Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe

If you have been on the hunt for a simple yet irresistibly delicious treat to enjoy with your morning brew or afternoon tea, look no further than this Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe. This cake is the perfect balance of tender, moist crumb punctuated by a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping that melts in your mouth and a drizzle of sweet glaze to finish it off. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in dessert form — easy to whip up but impressive enough to make any moment feel special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to for creating cozy, delightful baked goodness time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple staples that you probably have in your pantry right now. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating a tender texture to layering delicious flavors that make this coffee cake truly memorable.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that moist, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps tenderize the batter as it bakes.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, aromatic note that enhances the other flavors.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake extra moist and adds a subtle tanginess for depth.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cake providing structure.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and become light.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to create lift and texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Brown sugar (1/3 cup) for streusel: Provides deep molasses notes and sticky goodness to the topping.
• Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon) for streusel: Adds crunch and sweetness to the crumble.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) for streusel: Aromatic spice that gives the topping that classic coffee cake warmth.
• Cold unsalted butter (3 tablespoons) for streusel: Creates that irresistible crumbly texture in the topping.
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup) for streusel: Binds the streusel ingredients together for perfect crumbles.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup) for optional glaze: Sweet finishing touch that melts into the cake.
• Milk or cream (1–2 teaspoons) for glaze: Thins the glaze for easy drizzling.

How to Make Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly, ensuring your cake won’t stick and will release easily once baked. This prep step sets the foundation for a perfect bake, so don’t skip it.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a soft, tender cake texture that melts with every bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. The sour cream adds luscious moisture that keeps the cake from drying out, while vanilla enhances all the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving your coffee cake an even rise and light crumb.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until you no longer see flour. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so keep it light and tender by mixing minimally.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. This streusel is what gives the coffee cake its signature sweet crunch and cinnamon warmth.

Step 7: Layer Batter and Streusel

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mix over the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining batter on top and spread gently, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel on top. This layering creates the perfect contrast of soft cake and crumbly topping in every bite.

Step 8: Baking

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla baking away is simply heavenly and signals that your Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe is almost ready to enjoy.

Step 9: Optional Glaze

Once the cake has cooled for about 15 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the top for that extra touch of sweetness and an inviting shine.

How to Serve Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the optional glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkling of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans tops this cake with a rustic, inviting look. These garnishes add texture and a nutty depth that complements the cinnamon streusel perfectly.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee or tea. For a more filling breakfast or brunch, consider serving alongside creamy yogurt, fresh berries, or even a fruit compote to cut through the sweetness with some tartness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, slice the cake into elegant squares and serve on a beautifully decorated platter. You can also layer slices with whipped cream and fresh fruits for a simple coffee cake parfait that’s as stunning as it is tasty. Presentation makes all the difference, and this cake’s versatility shines in creative setups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, store your leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake soft and the streusel delectably crumbly. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is better, just be sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

This Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick and delicious treat anytime.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This softens the cake and restores the fresh-baked aroma, making it taste almost as good as the first day.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides similar moisture and tanginess, keeping your coffee cake just as tender and delicious.

What if I don’t have an 8×8 inch pan?

You can use a 9×9 inch pan as well. Just be mindful that the baking time might be slightly shorter since the batter will be spread thinner; keep a close eye on it after 30 minutes.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel mix or sprinkling mini chocolate chips into the batter adds fantastic texture and flavor. It’s a great way to customize the cake to your taste.

Is this coffee cake suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! This coffee cake is traditionally enjoyed alongside a morning cup of coffee or tea. Its balanced sweetness and comforting texture make it perfect for breakfast or brunch.

How long will the coffee cake stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your coffee cake will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or around 5 days refrigerated. It’s best enjoyed within these time frames for optimal flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a coffee cake that offers both simplicity and soul-soothing flavor, and that is exactly what you get with this Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a recipe you can trust to deliver every time, whether for a quick family breakfast, a casual snack, or a sweet ending to your day. I can’t wait for you to try it out and experience that perfect harmony of moist cake, cinnamon streusel, and sweet glaze — it might just become your new favorite. Happy baking!

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