The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe

Name: The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight your taste buds with this irresistibly moist and flavorful coffee cake! Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel, it makes for a heavenly pairing with your morning brew or afternoon tea. This easy-to-follow recipe will bring warmth and joy to your Thanksgiving dessert table, impressing guests and family alike.

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2025-10-24T07:27:40.655Z

This coffee cake recipe has been cherished by families for generations. Each bite is a reminder of cozy mornings spent with loved ones.

Why This Coffee Cake is a Must-Try

This coffee cake recipe stands out due to its delightful balance of flavors and textures. The moist cake is infused with just the right amount of cinnamon, ensuring that every bite is full of warmth and sweetness. The addition of sour cream makes the cake incredibly tender, achieving a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist. It's also a versatile treat you can enjoy any time of the day, whether as a breakfast option or a simple dessert.

The crunchy streusel topping adds a perfect finishing touch to the cake, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft crumb. With its buttery, sweet, and nutty flavor, it elevates the cake beyond the ordinary. What’s more, this recipe is straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels, making it accessible for everyone who wants to indulge in a comforting classic.

Perfect Pairings for Your Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is synonymous with coffee, and for a good reason! The rich, bold flavors of freshly brewed coffee complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully. For those who prefer a lighter beverage, consider pairing it with a cup of tea. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint, provide a refreshing counterpoint, while chai can enhance the warm spice notes of the cinnamon in the cake.

Don't forget about the joy of enjoying this cake with friends and family during gatherings. The delightful aroma of coffee cake baking in your oven will invite your guests to the kitchen. It makes for a fantastic centerpiece for brunch or afternoon tea, encouraging laughter and conversation over shared slices.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix well and ensure all ingredients are incorporated.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, and mix well.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Prepare Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and nuts until crumbly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the batter into a greased baking dish, sprinkle half of the streusel, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow to cool before serving.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results with this coffee cake recipe, it’s essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can provide precise measurements for flour and sugar, leading to better texture. Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. This will help incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

Also, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a dense texture rather than a soft, fluffy cake. Mix until just combined for the best outcome, as your cake should be tender and delightful!

Customize Your Cake

This coffee cake recipe is also flexible when it comes to customization. Feel free to add your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or fresh berries for an exciting twist. Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar slightly if you’re adding sweet ingredients like chocolate or fruit to maintain the balance of flavors.

Another option is to change the nuts used in the streusel topping. While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, you can experiment with almonds or even use a mix for a unique flavor profile. This versatility makes the coffee cake a wonderful canvas for showcasing your creativity and catering to different preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover coffee cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.