If you have ever longed for the perfect morning treat that pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of joe, then this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe is your next baking adventure. Imagine a tender, moist cake layered with a delightfully crumbly cinnamon streusel that melts in your mouth, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced flavors. This timeless recipe brings a little slice of cozy comfort to your kitchen, effortlessly pleasing both your family and guests with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret that transforms simple pantry staples into a heavenly Classic Coffee Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in the cake’s amazing texture, flavor, and appearance—from the tangy sour cream adding moisture and richness, to the cinnamon-spiked streusel topping delivering that iconic crumbly crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and tenderness to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with sour cream for additional lift and softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a velvety crumb texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Provides tang and moisture, making this cake irresistibly tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon topping.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Gives the streusel topping a deep molasses note.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For the streusel, to achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star of the streusel, adding classic warming spice.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cut into the streusel for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumble.
How to Make Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake comes out cleanly and with a golden crust. This little prep step makes all the difference in baking success.
Step 2: Create the Scrumptious Streusel Topping
Mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. The combination of these simple ingredients builds a sweet, spicy base for your streusel. Then, cut in the cold cubed butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside this ready-to-fall-apart topping that adds a perfect contrast to the tender cake layers.
Step 3: Whisk the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry blend is your batter’s backbone. Next, add in the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat everything together until smooth and creamy. You’ll love how the batter feels lush and thick—ready to turn into something magical.
Step 4: Assemble Your Classic Coffee Cake
Spread half of your luscious batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle half of the streusel topping over this layer. Follow it with the remaining batter, gently spreading it on top of the streusel, and finish by scattering the last of the crumb topping. This layering creates that signature swirl of moist cake and crunchy streusel that everyone adores.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure comfort—it’s the promise of a warm, satisfying slice to come.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the coffee cake cool in the baking dish before slicing. This resting time helps everything set perfectly, giving you neat slices that hold their crumb but stay wonderfully soft.
How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your cake is where creativity shines. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze can elevate the Classic Coffee Cake Recipe with a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. Fresh berries or chopped nuts sprinkled on top add both color and texture.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a robust cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad for a balanced and inviting spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic square cut! Try serving wedges with dollops of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Layer slices between parchment paper in pretty boxes for thoughtful gifts or potluck contributions. The Classic Coffee Cake Recipe is wonderfully versatile for many occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The coffee cake will stay moist and flavorful, perfect for snacking throughout the day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen coffee cake stays fresh for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To bring the coffee cake back to its freshly baked excellence, warm slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the soft texture and lifts the buttery aromas, making each bite just as delightful as when it first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream in the Classic Coffee Cake Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as substitutes. They will maintain the moisture and slight tang but may slightly alter the texture.
Is this coffee cake gluten-free friendly?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check consistency and adjust liquid amounts if needed.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream. The flavors will still shine, though the texture might be a touch different.
Does the Classic Coffee Cake Recipe need refrigeration?
Storing at room temperature is ideal for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigeration can help. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly before enjoying.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?
Make sure to use cold butter in the streusel and sprinkle it evenly on each batter layer as instructed. Avoid mixing the streusel into the batter; layering keeps it beautifully crumbly and on top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about biting into a slice of this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe, with its tender crumb and irresistible cinnamon streusel. It’s the kind of recipe that makes mornings better and afternoons cozier, inviting you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. So go ahead, bake this delicious coffee cake, and fill your home with warmth and sweetness—you won’t regret it!
Print
Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Coffee Cake features a moist, tender crumb enriched with sour cream and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd with its balanced flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for the batter.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside the streusel topping.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and smooth to create a rich, moist batter.
- Assemble the Coffee Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over this layer. Then, spread the remaining batter on top of the streusel, followed by the remaining streusel topping for a layered texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the assembled coffee cake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the baking dish before slicing and serving to let it set and enhance slicing ease.
Notes
- Make sure the butter for the streusel topping is cold to achieve the crumbly texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the batter to ensure a smooth, even cake.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm treat.
