint of cinnamon sprinkled on top right before serving amps up that warm spice vibe.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte, perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits for a balanced and delightful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Coffee Cake into squares or wedges and serve it on a charming wooden board with small bowls of additional streusel topping or icing for guests to add themselves. Or, for a more festive occasion, layer slices with whipped cream and berries to create elegant mini coffee cake trifles that impress without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain freshness beyond that, refrigeration is best, keeping it moist and delicious for up to five days.

Freezing

Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Coffee Cake freezes beautifully and can be kept for up to three months, making it perfect to bake ahead for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To bring your coffee cake back to life, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This revives the soft texture and melts the optional icing slightly, making it taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of oil in the coffee cake batter?

Absolutely! Substituting oil with melted butter will add a richer flavor, though it might make the cake a bit denser. Experiment to see which texture you prefer since both yield tasty results.

Is it necessary to poke the streusel into the batter?

While not mandatory, poking the streusel halfway into the batter helps to meld the topping with the cake, creating soft pockets of cinnamon sweetness mixed with crumbly bits, which many people find irresistible.

Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

What kind of nuts work best in the streusel?

Walnuts are a classic choice thanks to their robust flavor and crunch, but pecans or almonds also make excellent alternatives depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can I skip the icing altogether?

Definitely! The coffee cake is full of flavor and moistness on its own, and the cinnamon streusel topping brings plenty of sweetness. The icing is just a lovely optional touch for an extra bit of indulgence.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake recipe is one of those comforting classics that truly feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s incredibly straightforward to make and yields a moist, tender crumb with that perfect cinnamon streusel all over. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try — your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a new favorite treat to enjoy anytime you crave a little sweet comfort.

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