Classic Coffee Cake Recipe – Buttery, Cinnamon-Infused Perfection

Coffee cake is the ultimate treat—soft, buttery, and packed with layers of cinnamon streusel and a crunchy crumb topping. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert, this cake is pure comfort food. The warm spices and sweet drizzle make it irresistible, and the best part? It’s easy to make from scratch with simple pantry ingredients.

Let’s dive into this foolproof coffee cake recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake

Key Benefits

• Simple Ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples, no fancy ingredients required.
• Quick to Make – Preps in just 20 minutes, then bakes to perfection.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays moist and delicious for days.

Taste & Texture

This coffee cake is incredibly soft and moist with a buttery crumb. The cinnamon streusel adds a slightly crunchy texture, while the drizzle brings a touch of sweetness that ties everything together.

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted for dietary needs by swapping a few ingredients. Check out the substitution section below for ideas.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

Cake Base

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)

Streusel Filling

• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar

Crumb Topping

• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter, cubed
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Drizzle Topping

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2½ teaspoons milk

Notes on Quality

• Buttermilk – Room temperature buttermilk ensures a tender and moist cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1½ cups of milk with 1½ tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Butter – Use real butter for the best flavor and texture. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.

Possible Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Option – Swap buttermilk for almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Use dairy-free butter.
• Gluten-Free Option – Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Nutty Variation – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until combined.
4. Combine – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Layer the Batter – Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Streusel Filling

6. Make Streusel – In a small bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar with a fork.
7. Layer – Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the cake batter.
8. Top with More Batter – Spread the remaining cake batter over the streusel layer.

Crumb Topping

9. Prepare Crumb Topping – In a small bowl, combine cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.
10. Sprinkle on Top – Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the batter.

Baking & Finishing Touches

11. Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Cool – Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Drizzle – Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps create a smoother batter and even baking.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Even Layers – Spreading the streusel evenly ensures every bite has a perfect balance of cinnamon and sweetness.

Common Mistakes

• Overbaking – Check for doneness at 30 minutes to avoid a dry cake.
• Skipping the Cooling Step – Letting the cake cool fully before adding the drizzle prevents it from melting too quickly.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make Ahead – Bake the cake the night before and store it in an airtight container.
• Freezer-Friendly – Freeze slices individually and reheat when needed.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This coffee cake pairs perfectly with a warm drink like coffee or tea. If you’re serving it for brunch, try it with a fresh fruit salad or a savory dish like these Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas

For a bakery-style touch, dust the cake with a little extra powdered sugar before serving. Serve on a decorative plate with a cinnamon stick for an elegant look.

Beverage Pairings

Pair your coffee cake with:

• A classic black coffee or cappuccino
• Chai latte for a spiced flavor combination
• Freshly squeezed orange juice for a refreshing contrast

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator – Keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheating Methods

• Oven – Warm slices at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Coffee Cake Without Buttermilk?

Yes! You can use a mix of regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

What If My Cake Turns Out Dry?

Make sure to measure flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t pack it down) and don’t overbake.

Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make a great addition to the streusel or batter.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan Option – Use plant-based milk with vinegar, a flax egg, and dairy-free butter.
• Gluten-Free Option – Swap regular flour for a gluten-free 1:1 blend.

Flavor Twists

• Add a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for extra warmth.
• Mix in a swirl of apple butter or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Fall Version – Add diced apples or pumpkin spice.
• Winter Holiday Version – Sprinkle crushed peppermint or a touch of eggnog in the batter.

Conclusion

This classic coffee cake is everything you want in a homemade treat—soft, moist, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it out and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!

Looking for more breakfast recipes? Check out these favorites:

• Classic French Toast
• French Omelette with Fines Herbes

For more delicious recipes, follow along on Pinterest!

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