Coffee Cake – A Cozy Classic You’ll Bake Again and Again

There’s something magical about Coffee Cake — that buttery crumb, the swirl of cinnamon sugar, and the irresistible streusel topping that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

Despite its name, coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee (though it pairs perfectly with it). Instead, it’s the kind of comforting, anytime cake that’s equally at home on a brunch table or enjoyed with a steaming cup in your favorite mug on a slow Sunday morning.

The first time I baked this Coffee Cake, I was struck by how simple the ingredients were — yet how luxurious the result felt. That golden crust, the tender crumb, the ribbon of cinnamon running through the middle… It’s nostalgia baked into a pan.

If you’ve ever wandered into a cozy café and eyed the golden slices behind the glass, this is your chance to recreate that moment — warm, homemade, and infinitely more delicious.

Let’s make a cake that turns ordinary mornings into something special.

☕ What Makes This Coffee Cake So Perfect

This recipe for Coffee Cake is a balance of flavor and texture — moist, buttery cake layered with a crunchy, cinnamon streusel topping. It’s simple enough for a weekday but impressive enough for guests.

Here’s why this recipe works every time:

No fancy ingredients. Just pantry staples: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and sour cream.
A melt-in-your-mouth crumb. The sour cream keeps it incredibly tender and moist.
That streusel topping. Buttery, sugary, perfectly crisp — the highlight of every slice!
Make-ahead friendly. You can bake it the night before and it’s just as amazing the next morning.

🧁 Ingredients for Coffee Cake

This recipe makes one 9×13-inch cake or a deep 9-inch round cake.

Cake Batter:

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt

Cinnamon Streusel Filling and Topping:

1 cup (130 g) brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional) — walnuts or pecans work beautifully

🌿 Substitution & Variation Ideas

Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Vegan: Replace butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg), and sour cream with coconut yogurt.
Low-fat: Use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Nut-free: Skip the nuts in the streusel or replace them with rolled oats for texture.
Extra flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a cozy twist.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Coffee Cake

Let’s break it down step by step — easy, fun, and foolproof!

🥣 Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

🧈 Step 2: Make the Streusel

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips (or a pastry cutter) to work it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.

If you’re adding nuts, stir them in now. Set the streusel aside — you’ll use half for the middle layer and half on top.

Pro tip: Don’t overmix! You want little buttery lumps — that’s what gives the topping its crunch.

🍰 Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix or your cake can turn dense.

🍯 Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. It will be thick — a small offset spatula helps smooth it out.

Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture evenly over the batter. Then, gently spread the remaining batter over the top, followed by the remaining streusel.

You’ll have a gorgeous, crumbly layer that bakes into sweet perfection.

🔥 Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Your kitchen will smell like a bakery — cinnamon, butter, and vanilla mingling together in the best possible way.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before slicing.

☕ Step 6: Add Optional Glaze (Because Why Not?)

If you want to take your Coffee Cake up a notch, whisk together:

½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Drizzle over the cooled cake for a bakery-style finish.

💡 Extra Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee, cappuccino, or chai latte.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Pair with fresh berries for brunch.
Cut into squares and serve on a breakfast buffet — it’s always the first to go!

🧊 Storage & Reheatin

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days — just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Freeze in slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

🍰 Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Fruit twist: Add chopped apples, blueberries, or pears to the batter.
Chocolate lover’s version: Add a few handfuls of chocolate chips.
Spiced version: Mix in nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice for fall vibes.
Lemon glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with lemon juice for a fresh, tangy topping.

🧮 Nutritional Information

According to The New York Times Coffee Cake recipe:

Calories: ~330 per serving
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 210mg

(Values will vary depending on substitutions and serving size.)

❓ FAQ About Coffee Cake

How long does it take to make Coffee Cake?

From start to finish, about 1 hour total — 15 minutes prep, 45 minutes baking.

Can I substitute sour cream?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk for similar results. Sour cream just adds that classic tang and moist texture.

Can I make Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld together. Bake it the night before, cover tightly, and serve fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze Coffee Cake?

Yes! Freeze slices individually wrapped or the whole cake (once cooled) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make Coffee Cake without eggs?

Yes — substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake is the definition of comfort baking — it’s simple, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes your home smell amazing, that you bring to friends, or bake “just because.” The golden crumb topping and warm cinnamon flavor make it impossible to resist.

And here’s the best part: it’s versatile. Whether you’re hosting brunch, baking for the holidays, or craving a cozy treat, Coffee Cake fits right in.

🥰 Conclusion

So there you have it — the ultimate Coffee Cake recipe that’s soft, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon goodness.

This is one of those timeless desserts that makes every occasion feel a little more special. From weekend brunches to lazy mornings, it’s always a hit.

Now it’s your turn to bake it, brew your favorite coffee, and enjoy a slice of pure comfort.

☕ If you make this Coffee Cake, leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram — I’d love to see your delicious creation!