Moist Coffee Cake Recipe

Irresistible Coffee Cake Recipe for Morning Joy

Lazy weekend mornings call for a delightful homemade coffee cake that fills your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas.

Soft, buttery crumbs layered with cinnamon swirls make this classic coffee cake recipe a morning game-changer.

The rich, tender texture melts in your mouth, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Sprinkled with a golden streusel topping, this cake brings bakery-style magic to your home cooking.

A perfect companion to your morning brew, it transforms an ordinary breakfast into a special moment.

Baking this cake is easier than you might expect, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Dive into this delectable treat and elevate your morning routine with a slice of pure happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 153 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Needed For Coffee Cake

For Streusel Topping:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and helps create a crumbly, crunchy texture.
  • Flour: Binds the streusel ingredients and provides structure to the topping.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements the cake's flavor.
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky, crisp streusel texture when cut into dry ingredients.
For Cake Batter Base:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its deep, aromatic notes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Helps with browning and provides additional leavening.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors in the cake.
For Moisture and Richness:
  • Softened Butter: Creates a tender, rich texture in the cake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tanginess, and helps create a soft, tender crumb.

Tools To Bake Coffee Cake

  • Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to a light, fluffy texture.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake batter ingredients.
  • Small mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing the streusel topping.
  • 9×9-inch baking pan: Standard size for baking the coffee cake.
  • Parchment paper: Helps with easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
  • Fork or pastry cutter: Helps create crumbly streusel texture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center.

Steps To Prepare Coffee Cake

  • Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Grab a baking pan and give it a quick butter massage to prevent sticking. Sprinkle some flour to create a non-slip surface for your delightful cake.

  • Crumbly Topping Magic

Mix together brown sugar, flour, and a whisper of cinnamon. Chop cold butter into tiny pieces and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips. The goal is a sandy, crumbly texture that’ll crown your cake with deliciousness.

  • Batter Creation

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy like a cloud. Crack eggs one by one, stirring gently after each. Add a splash of vanilla for that irresistible aroma. In another bowl, blend flour, rising agents, and a pinch of salt. Fold dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined – no aggressive stirring allowed!

  • Cake Assembly

Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan. Scatter the crumbly topping across the surface like a delicate blanket of sweet goodness.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the pan into the warm oven. Let it bake for about 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the kitchen smells like heaven.

  • Serving Time

Let the cake rest and cool down for a few minutes. Slice and serve, enjoying the perfect balance of tender cake and crunchy topping.

Tips For The Best Coffee Cake

  • Coffee Cake Culinary Secrets: Master the Art of Baking
  • Perfect Streusel Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly with your fingertips to create those dreamy, crumbly streusel pieces that deliver maximum texture and flavor.
  • Moisture Magic: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle richness without compromising the tender crumb.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Transform this classic coffee cake into a gluten-free delight by substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better structure.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with mix-ins like chopped pecans, diced apples, or chocolate chips directly into the batter to create unexpected bursts of excitement in every slice. Fold them gently to maintain the cake's delicate texture.

Ways To Serve Coffee Cake Warm Or Cold

  • Morning Brunch Partner: Pair this delightful coffee cake with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth cappuccino for a perfect breakfast combination.
  • Elegant Dessert Plate: Enhance the serving experience by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a light vanilla bean ice cream scoop alongside each slice for extra indulgence.
  • Festive Gathering Treat: Create a beautiful presentation by dusting the top with powdered sugar and arranging slices on a rustic wooden board for family brunches or casual gatherings.
  • Weekend Breakfast Companion: Slice the cake into individual portions and serve with fresh berries or a side of Greek yogurt to add a refreshing touch to your morning meal.

How To Store Coffee Cake After Baking

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Let the coffee cake rest on a wire rack for complete cooling, preventing soggy bottom layers and maintaining crisp streusel texture.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cake moist and fresh.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months for convenient future enjoyment.
  • Room Temperature Trick: Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days, covered with a clean kitchen towel to retain softness and prevent drying out.
Print
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Moist Coffee Cake Recipe

Moist Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Classic German coffee cake blends sweet streusel with tender crumb for a delightful morning treat. Rich layers of cinnamon and butter create a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack perfect for sharing with friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7.1 oz) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C) and strategically line a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth release after baking.
  2. Streusel Creation: Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Integrate cold butter using a fork until the mixture transforms into a grainy, sandy texture that will crown the cake with a delectable crunch.
  3. Batter Development: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Introduce eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract for aromatic complexity. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream to maintain a luxurious, tender batter consistency.
  4. Assembly and Topping: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, then liberally sprinkle the reserved streusel across the surface, creating a promising golden-brown crust that will tantalize the senses.
  5. Baking and Verification: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a wooden pick into the center – it should emerge pristine and free of raw batter.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Rest the cake in the pan for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to stabilize. Slice and serve, savoring the cake’s warmth or at room temperature for maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

  • Prevent Over-Mixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a light, tender cake texture, avoiding tough or dense results.
  • Temperature Precision: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent cake structure.
  • Streusel Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly when creating the streusel topping to achieve a perfect crumbly consistency that doesn’t melt before baking.
  • Moisture Check: Store cake in an airtight container to preserve softness, and if it starts to dry out, briefly microwave individual slices or add a light glaze to refresh moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 153
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 118 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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