Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
If there’s one beloved treat that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert, it’s Classic Coffee Cake. This nostalgic bakery favorite features a rich, tender crumb layered and topped with buttery cinnamon streusel, delivering the perfect accompaniment to your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up. The simple ingredients come together magically to create something utterly comforting and timeless, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Coffee Cake is all about transforming pantry staples into a bakery-worthy delight. Every element, from the sour cream’s moisture to the brown sugar’s warmth, plays a role in creating that iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible cinnamon swirl. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for both the cake and streusel, ensuring each bite is fluffy yet substantial.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to a soft, tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture; use softened for the cake and cold for the streusel.
- Sour cream: The secret to exceptionally moist and slightly tangy Classic Coffee Cake.
- Eggs: Bind the batter together, helping the cake rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses both the cake and glaze with warmth and aromatic depth.
- Baking powder and baking soda: This duo ensures the cake puffs up and stays light.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the flavors overall.
- Brown sugar: The base of the streusel, creating caramel-like notes and a delightful crunch.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature warmth and coziness in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Provides a silky-smooth finish for the optional glaze.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze to your preferred consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Classic Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel
Start by mixing together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Next, work in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter. Keep cutting and mixing until the streusel resembles coarse, buttery crumbs with some pea-sized pieces — these little pockets will melt and crisp up during baking. Set this irresistible mixture aside; it’s soon going to become the star of the cake.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy. This air-infused base is key for a soft, pillowy Classic Coffee Cake. Take your time and scrape down the sides of the bowl — you’ll notice a pale transformation that sets the tone for the rest of the batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Crack in one egg at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter stays smooth and emulsified. Mix in the sour cream for that notoriously tender crumb, then stir in the vanilla extract, which gives the cake its warm, welcoming aroma and subtle flavor enhancement.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. This method keeps the cake light rather than dense — don’t overmix, or you risk a tougher crumb! The batter should be thick, but easy to spread.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Spread half the batter into your greased 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing it into the corners. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon streusel, then carefully dollop and gently spread the remaining batter on top. Finish with the rest of the streusel, ensuring every inch is generously covered for maximum crumble in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled cake into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Your kitchen will begin to smell absolutely heavenly as the Classic Coffee Cake bakes up golden and fragrant.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch (Glaze, Optional)
If you love a sweet touch, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a silky glaze. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle it generously over the top. The glaze sets into a delicate finish that adds extra sweetness and makes the cake even more irresistible.
How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of added sweetness. For extra flair, you can scatter a few toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze — these add crunch and a nutty note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Pair your Classic Coffee Cake with a strong cup of coffee or a foamy cappuccino for the ultimate brunch experience. For a light and refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries, orange segments, or even a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the cake’s cozy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual squares on a tray lined with colorful napkins for an inviting buffet spread. You can also cut the cake into mini cubes, skewer them with toothpicks, and drizzle with extra glaze for coffee shop–style bite-sized treats. Dressing each slice with a sprig of mint or fresh berries makes it pop at special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Classic Coffee Cake fresh, store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you have a bit more self-control than most, you can refrigerate the cake for up to five days, though be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully! Once cooled, wrap individual portions or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to three months. When those coffee cake cravings strike, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, briefly microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds, or warm several pieces in a low (300°F) oven for 10 minutes. This not only revives the fluffiness but also freshens up the crumb topping.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works as a fantastic substitute for sour cream in Classic Coffee Cake. It adds the same moisture and subtle tang, so you won’t miss a beat or flavor note.
Why is my coffee cake dense or dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking are the biggest culprits. Stir the dry ingredients in gently and bake only until a toothpick comes out clean. Also, ensure you use enough sour cream for that signature moist crumb.
Can I add nuts to this Classic Coffee Cake?
Definitely. Chopped pecans or walnuts in the streusel add delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Just fold about half a cup into the crumb mixture before layering.
Is Classic Coffee Cake actually made with coffee?
Despite the name, Classic Coffee Cake gets its moniker from being served with coffee, not from containing any in the recipe. The flavors are all about buttery cake, cinnamon, and a sweet crumbly topping.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time; it may need an extra 5–10 minutes depending on your oven and the thickness of the cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something inviting and nostalgic about sharing a slice of homemade Classic Coffee Cake with those you love. Whether you make it for a special morning, a holiday brunch, or just because, this recipe always manages to bring a little bit of extra joy. Give it a try next time you need some comfort food magic — and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for your secret!
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Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Classic Coffee Cake, a soft and moist sour cream cake with layers of cinnamon streusel and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cinnamon streusel:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare streusel: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Prepare streusel by combining brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Mix cake batter: Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk together dry ingredients and gradually combine with wet mixture.
- Layer and bake: Spread half the batter in the dish, sprinkle with half the streusel. Repeat with remaining batter and streusel. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and glaze: Cool slightly before drizzling with glaze if desired.
Notes
- This coffee cake keeps well at room temperature for 2 days or can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans to the streusel layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
