If you’ve been searching for the ultimate cozy treat to go with your morning coffee or to dazzle your friends at brunch, look no further: The BEST Coffee Cake is the recipe you need in your life. This classic, delightfully tender cake boasts a ribbon of cinnamon streusel inside and a crumbly brown sugar topping that melts in your mouth. Every bite is impossibly soft and buttery, with a perfect balance of sweet, warm spice and tang from sour cream. Whether it’s a holiday, a breakfast get-together, or you’re simply craving something special, this is the coffee cake you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This list is refreshingly straightforward, yet each ingredient in The BEST Coffee Cake plays a key role in creating its signature flavor and texture. Stock your pantry with these essentials, and you’re well on your way to coffee cake perfection!
- All-purpose flour: The base of both the cake and streusel; it creates a tender, sturdy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the cake its sweetness and helps the batter cream into a light, fluffy mix.
- Unsalted butter (softened and cold): Adds richness to the cake and makes the streusel perfectly crumbly.
- Sour cream: The secret ingredient for a moist, silky-soft cake with just a hint of tang.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a lovely golden color.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Work together for the ideal rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: A pinch helps balance the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Essential for the streusel, giving caramel-like notes and a soft bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice—cinnamon lovers, this is your cake!
How to Make The BEST Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Streusel
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan—trust me, you want every gorgeous crumb to slide right out! For the streusel, mix light brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold cubed butter in a small bowl. Use a fork (or a pastry cutter if you have one) to work it all together until it resembles small crumbles. Set this bowl aside; you’re going to come back to it for those magical layers and topping.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter (hello, light cake!), and the difference really shows in the texture. If you’re feeling ambitious, let your mixer run for a couple of extra minutes—it can only make things better!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. The batter will look rich and glossy—just what we want! Next, mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream. The BEST Coffee Cake owes its perfect moistness to this step, so don’t skimp on stirring until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low or by hand until just combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make the cake tough, and we’re all about keeping it soft and delightful!
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the top—this creates a gorgeous cinnamon ribbon right through the middle of your cake. Top with the remaining batter and finish by scattering the rest of the streusel mixture thickly over the top. Each layer adds serious flavor and that signature crumbly topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs attached). The kitchen will smell like a dream and the top will turn a lovely golden brown with those irresistible cinnamon nooks. Let the cake cool for a bit before serving—the flavors set, and it slices beautifully.
How to Serve The BEST Coffee Cake
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cake, or lightly dust with powdered sugar for a pretty look. Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious crunchy addition to the streusel if you’re feeling nutty!
Side Dishes
The BEST Coffee Cake is delightful on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with thick Greek yogurt and fresh berries for brunch. For a more decadent spread, offer it with scrambled eggs or quiche, and always a steaming cup of coffee or tea to complement its cinnamon warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into perfect squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board, or stack for “cake towers” at a brunch buffet. For something extra special, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream—the ultimate cozy dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, you can pop it in the fridge—just remember to bring the cake to room temperature (or warm it a touch) before enjoying, so you don’t miss that soft, tender crumb!
Freezing
The BEST Coffee Cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual squares or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When a cinnamon craving strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm leftover slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or gently in a low oven until soft and fragrant. If you’re serving for a crowd, pop the whole pan (covered with foil) into a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make The BEST Coffee Cake with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt will give a similar tang and moisture, so it’s a great substitute if you don’t have sour cream on hand. Just use the same amount and reach for full-fat if possible for the richest texture.
What’s the difference between coffee cake and crumb cake?
While both cakes are beloved for their crumbly, cinnamony toppings, crumb cakes usually have a much thicker streusel layer and a denser base. The BEST Coffee Cake balances the cake and cinnamon layers perfectly, so every bite has that classic soft, buttery crumb and just the right amount of streusel.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add about 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time—keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick until it’s done.
How do I keep the streusel topping from sinking?
Be sure your butter for the streusel is very cold and cubed when you mix it into the sugar and flour. Sprinkle the topping gently over the batter just before baking for the best crumbly crust!
Does The BEST Coffee Cake actually have coffee in it?
The classic recipe doesn’t—rather, the name refers to enjoying it alongside a cup of coffee. But if you want to infuse a little coffee flavor, you can add a teaspoon of instant espresso to the batter or streusel for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Baking The BEST Coffee Cake is like wrapping your kitchen in the warmth of vanilla and cinnamon. Whether you serve it as breakfast, an afternoon treat, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to every table. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite, too!
Print
The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful coffee cake is a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. With a moist, tender crumb and a cinnamon streusel topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the streusel topping and filling:
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the streusel: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold cubed butter. Mix until crumbly; set aside.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla and sour cream. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Assemble and bake: Spread half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of streusel over it. Repeat with remaining batter and streusel. Bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, drizzle with a vanilla glaze or add chopped nuts to the streusel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
