A coffee cake recipe is a simple yet flavorful dessert often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea. This soft and moist cake is topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble, giving it a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with its tender base.
Unlike cakes made with coffee flavor, this recipe doesn’t always include coffee as an ingredient. Instead, it is called coffee cake because it is served with coffee. It’s an easy treat that works well for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This coffee cake recipe
This coffee cake recipe is easy to prepare with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
The cinnamon-sugar crumble topping adds a delightful crunch with every bite.
It’s versatile—serve it warm for breakfast, at brunch, or as a dessert.
This recipe makes a soft, moist cake that stays fresh for days.
Pre-preparation of coffee cake recipe
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Gather all your ingredients, measure them carefully, and keep them ready. This step helps you bake smoothly without missing anything.
Ingredients
For the cake
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 tsp salt
For the crumble topping
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
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In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in milk.
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Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until smooth.
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Pour the batter into the pan.
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In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter to make the crumble topping.
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Sprinkle the topping over the batter.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool slightly before serving.
FAQs About coffee cake recipe
Does coffee cake have coffee in it?
No, most traditional coffee cake recipes do not have coffee. It is called coffee cake because it is served with coffee.
Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day before. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze coffee cake?
Yes, coffee cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months.
How do I keep coffee cake moist?
Don’t overbake it, and store it in an airtight container. Adding the crumble topping also helps lock in moisture.