Coffee Cake

Delicious homemade coffee cake served on a plate with a cup of coffee
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November 3, 2025

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Why make this recipe

Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. It is soft, moist, and full of delicious flavors. One of the main reasons to make this recipe is how easy it is. Even if you are a beginner in baking, you can create a scrumptious cake that everyone will love. The blend of cinnamon, sugar, and butter gives the cake a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an inviting space for family and friends.

Another reason to bake Coffee Cake is its versatile nature. You can serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert. It’s great for special occasions or just a regular day when you want something sweet to enjoy.

Finally, this recipe uses commonly found ingredients, which means you don’t have to go hunting in specialty stores. You can whip it up any time the craving hits you!

How to make Coffee Cake

Making Coffee Cake is a simple process that involves mixing, baking, and enjoying! Follow these steps for a delicious result:

Ingredients:

  • For the Cake:

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 Tablespoon melted butter
    • 1 egg (room temperature)
    • 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
  • For the Streusel Filling and Topping:

    • 3 Tablespoons softened butter
    • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
    • ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
    • ¼ cup butter, cubed
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • For the Drizzle Topping:

    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 2½ teaspoons milk

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). If you like, line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Grease the dish with a little bit of butter or cooking spray.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk them together until well combined.

  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, and buttermilk together. Make sure the buttermilk is at room temperature, as it helps create a moist cake.

  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  5. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

  6. Prepare the Streusel Filling and Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, 1 Tablespoon cinnamon, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and both types of brown sugar. Mix until it resembles crumbly pieces.

  7. Add the Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel mixture on top of the first layer of cake batter in the baking dish. Then pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel layer.

  8. Add the Final Topping: In the same bowl used for the streusel, combine ½ tablespoon cinnamon, cubed butter, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle this topping over the second layer of batter.

  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  10. Prepare the Drizzle Topping: While the cake bakes, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk.

  11. Cool and Drizzle: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the dish for a few minutes. Then drizzle the glaze over the top.

Nutriment Benefits

The ingredients in Coffee Cake provide various nutritional benefits. For starters, all-purpose flour offers carbohydrates that give you energy throughout the day. Buttermilk is beneficial for digestion due to its probiotics. The cinnamon in this recipe adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be great for your health.

Furthermore, using less sugar can make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste. Generating moistness in the cake allows for less fat, leading to better health benefits overall.

What to Serve With Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a traditional experience. The flavors of the cake complement a rich brew beautifully. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially if you are enjoying it as a dessert.

Fruits such as berries or sliced bananas can be great accompaniments. They will add a refreshing touch and balance out the sweetness of the cake.

If you want to enhance the flavors even more, consider adding a light drizzle of honey or homemade fruit syrup on top of each slice.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Ease of Preparation: Coffee Cake is an easy bake that doesn’t require complicated techniques.

  • Flavorful: With the warm and cozy flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, this cake will impress anyone who takes a bite.

  • Versatile: Enjoy it at breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

  • Family Friendly: This recipe is perfect for all ages. Kids will love it, and adults will appreciate its rich flavors.

How to Store Coffee Cake

To store Coffee Cake, let it cool completely after baking. You can keep it covered at room temperature for up to two days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for about 2-3 months this way.

To serve frozen Cake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if you prefer it warm.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even bake.

  • Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary in temperature. Check your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

  • Don’t Skip the Streusel: The streusel adds a wonderful texture and flavor. Don’t leave it out!

Variations

  • Nutty Addition: Consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the streusel for a lovely crunch.

  • Fruit Flavor: You can fold in fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or even bananas into the cake batter for extra flavor.

  • Chocolate Twist: For a chocolaty version, add chocolate chips into the batter or use cocoa powder in the streusel mixture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk. To make it more like buttermilk, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.


2. How do I know when the Coffee Cake is done?

You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.


3. Can I make this Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and place it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to let the batter come to room temperature before baking, or it may take longer to cook.


Enjoy your baking adventure with Coffee Cake! It’s a wonderful recipe to share with family and friends, bringing everyone together over delicious flavors. Happy baking!

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Coffee Cake


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  • Author: mealstomake
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful and easy-to-make Coffee Cake perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, featuring cozy flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and butter.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 3 Tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup butter, cubed
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2½ teaspoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 by 9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; whisk together.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, both types of brown sugar, and flour until crumbly. Sprinkle over the first layer of batter.
  7. Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer.
  8. In the same bowl, combine the remaining cinnamon, cubed butter, and salt; mix until crumbly and sprinkle over the top.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. Mix powdered sugar and milk for the drizzle; set aside.
  11. Cool the cake for a few minutes and then drizzle the glaze on top before serving.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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