Table of Contents
Short Recipe Summary: This Coffee Cake features a moist, buttery crumb topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel and finished with a glaze. You’ll need 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix butter and sugar, beat in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients, layer half of the batter in a pan, sprinkle streusel, top with remaining batter, and bake until golden. When cooled, drizzle a powdered sugar or brown sugar glaze. Serve this baked coffee cake warm.
I’m so excited to welcome you to my little corner of the culinary world. I’m Amanda, a 40-year-old mom of two and a wife who loves turning simple moments into delicious memories. One rainy Sunday, my kids and I baked our first Coffee Cake together. We laughed as cinnamon filled the air and sticky batter covered our hands. That day, I learned that a slice of Coffee Cake can bring comfort and connection. Today, I share this easy Coffee Cake recipe to help you create your own family tradition. Let’s bake, sprinkle glaze, and savor every bite.
The Story & Inspiration Behind Coffee Cake
A Personal Memory
When I was a little girl, my grandmother baked a Freshly Baked Coffee Cake every Saturday morning. Consequently, the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla would drift through our little house. At the same time, I’d peek into the oven, mesmerized by the golden crumb rising in the pan.
Moreover, she taught me how to make a simple Powdered Sugar Glaze For Coffee Cake, carefully whisking sugar, milk, and vanilla until glossy. She also showed me how to layer the batter and streusel so every slice had that classic swirl. Additionally, she encouraged me to experiment with a Brown Sugar Glaze For Coffee Cake to match my taste.
Looking back, I realize that first Coffee Cake sparked my passion for baking. Ultimately, those mornings shaped my love for creating Dessert Oreo–inspired twists and cozy treats. Now, as I share this Coffee Cake recipe, I hope you feel the same warmth and joy with every bite.
Classic Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Line with parchment for easy removal.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Stir gently to combine, avoiding overmixing.
- Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with the cinnamon swirl mix (brown sugar + cinnamon). Top with remaining batter and smooth surface.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why This Recipe Matters
This Coffee Cake recipe matters because it combines nostalgia and simplicity. In particular, it represents a bridge between traditional flavors and modern convenience. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find Coffee Cake Recipes Easy and approachable. Moreover, this recipe scales well for brunch gatherings or casual coffee breaks with friends.
Because it uses pantry staples, you avoid last-minute trips to the store. As a result, you can focus on enjoying time with your loved ones rather than stressing over ingredients. Additionally, a hint of potato starch or ¼ cup mashed potato can add extra moisture and create an ultra-tender crumb.
Ultimately, this coffee cake delivers a moist crumb, rich cinnamon taste, and a build-your-own Coffee Cake Glaze experience. Therefore, it stands out among other Coffee Cake Recipes, promising both flavor and comfort in every slice.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients You Need for Coffee Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Streusel (flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon) | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | ½ cup |
| Milk or cream (for glaze) | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Coffee Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat melted butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix using a spatula. Ensure the batter remains light and fluffy.
- Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
- Top streusel with the remaining batter. Finally, scatter the rest of the streusel evenly on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over the warm cake. For added flavor, swap in a Brown Sugar Glaze For Coffee Cake or try a creative Coffee Cake Glaze.
- Slice and serve this Freshly Baked Coffee Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Smart Swaps & Variations
If you prefer gluten-free baking, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a lighter twist, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Moreover, you can infuse your glaze with espresso or mix in crushed Dessert Oreo pieces into the streusel. To reduce carbs, try almond flour and a sugar substitute; however, expect a denser crumb. Additionally, adding ¼ cup mashed potato or potato starch creates a super-moist texture without changing the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm for the ultimate comfort. Furthermore, top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for brunch. If you bake mini muffins or loaf pans, you’ll get portable treats perfect for potlucks. To store, wrap the cooled cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Health Benefits of Coffee Cake
This Coffee Cake isn’t just indulgent; it packs nutritional perks too. First, cinnamon adds antioxidants that help combat inflammation and support heart health. Eggs supply high-quality protein, aiding muscle repair and keeping you full longer. Sour cream or Greek yogurt contributes calcium and additional protein for bone strength.
Moreover, if you choose whole wheat flour, you’ll boost your fiber intake to support digestion and stabilize blood sugar. Even the streusel topping benefits from healthy fats in butter, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, by moderating portion size and pairing a slice with fresh fruit, you can keep your breakfast balanced. As a result, you’ll enjoy a tasty treat that fits within a balanced diet or a low-carb lifestyle when you swap in keto-friendly ingredients.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this Coffee Cake recipe blends tradition, flavor, and ease into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re craving a cozy weekend brunch or a simple pick-me-up, this moist cake with cinnamon streusel and a homemade glaze delivers comfort in every bite. Take advantage of the smart swaps to suit dietary needs, and let your family and friends experience the joy of a Freshly Baked Coffee Cake. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and have fun experimenting with different glazes—like a rich Brown Sugar Glaze For Coffee Cake or a classic Powdered Sugar Glaze For Coffee Cake. Let’s bake together and celebrate the simple pleasures that coffee cake brings to our tables.
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FAQs About Coffee Cake
Can I make Coffee Cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure. Bake as directed, and watch for slight variations in texture.
How To Make Glazed Coffee Cake without milk?
For a dairy-free glaze, replace milk with almond milk or coconut milk. Both create a smooth glaze. Adjust liquid quantity to reach your desired consistency.
What’s the best way to store leftover Coffee Cake?
Wrap the cooled coffee cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch to the streusel. You can also fold in fresh berries, diced apples, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips for a unique twist on classic coffee cake.
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