If you’ve ever craved that perfect treat to accompany your morning brew or an afternoon chat with friends, this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an irresistibly moist, tender cake with a delightfully crumbly cinnamon streusel that melts in your mouth. The balance of tangy sour cream and buttery streusel creates a harmony of flavors and textures that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Few things say comfort quite like a slice of this classic coffee cake fresh from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe plays a key role in building its signature taste and texture. Whether it’s the tangy sour cream that keeps the cake wonderfully moist, or the cinnamon-spiced streusel topping that adds that coveted crumbly crunch, these simple staples come together to create something truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a fine crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake lift and lightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with sour cream to ensure a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides moistness and rich buttery flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Key to the streusel topping’s deep caramel notes.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Creates the crumbly texture in the streusel.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the streusel with that classic warm spice.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cut into the streusel for that perfect crumbly texture.
How to Make Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will help the cake release easily while baking, setting you up for picture-perfect slices later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This streusel is the hallmark of the Classic Coffee Cake Recipe, giving it that unbeatable crunch and spice in every bite. Set it aside for now.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients first ensures your coffee cake will have an even crumb. Next, add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. The sour cream here is magic—it keeps the cake soft and moist.
Step 4: Assemble the Coffee Cake
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over this layer. Then gently cover the streusel with the remaining batter and top it all off with the rest of the streusel. This layering technique creates a beautiful swirl of moist cake and crumbly goodness.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell like a cozy café as this classic coffee cake bakes to golden perfection.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your coffee cake cool in the pan before slicing it up. This helps the crumb topping set and makes cutting neater—though if you’re anything like me, you might be tempted to dig in while it’s still warm!
How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze can add a lovely finishing touch that complements the cinnamon streusel. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples on the side introduces a fresh contrast if you want to jazz up the presentation without overpowering the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, truly bringing out its warm spices. For a heartier breakfast spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt with honey and nuts to keep things balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at brunch? Serve the coffee cake warm on a decorative platter garnished with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers. You can even slice it into squares and stack them like mini cake towers for a fun and inviting display that draws everyone in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover coffee cake fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 2 days—perfect for overnight guests or afternoon snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your coffee cake back to life, warm slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked feel with a slightly crisp edge and warm, tender center.
FAQs
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream. It keeps the cake moist and adds a bit of tanginess, though the texture might be slightly different depending on the yogurt’s thickness.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter for the streusel?
No worries! You can use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it becomes crumbly, or use two knives to cut the butter in. The key is to keep the butter cold for a good crumb texture.
Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Absolutely, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking. Keep in mind you might need to adjust baking time or add a binder like xanthan gum depending on the blend.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
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 and ready to come out of the oven.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the streusel?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic in the streusel for extra crunch, and diced apples or berries folded gently into the batter add a wonderful fruity twist.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Coffee Cake Recipe isn’t just a dessert, it’s a warm invitation to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s for a leisurely breakfast, a cheerful brunch, or a cozy afternoon break, this coffee cake is destined to become a cherished staple. Grab your ingredients, turn on your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of happiness baked just the way you like it.
Print
Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Coffee Cake is a moist, tender cake layered with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and sour cream, it’s a delightful treat ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack alongside your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the coffee cake after baking.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside the streusel topping.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and smooth, ensuring the batter develops a tender texture.
- Assemble the Coffee Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Then spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer and sprinkle the remaining streusel on top to create a layered effect.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool within the baking dish before slicing and serving to let the flavors set and the cake to firm up for easier handling.
Notes
- Make sure butter for the batter is softened but not melted to achieve the right texture.
- Cold butter for the streusel topping ensures a crumbly texture.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for added crunch.
- Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices gently in a microwave or oven to regain freshness.
