Coffee Cake Recipe
Please read our Privacy & Disclosure Policy disclosure policy.
Coffee Cake is a soft, tender cake with a sweet cinnamon crumb topping. Despite its name, it usually contains no coffee. Instead, people serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a popular choice for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack. This easy coffee cake uses simple pantry ingredients and needs little prep time. The cake stays moist inside while the crumb topping adds a buttery, sweet crunch. It works well for family breakfasts, weekend guests or a quick homemade treat. Slice it while slightly warm, and you will get a soft cake with a delicious cinnamon topping in every bite.
What is Coffee Cake
Coffee Cake is a moist snack cake topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb mixture. The topping often uses flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter.
Unlike a cake made with coffee, this classic recipe gets its name from how people traditionally serve it. You can enjoy it with coffee, tea or milk.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
For the cinnamon crumb topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Set the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the crumb topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add melted butter and stir until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla.
- Add milk and flour: Add the dry mixture in small batches, alternating with milk. Stir just until combined.
- Fill the pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the cinnamon crumb mixture over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Essential Note: Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour. Too much mixing can make the cake dense instead of soft. Use softened butter for a smooth batter, but do not use melted butter in the cake mixture unless the recipe calls for it. Check the cake near the 35-minute mark because oven temperatures can vary. The center should look set, and a toothpick should come out mostly clean. Let the cake rest before cutting so the crumb topping can set. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes
This easy coffee cake has a soft crumb, buttery cinnamon topping and simple pantry ingredients, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch or afternoon coffee.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use room-temperature eggs and softened butter for a smoother cake batter. Measure flour carefully and avoid packing it into the measuring cup. Too much flour can make the cake dry.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour. Stop stirring as soon as no dry flour remains. This keeps the cake tender.
- For a thicker crumb topping, squeeze some of the mixture between your fingers before placing it over the batter. Spread the topping evenly so every slice gets a good amount.
- Bake the cake on the center oven rack for even heat. Start checking it around 35 minutes. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape and keeps the crumb topping from falling apart.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...
Anupam
Before I even start cooking, I taste-test everything to make sure it’s spot-on. Then, I break it down for you with everyday essentials, nutrition info, and simple, step-by-step instructions. From breakfast to dinner, I walk you through each stage so cooking becomes easy, fun, and stress-free.
Read More
