Name: Classic Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483379H43M19S
Total time: PT-483379H43M19S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 2 large eggs; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract; For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); For the Glaze (Optional): 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Imagine this: it’s a chilly afternoon, the scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and you have a warm, sweet, buttery coffee cake waiting to be devoured. The kind of cake that’s soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness and a cinnamon swirl that gets you every time. Trust me, this Classic Coffee Cake is the one that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy kitchen, surrounded by love and the comforting aroma of something homemade.

This isn’t just any cake. It’s the kind of recipe that brings family together, whether it’s a Sunday morning breakfast, a quick afternoon snack, or a fun treat to share with friends over coffee. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a staple in so many homes. Don’t just take my word for it—give it a try yourself!

Why You’ll Love Classic Coffee Cake

This recipe is so much more than just another cake; it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or just something to pair perfectly with your morning coffee, this classic coffee cake does it all. Here’s why this recipe is a favorite:

Versatile:

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or as a simple dessert, this cake works for nearly every occasion. It’s great for holiday mornings, lazy weekends, or as a treat to share with friends. You can even bring it to a potluck and watch it disappear!

Budget-Friendly:

Don’t be fooled by its big flavor; this cake is made with basic pantry ingredients, meaning no trip to a specialty store needed. It’s all about the simple things, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.

Quick and Easy:

If you’re someone who feels a little nervous in the kitchen, this is the perfect starting point. The recipe is simple, straightforward, and foolproof, making it ideal for bakers of all levels. You won’t need any fancy tools—just a few bowls, a spoon, and your oven.

Customizable:

Want to make it your own? Add a drizzle of glaze, toss in a few fresh berries, or swap in a bit of almond extract for a unique twist. You can even play with the crumb topping if you’re feeling extra creative. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.

Crowd-Pleasing:

It’s the kind of cake that makes everyone happy. The mix of soft, buttery cake and sweet, cinnamon swirl makes it impossible not to smile when you take a bite. It’s perfect for sharing!

Ingredients in Classic Coffee Cake

Here’s the magic of this coffee cake: it’s made with just a few pantry staples that transform into something absolutely irresistible. Let’s break it down:

For the Cake:

Flour: The foundation for that soft, fluffy cake texture.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The secret to giving this cake the perfect rise.
Sugar: A sweet balance to the slightly tangy sour cream.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates that soft, tender crumb.
Butter: The rich base that adds flavor and tenderness to the cake.
Eggs: For structure and richness.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds that comforting warmth.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.

For the Streusel Topping:

Flour: Gives the topping a nice, crumbly texture.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar melts to form a caramel-like, rich topping.
Cinnamon: Adds that signature warmth and spice that makes this cake unforgettable.
Butter: The key to making the streusel buttery and irresistible.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this beautiful coffee cake:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Trust me, you’ll want to give it a few minutes to heat up properly so the cake bakes evenly.

2. Make the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Mix it together with a fork or your fingers until you get a crumbly texture. Set this aside—this will be the star of your cake’s topping!

3. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Gradually add in your dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, mixing just until everything is combined.

4. Layer the Cake in the Pan

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or pan, and then pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle about half of the streusel topping over the batter. Add the rest of the cake batter on top, and then finish by topping with the remaining streusel.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The top will be golden brown and slightly crisp from the streusel.

6. Cool & Serve

Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then slice it up and enjoy! The aroma while it’s cooling is almost as good as the taste—almost.

How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake

This coffee cake is great on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Fresh Fruit:

Pair it with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.

Hot Beverage:

This cake is, of course, perfect with coffee, but it’s also great with tea or a tall glass of milk.

Creamy Additions:

For extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream, or serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat.

Presentation:

This cake looks beautiful on its own, but you can elevate the presentation by dusting the top with powdered sugar or drizzling it with a simple glaze.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can prep the streusel topping and batter the night before and store them in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the next day!
Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free butter.
Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly and thaw as needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This cake is perfect for make-ahead baking. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Absolutely! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it out before serving.

Q4: How can I make this healthier?
A4: You can reduce the sugar or try substituting whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just use a larger pan, and keep an eye on the baking time. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Conclusion

Classic Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that feels like home, even if you’re making it for the first time. It’s simple, flavorful, and the perfect treat for nearly any occasion. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a classic that people keep coming back to. Now, go ahead and treat yourself to a slice (or two)—you’ve earned it!