Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the perfect treat to enjoy alongside your morning brew or afternoon tea, this Coffee Cake is just the ticket. Soft, tender, and buttery with layers of cinnamon streusel and crumb topping, it’s a comforting classic that brings a smile with every bite. The combination of rich buttermilk and warm spices creates a cake that’s irresistibly moist and textured, making Coffee Cake not just a snack but an experience that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Coffee Cake are refreshingly simple but incredibly purposeful. Each one plays a vital role in building the harmonious balance of flavors and textures that make this cake so special.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy throughout baking.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a little lift and reacts with buttermilk for perfect texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and spice.
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and depth to the batter.
• 1 egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients for a smooth, cohesive batter.
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a gentle tang.
• 3 Tablespoons softened butter: Essential for creating the luscious cinnamon streusel filling.
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon: Delivers that signature warm spice flavor jazzing up the streusel.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Provides structure to the crumbly streusel layer.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses note to the streusel.
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Used in the crumb topping, giving those golden crunchy bits their magic.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping): Creates the perfect, flaky texture for the crumble.
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon (for crumb topping): Lends a touch of warm spice to the final layer.
• ¼ cup butter cubed (cold): Cut into the crumb topping for those irresistible chunks of buttery goodness.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (for crumb topping): Balances flavor in the topping’s sweetness.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet drizzle to finish.
• 2½ teaspoons milk: Mixed with powdered sugar to create the perfect glaze consistency.

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This high heat helps create a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well to make sure your cake releases easily after baking. This sets you up for success right from the beginning.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients upfront ensures even distribution, which is key to a cake that rises uniformly and tastes balanced in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until smooth. Using room temperature ingredients here helps the batter come together easily without lumps, contributing to a light texture in your Coffee Cake.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Together

Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough, so gentle folding is your friend here to keep things light and tender.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Streusel

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Next up is the cinnamon streusel: mix the softened butter, cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and optional chopped nuts with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the batter, then finish by spreading the remaining batter gently on top. This layering builds those delectably sweet and spicy pockets you’ll love in every slice.

Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping

For the ultimate texture contrast, prepare the crumb topping by cutting cold butter cubes into the remaining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, using a fork or pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the cake, which will bake into a golden, crunchy crown.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing strikes the perfect balance between a moist interior and a delightfully crisp top. Once done, cool the cake for 15 minutes on a rack before lifting it from the pan to cool completely.

Step 8: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled Coffee Cake to add a finishing touch of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish that hints at the deliciousness beneath.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkling of chopped nuts on top can add both an aesthetic appeal and a bit of crunch. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves also make a lovely contrast, especially if you’re serving the cake for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon break that’s both comforting and indulgent. For brunch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salads or creamy yogurt to balance the cake’s sweetness.

Coffee Cake Presentation Ideas

For a fun twist, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter for a party or gathering. Adding a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese frosting on individual slices turns this classic into an elegant treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Coffee Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crumb topping crisp and the cake moist without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Coffee Cake fresh for longer, wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive the warmth and softness of your Coffee Cake, warm individual slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This makes the flavors come alive and the crumb topping delightfully soft again, just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1½ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then use as a substitute. This will approximate the tanginess and acidity that buttermilk provides.

What type of nuts work best in the streusel?

Chopped walnuts or pecans are classic choices that add a lovely crunch and complement the cinnamon flavor perfectly. However, feel free to omit nuts if preferred or substitute with almonds or hazelnuts for a different twist.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can, but keep in mind that using a larger pan will yield a thinner cake, while a smaller, deeper pan will need longer baking time. A 9 by 9-inch pan is ideal for this recipe to get that perfect layer thickness and bake time.

Is it possible to make this Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. For best results, ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the texture that gluten provides.

How do I know when the Coffee Cake is done baking?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. The crumb topping should be golden and crisp on top.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake recipe brings together the cozy flavors and textures that make mornings and snack times something to truly look forward to. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the layers of cinnamon, the buttery streusel, and that sweet drizzle, you’ll want to keep this Coffee Cake recipe in your rotation for good.

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