When it comes to cozy, comforting desserts, few things can top the deliciousness of a perfectly baked coffee cake. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning or serve it as a sweet treat during family gatherings, this moist coffee cake has the ability to comfort and impress. It’s our family’s easy coffee cake recipe that has been passed down through generations, and today, I’m sharing the best coffee cake recipe that’s guaranteed to become your new favorite.
Why This Is the Best Coffee Cake Recipe
What makes this family coffee cake recipe stand out from all the others? It’s all about the ingredients and the special techniques we’ve perfected over the years. This moist coffee cake features a delicate, airy texture with a rich crumb that perfectly balances sweetness. The cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. It’s a classic coffee cake recipe that’s both easy to make and truly impressive.
This homemade coffee cake recipe is simple enough for even beginners to bake, and it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite at your next gathering. Whether you’re baking for a casual brunch or a special event, this recipe is perfect for coffee cake for breakfast or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea.
Ingredients for the Perfect Coffee Cake Recipe
Creating the perfect coffee cake starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for our best cinnamon streusel coffee cake recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | The base of the cake; provides structure for this moist coffee cake. |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups | Adds sweetness, creating a golden-brown crust. |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon | Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light texture. |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances the sweetness for a more flavorful cake. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the batter. |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | For a soft, tender crumb and added moisture in the coffee cake recipe. |
| Large eggs | 2 | Helps bind the ingredients together, creating a rich, smooth texture. |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) | Ensures a tender, flavorful crumb and a smooth batter. |
| Streusel Topping | ||
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | Creates a rich caramel flavor in the topping. |
| Flour | ½ cup | Adds texture to the topping, giving it that perfect crumble. |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon | Adds warmth and spice to the topping. |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¼ cup | Helps bind the streusel and provides a buttery crunch. |
| Optional Add-ins | ||
| Walnuts or pecans (chopped) | 1 cup | For extra crunch and nutty flavor in your coffee cake recipe. |
| Chocolate chips | ½ cup | Add these for a sweet, chocolaty twist to your easy coffee cake recipe. |
For the Frosting (optional but highly recommended):
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup | Forms the base for the frosting, providing sweetness without heaviness. |
| Milk | 1 tablespoon | Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency. |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | Adds flavor and a rich, sweet aroma to the frosting. |
How to Make best coffee cake recipe
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to bake the best coffee cake ever. Follow these simple steps to make a moist and easy coffee cake that will impress everyone who tastes it.
Heat the Oven and Get the Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
IIn a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.. This creates the dry mixture that will give the cake structure. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Once that’s done, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream.. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the sour cream, then repeat until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix. Just stir until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a crumbly texture that will create the perfect cinnamon streusel topping.
6. Layer the Cake and Topping
Pour half of the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.. Add the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the streusel on top.
7. Bake the Coffee Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown top with a slightly cracked surface. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
8. Frost the Cake (Optional)
While the cake cools, you can make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Cake
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your easy coffee cake recipe turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Stir only until all ingredients are just combined..
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and even mixing.
- Get creative with add-ins: Add chocolate chips for a twist, or fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
- Use the right pan: A 9-inch round or square pan works best for this recipe. If using a different pan size, adjust the baking time as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this coffee cake can be baked a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate it to keep it fresh. It’ll taste even better after a day or two!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can make substitutions. If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture. For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based yogurt and non-dairy butter.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Absolutely! This coffee cake can be frozen for up to 1 months. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator
Conclusion: Give This Coffee Cake a Try!
This moist coffee cake is the ultimate treat for any occasion. With its soft, tender crumb, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping, and optional glaze, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a dessert, or at a family gathering, this best coffee cake recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So what are you waiting for? Try making this easy coffee cake recipe today and let us know how it turns out. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments!