There’s something truly special about a homemade Coffee Cake. It’s a warm, inviting treat, golden brown with a soft, tender crumb that crumbles just enough to make each slice a little piece of heaven. The sweet notes of cinnamon intertwined with buttery goodness create a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting friends and family to gather around. I often whip this up on cozy weekends, relishing the joy it brings during lazy brunches or even as an afternoon companion to my favorite cup of coffee.
This Coffee Cake comes together surprisingly fast, making it the perfect choice for those busy mornings or unexpected guests. It’s wonderfully versatile, too—whether served at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, it’s an all-time favorite that never fails to please. And if you have any leftovers (which can be rare!), they store beautifully for the next day, though I’m quite sure it won’t last that long!
WHY I LOVE COFFEE CAKE
Honestly, Coffee Cake hits that sweet spot for me. It’s incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, combining the comforting flavors of home baking with a touch of elegance. The layers of crumbly streusel and the hint of vanilla are simply irresistible, making it a true winner at my table. Plus, it sparks all those warm feelings of togetherness, which is what it’s all about, isn’t it?
COFFEE CAKE INGREDIENTS
The magic of this Coffee Cake truly lies in its simple yet harmonious ingredients. It’s all about bringing them together to create that rich flavor and moist texture. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 1 EGG: This little gem helps bind everything together, adding richness to the crumb.
- 1/4 CUP OIL (VEGETABLE OR CANOLA): This brings moisture to our cake, making it beautifully tender.
- 1 TSP. VANILLA: A splash of vanilla adds a delightful warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 3/4 CUP SUGAR: This sweetness enhances the cake’s flavor and contributes to its lovely golden color.
- 1/2 CUP MILK: Moistens the mixture and creates that perfect soft crumb we love.
- 1/4 TSP. SALT: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- 2 TSP. BAKING POWDER: The rising agent that gives our cake that wonderful fluffy texture.
- 1 1/2 CUPS FLOUR: This is the base that holds it all together and provides structure.
- 2 T. BUTTER (MELTED): Adds richness and tenderness; it’s a key player for that luscious crumb.
- 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR: This contributes a caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- 2 TSP. CINNAMON: The star spice that gives Coffee Cake its perfect signature flavor.
- 2 T FLOUR: A touch more flour for the streusel topping to make it crumbly and perfect.
- 1/2 CUP WALNUTS (CHOPPED, OPTIONAL): These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to skip them if you prefer.
- 1 T BUTTER (ROOM TEMPERATURE): For creating that flaky streusel topping.
- 3/4 CUP POWDERED SUGAR: Sweetens our icing if you choose to add it on top.
- 1 T MILK (EXTRA, IF NEEDED): To achieve the desired consistency in icing.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Want to switch things up? If you’re out of walnuts, chopped pecans work just as well, adding a different nutty flavor. Want to skip on sugar? No problem! You can use maple syrup or honey, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a warm twist. And don’t sweat it if you don’t have a mixer—mixing by hand works beautifully, too!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- 9-inch round cake pan (or 8×8 baking dish)
- Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet)
- Whisk (or fork for mixing)
- Rubber spatula (for scraping the bowl clean)
- Measuring cups and spoons (accurately measure those ingredients!)
- Cooling rack (to let your cake breathe)
HOW TO MAKE COFFEE CAKE
Let’s dive into creating this cozy Coffee Cake. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. We’re aiming for a cake that’s fluffy, flavorful, and topped with a delightful streusel!
Prep Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9-inch round cake pan (or an 8×8 dish). This is key to ensuring your cake releases beautifully after baking!
Mix Wet Ingredients
Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, vanilla, milk, and sugar until everything is well combined. You’re looking for a creamy consistency that should have a lovely aroma wafting up!
Combine the Dry Elements
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Give it a good stir to make sure the leavening agent is evenly distributed. This step ensures that our cake rises perfectly!
Stir Together to Form Batter
Once combined, gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients. This is where you’ll see the batter come together. Just be careful not to overmix— you want a tender crumb!
Create the Streusel Topping
Now, let’s make our delectable streusel! In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until crumbly. If using walnuts, toss them in here. The streusel is what makes this cake so exciting, adding a little crunch and sweetness on top!
Layer the Batter and Streusel
Time to assemble! Pour half the batter into your greased pan, and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle on half of the streusel topping, then pour in the remaining batter. Finally, top it off with the rest of the streusel. This layering creates a beautiful visual and ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
Bake Until Golden
Pop your cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’re looking for that golden-brown top that’s oh-so-tempting!
Cool and Icing (Optional)
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. If you want to add that sweet icing, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting for consistency, then drizzle it over the cooled cake.
HOW TO STORE COFFEE CAKE
The quality of leftover Coffee Cake remains delightful! You can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, move it to the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer for 2-3 months. To enjoy again, simply let it thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat individual slices in a microwave for a few seconds for that “just-baked” warmth!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use fresh ingredients for the best results, especially the baking powder.
- Don’t overmix your batter; it could make your Coffee Cake dense.
- For extra richness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the batter.
- Let the cake cool sufficiently before icing to prevent it from melting away.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve warm with a generous pat of butter for breakfast.
- Pair with a rich cup of coffee or a refreshing herbal tea.
- Add fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before presentation for a charming touch.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful Coffee Cake as much as I do. Happy baking!
