Coffee Cake Recipe – Sweet, Crumbly, and Perfect with Tea or Coffee
Coffee cake is a soft, buttery cake with a sweet crumb topping.
Despite the name, it usually doesn’t contain any coffee—it’s just meant to be enjoyed with coffee or tea.
This comforting classic is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack anytime.
What makes coffee cake so special is its tender cake base and crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.
And the best part?
It’s very easy to make with simple ingredients from your kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for your family or just want a treat for yourself, this coffee cake will fill your home with sweet smells and happy smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake
This cake has a soft texture, a buttery flavor, and a sweet crumb topping with a touch of cinnamon.
It’s not too rich or overly sweet—just the perfect balance.
You don’t need any fancy tools or skills to bake it.
And it tastes amazing straight from the oven or even the next day.
You can also customize it by adding nuts, a glaze, or even a layer of fruit in the middle.
Ingredients
This recipe makes one 9×9 inch square cake (about 9–12 servings).
For the cake batter:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
For the crumb topping:
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons (40g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional glaze:
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by getting everything ready before you mix the batter.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make sure your butter, eggs, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature.
This helps everything blend smoothly.
Now measure all your ingredients and set them aside so you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
The crumb topping gives the coffee cake its signature sweet crunch.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Add the cold, cubed butter.
Use a fork or your fingers to mix everything until it looks crumbly, like wet sand.
Set it aside while you make the batter.
You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans if you want extra crunch.
Step 3: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now let’s make the cake batter.
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
This is your dry mix.
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer (or a spoon) until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Then add the sour cream and mix again. It should look thick and creamy.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Now it’s time to put everything together.
Add half of the dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir gently.
Then add the milk and stir again.
Finish with the rest of the dry mix and mix just until everything is combined.
Don’t overmix or your cake may turn out dense.
The batter will be thick, and that’s perfectly fine.
Step 5: Layer the Cake and Crumb Topping
Spoon the cake batter into your prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
Try to cover the whole top so every slice gets a little crunch.
Tap the pan lightly on the counter to settle everything.
Step 6: Bake and Cool the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
Check it with a toothpick—if it comes out clean from the center, the cake is done.
Take the cake out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Then slice and serve warm—or let it cool completely.
If you want to add a glaze, wait until the cake is fully cooled.
How to Make the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake with a spoon.
Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
The glaze adds a sweet finish, but the cake is just as good without it!
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
They mix more evenly and help the cake rise better.
Don’t Overmix
Mix the batter just until the flour disappears. Too much mixing makes the cake tough.
Add a Filling Layer
Want more cinnamon flavor?
Add a layer of cinnamon sugar between two layers of batter.
Variations to Try
Add Fruit:
Mix in blueberries or chopped apples for extra flavor.
Nutty Crumble:
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
Mini Cakes or Muffins:
Bake the batter in muffin tins for little coffee cake muffins—just reduce baking time to about 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This coffee cake recipe is soft, simple, and full of cozy flavor.
It’s perfect for sharing with family, serving to guests, or enjoying on a quiet afternoon.
With a buttery base and sweet crumb topping, it’s a treat that always feels just right.
So go ahead—preheat your oven, grab a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy a homemade slice of coffee cake that tastes just like comfort.