There’s something soul-soothing about enjoying a thick, tender slice of Classic Coffee Cake on a lazy morning or with friends around the table. This recipe has all the hallmarks of true comfort: a super-moist crumb from sour cream, rich buttery notes, and that crave-worthy cinnamon streusel that practically melts in your mouth. Every bite of this easy-to-make Classic Coffee Cake feels like a sweet little celebration of home baking — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack any time of day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together beautifully in this Classic Coffee Cake. Each ingredient brings its own special magic — from the basic flour and sugar foundation to the tangy lift of sour cream and the irresistible crunch of the cinnamon streusel. Don’t overlook any of them; every one has a role in making this cake tender, aromatic, and unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, creating a soft yet sturdy crumb that holds up to the streusel layers.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly and helps give it that golden color.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds unbeatable richness and keeps the crumb tender — make sure it’s softened for easy creaming!
- Sour cream: The star secret ingredient for moisture and that delightful, subtle tang.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a lovely bit of lift.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings warm, fragrant depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Baking powder: Essential for rise, making the cake fluffy without being dense.
- Baking soda: Works with the sour cream to keep the crumb extra light.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Brown sugar (for streusel): Infuses the topping with a caramel-like richness you can’t resist.
- Ground cinnamon (for streusel): The warm, spicy heart of that classic coffee cake swirl.
- All-purpose flour (for streusel): Helps bind the streusel for the ideal crumbly texture.
- Cold unsalted butter (for streusel): The trick to a perfectly crisp, buttery streusel — make sure it’s cold for the best crumble!
How to Make Classic Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and take a minute to grease a 9-inch square baking dish — you don’t want any of that gorgeous cake sticking. A light coating of butter or nonstick spray does the trick, and lining the bottom with parchment is always a no-fail insurance policy for neat squares.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine your brown sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and those cubes of cold butter. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to blend it all together until crumbly and even. This is the key to that iconic, ribboned topping that defines Classic Coffee Cake — and if you like some added crunch, now’s the time to toss in a half cup of chopped nuts!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy — this easy step gives your cake the most tender, airiest crumb. Add in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in your vanilla extract and that velvety sour cream until everything is perfectly smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This makes sure all your leaveners and seasoning are evenly spread. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter — go slow and stop when things are just combined. Minimal mixing at this stage is your ticket to a tender Classic Coffee Cake.
Step 5: Layer and Build Your Cake
Spread half of the batter into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half the streusel mixture evenly over the batter, then carefully spoon the rest of the batter on top. Finish with the remaining streusel for a generous crumbly layer that bakes up golden and irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted right into the center — if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet!), your Classic Coffee Cake is good to go. Let it cool in the pan so the flavors can settle and the crumb stays intact before slicing.
How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, try dusting your cake with powdered sugar right before serving for a hint of snowy sweetness. You could also drizzle a light vanilla glaze if you’re feeling decadent, or sprinkle on a few extra toasted nuts to play up the crunch of the streusel.
Side Dishes
Classic Coffee Cake is at its best with good company and a freshly brewed mug of coffee or tea. If you’d like, serve alongside creamy Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or even a simple fruit salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn breakfast into a mini event by cutting the Classic Coffee Cake into small squares for a brunch buffet, or use biscuit cutters for perfectly round, individual servings. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream transforms any leftovers into an outstanding dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover cake to cool completely, then wrap it snugly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days when kept at room temperature, making it perfect for grab-and-go snacks.
Freezing
Classic Coffee Cake freezes exceptionally well. Slice it first for easy single servings, then wrap each piece tightly and store in a freezer bag. It will keep its beautiful texture and flavor for up to two months — just thaw overnight on the counter when you crave a treat.
Reheating
To bring your cake back to that fresh-from-the-oven coziness, pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or warm a larger batch in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The streusel will crisp up and the cake will be soft, just like when it was first baked.
FAQs
Can I make this Classic Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen overnight. Simply cool the cake completely, cover it, and let it sit at room temperature. Wake up to a treat that tastes as good (or better!) than the day it was made.
Is it possible to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a fantastic stand-in for sour cream in this recipe. Just use the same amount, and you’ll get the same tender crumb and lovely tang.
What’s the best way to check if the coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out with just a few dry crumbs (not raw batter), your Classic Coffee Cake is perfectly baked. Be careful not to overbake, or it might lose that signature moistness.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the batter?
Definitely! Folding in a handful of blueberries, diced apples, or toasted nuts can take your Classic Coffee Cake to the next level. Just be careful not to overload the batter so the cake stays light and fluffy.
How do I keep the streusel from sinking?
The two-layer method in this recipe helps! By spreading some streusel in the middle and the rest on top, you’ll get that perfect crumbly topping without it disappearing into the cake as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a homemade Classic Coffee Cake to make a morning or gathering extra special. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for weekend guests. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s earned its place as a beloved favorite in so many kitchens!
Print
Classic 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
Indulge in a slice of this moist and flavorful Classic Coffee Cake with a delicious cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your favorite hot beverage.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Prepare Streusel: In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream softened butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half of the batter, sprinkle half of the streusel, repeat, then bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan before cutting into slices and serving.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- This coffee cake is a great pairing with coffee or tea.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
