If you’re craving a warm, tender treat that fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma, this Coffee Cake recipe is your new best friend. Perfectly moist with a cinnamon-spiced streusel topping and a hint of buttery indulgence, this Coffee Cake balances sweet and subtly rich flavors in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or sharing it at a cozy gathering, this classic dessert offers simple ingredients and straightforward steps that yield an unexpectedly delightful cake that feels both special and satisfyingly homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward pantry staples that come together to create a Coffee Cake bursting with flavor and a lovely texture. Each element plays an important role, from the tender crumb of the cake to the crunchy, cinnamon-spiked streusel topping.

1 egg: Provides structure and moisture, binding everything together perfectly.
1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola): Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
1 tsp. vanilla: Adds a lovely fragrant warmth that complements the cinnamon topping.
3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the cinnamon’s spice.
1/2 cup milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable batter and adds tenderness.
1/4 tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake, making every bite satisfying.
2 tsp. baking powder: Gives the cake a nice rise and fluffy texture.
1 1/2 cups flour: Forms the base of the cake, creating its delicate crumb.
2 T butter (melted): Used in the streusel for rich flavor and satisfying crunch.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to the streusel topping.
2 tsp. cinnamon: The star spice that gives the streusel that classic, irresistible flavor.
2 T Flour: Helps bind the streusel topping so it clumps delightfully when baked.
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, optional): Adds crunch and a nutty dimension to your topping, if you like.
1 T butter (room temperature): For the optional icing, bringing silky richness.
3/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing for a light drizzle.
1 T milk (extra, if needed): Adjusts the icing consistency to perfect drizzling.

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Coffee Cake won’t stick and comes out cleanly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat one egg until slightly frothy. Add the sugar, milk, salt, oil, and vanilla, stirring to blend all these lovely flavors together. Then spoon in the flour, sprinkle baking powder on top, and gently mix the upper half of the flour with the baking powder before combining it all. This technique helps the cake rise evenly, resulting in a light and tender crumb. Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish — now you’re ready for the best part, the streusel!

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt two tablespoons of butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and two tablespoons of flour until the mixture forms a cohesive crumbly texture. If you want to add crunchy walnuts, toss those in now for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This topping is what makes Coffee Cake truly special, providing that signature cinnamon crunch everyone loves.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the streusel generously over the cake batter. Using your finger or the narrow end of a wooden spoon, poke down into the batter 12 to 18 times randomly to create gooey pockets where the topping and cake magically combine. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs — avoid overbaking to keep the cake delightfully moist.

Step 5: Optional Icing Drizzle

For a finishing touch, mix one tablespoon of room-temperature butter with powdered sugar, thinning it with milk until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency. Lightly drizzle over the warm cake for a luscious glaze that adds a subtle sweetness and an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an elegant drizzle of the optional icing can enhance the rustic charm of your Coffee Cake. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or even some toasted coconut flakes on top. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves add color and a hint of freshness that lifts every bite.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Cake shines best when paired with your favorite hot beverages — think freshly brewed coffee, creamy lattes, or a cup of warm chai tea. If you’re serving brunch, a side of creamy yogurt with honey and seasonal fruit complements the cake’s sweetness wonderfully, balancing the meal delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, slice the Coffee Cake into generous squares and serve on rustic wooden boards or vintage plates. Layer slices with mascarpone cheese or whipped cream between for a creamy-textured coffee cake trifecta. You can even cut mini squares and serve them as bite-sized treats for parties or afternoon gatherings — these always disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the Coffee Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist and fresh for up to two days. This convenience means you can make it ahead for weekend breakfasts or unexpected guests.

Freezing

To enjoy your Coffee Cake even longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before popping it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and softness, making every bite taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of oil in the Coffee Cake batter?

Yes! Butter will add a richer flavor and slightly denser texture, but oil helps keep the cake moist and tender. Either works well depending on your preference.

Do I have to add nuts to the streusel?

Nuts are optional and add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but you can absolutely leave them out if you have allergies or prefer a simpler topping.

How do I know when the Coffee Cake is done?

Use a toothpick inserted into the center — it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake tender and moist.

Can I make this Coffee Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, but results may vary slightly in texture. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Is the icing necessary?

The icing is entirely optional but adds a lovely sweet glaze that enhances the cake’s flavor. It’s a simple step that takes the Coffee Cake from great to decadent if you have a little extra time.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake is one of those comforting classics that never loses its charm. With simple ingredients, an easy preparation, and that unforgettable cinnamon streusel topping, it’s destined to become a go-to in your baking repertoire. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every cozy bite as much as I do!

Coffee Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 9 servings (9×9 inch square pan) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Coffee Cake is a moist and tender treat with a cinnamon-swirled streusel topping and optional sweet icing drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or tea. The crumbly streusel blends brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to add rich texture, while optional chopped walnuts provide a delightful crunch.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the coffee cake.
Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 egg until combined. Add 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine.
Add Dry Ingredients: Spoon 1 1/2 cups flour into a measuring cup, level it off, and then dump it on top of the wet batter. Sprinkle 2 tsp baking powder evenly over the flour. Gently mix the baking powder into the top layer of flour, then stir the entire flour mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined and smooth. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9 inch baking dish.
Prepare Streusel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tbsp butter in the microwave. Remove from microwave and immediately stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp flour until well combined. If using, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
Apply Streusel: Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the batter in the baking dish. Using your finger or the small end of a wooden spoon, gently poke the streusel halfway into the batter about 12-18 times in random spots. This allows some streusel to sink into the cake for a marbled effect.
Bake Coffee Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
Make Icing (Optional): For a finishing touch, mix 1 tbsp room temperature butter with 3/4 cup powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add 1 tbsp milk and stir until smooth, adding a little more milk if needed to reach drizzle consistency.
Drizzle Icing: Lightly drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled coffee cake to add a sweet glaze.

Notes

Optional walnuts add a nice crunchy texture but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
The streusel can be gently poked into the batter to create a swirl effect, but don’t overmix.
Use parchment paper lining for easy removal and cleanup.
Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven; check earlier if using convection settings.
The icing is optional but adds a sweet finishing touch that balances the cinnamon flavor.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American