Coffee Cake
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a warm slice of Coffee Cake. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sweet cinnamon filled my kitchen, and my family couldn’t resist gathering around, eager to see what was baking. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a comforting blend of flavors that brings back memories of cozy mornings spent with loved ones. Perfect for a breakfast treat or a midday snack, this cake pairs wonderfully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea. As I sliced into it, the layers revealed themselves, showcasing a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that left everyone wanting more. Trust me when I say, once you try this Coffee Cake, it will become a staple in your home, cherished for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 20 mins
30 mins
50 mins
Hard
350 kcal
5 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
Why Try This Coffee Cake
Comforting Tradition
When I think of Coffee Cake, it feels like more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition of warmth and togetherness. The beauty of this cake lies in its ability to bring people together, whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a spontaneous afternoon gathering. The fluffy texture and rich flavors create a sense of nostalgia that resonates with many.
Versatility at Its Best
This cake is incredibly versatile! You can customize it to fit your taste, whether you prefer a hint of nutmeg or an extra layer of streusel. The base is simple yet forgiving, allowing you to get creative with flavors, fillings, or toppings.
Perfect Pairing with Coffee
As the name suggests, Coffee Cake is designed to be enjoyed with coffee, and it does so beautifully. The sweetness of the cake balances perfectly with the bitterness of a freshly brewed cup, making it a delightful morning ritual that wakes up the senses.
Easy to Make
You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create this delicious cake. The steps are straightforward, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to whip it up in no time. It’s a forgiving recipe that can easily be adapted based on what you have on hand.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake isn’t just for your breakfast table. It’s amazing for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or even just a simple dessert for a weeknight dinner. It fits in beautifully at any occasion, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied and happy.
Family Favorite
After all these years of making Coffee Cake, it has become a family favorite. Each bite brings smiles and memories, and I love hearing my kids ask for it time and again. It’s a delight to pass on this recipe to my children, knowing they’ll make it for their families someday.
What to Buy for Coffee Cake

The ingredients for Coffee Cake are simple yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a significant role; from the richness of the butter to the sweetness of the sugars, they all come together to create something magical. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to make this delightful treat.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The staple for your cake, providing structure and fluffiness.
- 1 cup white granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Boosts the leavening in the cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors in the cake.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
- 3 eggs, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes moisture and helps tenderize the cake.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: For the streusel topping, adding richness and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon: A warm spice that’s essential for the cake’s flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness and moisture.
- 2 packages 8 oz each full-fat cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake layer, giving richness and tanginess.
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
- 2 eggs: Adds creaminess to the cheesecake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cheesecake flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: For the streusel topping, adding sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: For the streusel topping, ensuring lots of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: To balance the sweetness in the topping.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: For the streusel, ensuring it binds together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: For the cake base, ensuring the right texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, adding sweetness.
- 2 – 3 tablespoons milk: To thin out the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To flavor the glaze.
Making This Coffee Cake

Creating this Coffee Cake is a rewarding experience that fills your home with delightful aromas. The steps are straightforward, making it a great choice for bakers of all levels. Let’s dive into the process and get ready to enjoy a slice of deliciousness!
- Begin by greasing and dusting a deep 13Ă—9 baking dish with flour. This is crucial because a deep pan prevents the batter from overflowing as it bakes. When done properly, the cake will come out easily without any mess.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your batter.
- Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter into the flour mixture until the texture becomes crumbly. You’re looking for a sandy texture here that will eventually create a rich cake.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the mixture. Beat everything together until fully combined—the mixture should be light and fluffy, which is what makes the cake so delicious.
- Carefully pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring that it will bake uniformly. A smooth layer is key to a perfect rise.
- Next, prepare the streusel topping by mixing the softened butter, flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a fork to mix until crumbly. This topping adds texture and flavor to the cake.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the cake batter, setting it aside for now. The streusel will create a delightful crunch on top of your cake once baked.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy, then gradually add the white granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and free of lumps. This will be the delicious cheesecake layer that adds richness.
- Once smooth, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until light and fluffy—about three to five minutes should do. The consistency should be airy and creamy, creating a perfect topping for your cake.
- Scoop the cheesecake filling over the cinnamon filling you set aside earlier. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly across the top of the cake batter. This layer adds an incredible flavor and creaminess to the final product.
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar with cinnamon and kosher salt. Add in the melted butter and mix until combined. This mixture will create an additional layer of flavor that complements the cheesecake beautifully.
- Once your butter mixture is fully combined, add the flour and mix until everything is thoroughly combined. You can use your hands or a fork for this part. It should form a crumbly mixture that can be sprinkled on top.
- Sprinkle this streusel topping generously over the cheesecake layer. This final touch adds a delicious crunch to the cake once baked.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the cake for approximately 60 to 75 minutes. To check if it’s ready, perform the toothpick test: when inserted in the center, it should come out clean without any raw batter.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. After cooling, refrigerate it for three to four hours to let the cheesecake layer set fully. This step enhances the flavors and makes it even more enjoyable.
- For the glaze, combine the powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Mix until combined and free of lumps. If you prefer a thinner glaze, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of milk.
- Finally, use a fork or spoon to drizzle the icing over the cooled cake. Slice it up and serve! Enjoy every bite of your delightful Coffee Cake.
Things Worth Knowing
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter.
- Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the eggs and buttermilk. This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
- Cake Testing: Remember the toothpick test! It’s the best way to check if your cake is perfectly done.
- Layering: Don’t worry if the layers aren’t perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
How to Switch It Up

Looking to add a personal touch to your Coffee Cake? Here are some great ideas for variations and enhancements that will make it your own.
- Fruit Additions: Toss in some chopped apples or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for an added crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent touch.
- Different Glazes: Try using cream cheese frosting instead of a glaze for a richer flavor.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
Best Served With
When it comes to serving your Coffee Cake, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy it. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Brewed Coffee: This cake is a classic breakfast pairing with a warm cup of coffee.
- Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad on the side adds freshness and color to your plate.
- Tea Time: Serve it during afternoon tea, where it will surely impress your guests.
- Brunch Buffets: Make it a centerpiece for your brunch gatherings—it disappears quickly!
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze slices for up to three months—just thaw before serving.
- Seasonal Fruits: Pair with seasonal fruits like berries in the summer or apples in the fall for added flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished recipe that brings people together. Its warm, comforting flavors make it a perfect addition to any gathering, whether enjoyed with coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat later in the day. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. It’s sure to create beautiful memories around your table!

Coffee Cake
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs room temperature eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 packages 8 oz each full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 eggs eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 - 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease and dust with flour in a 13Ă—9 baking dish and set aside. Make sure you use a deep pan; otherwise, the batter will overflow in the oven. This is very important.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Using an electric hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter into the flour mixture until it is combined and crumbly.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk and beat until thoroughly combined; the mixture should be fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Mix the softened butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl using a fork until soft crumbs form.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the cake batter. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese; once creamy, beat it in sugar.
- Once combined, beat in eggs and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Scoop the cheesecake filling over the cinnamon filling and, using a spatula, spread it evenly.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar with cinnamon and salt. Add in the melted butter and combine using a fork.
- Once the butter is thoroughly combined, add the flour and mix with a fork or using your hands until thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle streusel topping over the cheesecake layer until evenly distributed.
- Bake cake in a 350-degree oven for about 60-75 minutes, until fully cooked. Do the toothpick test! No raw cake batter should come up!
- Cool completely, and then refrigerate it for 3-4 hours for the cheesecake layer to settle fully before serving.
- Add the powdered sugar to a medium bowl. Add two tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined with no lumps. If the mixture is too thick, add one more tablespoon of milk. I like the glaze on the thicker side yet pourable, so it will look white and shiny, not transparent.
- Use a fork or spoon to drizzle the icing over the cake.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
- Tip 1: Be sure to use a deep 9Ă—13 baking dish or the batter may overflow. I like to place it on a baking sheet just in case.
- Tip 2: I use an offset spatula to smooth the batter. The layers can be tricky, but they do not have to be perfect.
- Tip 3: If I am in a hurry or just want an easier option, I use a box cake mix instead of making it from scratch.
- Tip 4: To measure flour correctly, I use the spoon and level method. This keeps the cake from having too much flour and becoming dense.
- Tip 5: I check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.


