If you are looking for a quick and comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than the Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe. This classic coffee cake brings together a tender, moist crumb with a perfectly spiced cinnamon streusel topping that melts in your mouth. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy morning yet special enough to impress your guests at brunch. The addition of sour cream adds a subtle tanginess and moistness that keeps every slice utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor for your coffee cake. From the velvety butter to the cinnamon-spiced streusel, every element comes together to create a symphony of deliciousness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and moisture, essential for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy batter.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cake’s flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake luscious.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the cake, providing necessary gluten for texture.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Leavens the cake for a light, airy feel.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works with sour cream for a perfect rise.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): The key to the streusel’s deep caramel flavor and moist texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon for streusel): Adds a touch of extra sweetness and crunch.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and classic spice to the topping.
- Cold unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, for streusel): Creates crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth streusel bits.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup for streusel): Binds with the butter and sugars to form that perfect crumb topping.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup for glaze, optional): Provides a sweet, smooth finish if you decide to drizzle glaze on top.
- Milk or cream (1–2 teaspoons for glaze, optional): Thins the glaze for easy drizzling.
How to Make Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish, either 8×8 or 9×9 inches will do. Then, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this is where you build the cake’s tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even mixing, then fold in the vanilla extract and sour cream for that moist, rich flavor.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. This combination guarantees a perfect rise and balance of flavors. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined – overmixing can make the cake tough, so patience here is key!
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
For the signature crumb topping, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly texture resembling coarse sand. This streusel will add that beloved sweet, cinnamon-y crunch on top.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spread half of your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the streusel mixture over the batter, then dollop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top, gently spreading it. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel across the surface. This layering ensures every bite offers delicious contrast between soft cake and crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your coffee cake for 35 to 40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before adding the optional glaze.
Step 6: Optional Glaze Finishing Touch
Whisk powdered sugar with a little milk or cream until smooth but still thick enough to drizzle. Pour this sweet glaze over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe shines with simple as well as creative garnishes. Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon on top to highlight the streusel twist. For a festive touch, add chopped nuts or a handful of fresh berries right before serving — they add crunch and freshness that balance the cake’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte, making it the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. If you want to elevate the experience, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or brunches, cut the coffee cake into smaller squares and arrange on a pretty platter, maybe garnished with edible flowers or sprigs of mint. You can also serve individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. The versatility of this cake means you can dress it up or keep it cozy and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover coffee cake keeps beautifully at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This prevents the cake from drying out and maintains that wonderful moist texture for up to three days, perfect for enjoying a second breakfast or dessert.
Freezing
If you want to save your coffee cake for longer periods, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When well-wrapped, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your coffee cake warm, reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crumb and revitalizes the melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream and will keep your coffee cake moist and tender. It may add a slightly tangier flavor, which is quite pleasant.
Is it possible to add nuts or chocolate chips to the streusel?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or mini chocolate chips can add delightful texture and flavor variations. Just fold them into the streusel mixture before sprinkling on the cake.
Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful of any changes in texture and adjust baking times if necessary.
How can I make the streusel topping extra crunchy?
Use cold butter directly from the fridge and cut it into the mixture just until crumbly without overmixing. You can also bake the streusel separately for a few minutes before topping the cake for added crunch.
Can I prepare the batter the night before and bake it fresh in the morning?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and keep it refrigerated overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before baking and expect a slightly denser crumb, which can be very satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into the Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe on a relaxed morning or sharing it with friends over coffee. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps create an undeniably delicious cake that feels special every time. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a beloved classic in so many kitchens.
Print
Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Easy Coffee Cake is a classic American breakfast and dessert treat featuring a moist, tender cake with a tangy sour cream base and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Finished with an optional sweet glaze, this cake combines soft, flavorful layers with a crumbly streusel for a delightful, comforting bite any time of day.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream for moisture and tang.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold unsalted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture is crumbly and sandy in texture.
- Layer Batter and Streusel: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Spread the remaining batter gently over the streusel and top with the remaining streusel mixture.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is cooked through without drying out.
- Cool and Add Glaze: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. If using, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to a smooth glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake for added sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed without sacrificing texture.
- For added flavor and texture, stir in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the streusel topping.
- This coffee cake freezes well; after cooling completely, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
