If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as perfect for lazy mornings as it is for impromptu gatherings, look no further—this is truly the Best Easy Coffee Cake. Every bite is a comforting balance of tender, buttery cake layered with a sweet cinnamon streusel, and the luscious optional glaze makes it feel extra special. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers simple satisfaction with minimal fuss, promising to become a staple for all your brunches and special breakfasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Best Easy Coffee Cake recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create soft, flavorful layers and a perfectly crumbly, cinnamon-swirled topping. You’ll find these basics already in your pantry, but together they work magic for this classic treat.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This brings unbeatable richness to the cake and ensures that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake without overpowering it, allowing the cinnamon and vanilla to shine through.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs help bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, rounding out every other flavor beautifully.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): The secret weapon for extra-moist cake that stays fresh, and you can swap in Greek yogurt if needed.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups for batter + 1/2 cup for streusel): Forms the structure and is divided between the cake and its topping.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Gives the cake the perfect lift and lightness.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Supports leavening and color, creating gentle browning.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch brightens every sweet note and enhances flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup, for streusel): Forms the base of a cozy, caramelized crumbly topping.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon, for streusel): Adds a touch of extra crunch and sweetness to the streusel.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for streusel): Infuses the cake with aromatic warmth that makes every bite nostalgic.
- Cold unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, for streusel): Essential for that signature crumbly, golden topping.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for glaze – optional): Whisked into a silky glaze for that final beautiful flourish.
- Milk or cream (1–2 teaspoons, for glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Best Easy Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking from the get-go. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish generously—use butter or nonstick spray—so your Best Easy Coffee Cake slips out effortlessly later. Little steps like this make a world of difference when the aroma fills your kitchen!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You’ll want to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer. This step is what gives your coffee cake its tender crumb, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter stays smooth. Blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream next—these ingredients not only boost flavor but also keep the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stirring these together first ensures that the leaveners are evenly distributed, so every bite of your Best Easy Coffee Cake bakes up as light as a cloud.
Step 5: Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a gentle hand to mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so once you don’t see any more dry flour, stop stirring. The batter will be thick and ready for layering!
Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping
Now comes the irresistible streusel. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until you have a crumbly, pebbly texture. This topping is what gives your coffee cake its signature sweet crunch.
Step 7: Layer and Assemble
Spread half the cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out. Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter for that classic swirl, then dollop the remaining batter over the top and spread gently. Finish with the rest of the streusel—the more, the better!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your cake in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the Best Easy Coffee Cake cool for about 15 minutes so it settles and slices more easily.
Step 9: Add the Optional Glaze
Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and a little milk or cream until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cake for a sweet, glossy finish that really makes each bite pop!
How to Serve Best Easy Coffee Cake
Garnishes
The Best Easy Coffee Cake shines all on its own, but a few extra touches can make it feel like a true bakery creation. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of toasted nuts on top for crunch. If you used the glaze, a second swirl just before serving is always welcome!
Side Dishes
This delicious cake pairs beautifully with many breakfast and brunch staples—think fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or crispy bacon for a sweet and savory contrast. A hot cup of coffee or tea is, of course, the classic companion!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a pretty platter lined with parchment. You can layer pieces in cupcake liners for individual servings, or wrap slices in parchment and tie with colorful twine as a grab-and-go treat for friends or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Best Easy Coffee Cake fresh, simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, refrigerate to maintain that soft crumb and deliciously moist streusel layer.
Freezing
This cake is a fantastic make-ahead option—just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight at room temperature for the best texture.
Reheating
If you’d like your cake to taste just-baked, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. For larger quantities, warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-12 minutes to revive that irresistible fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this Best Easy Coffee Cake recipe and will keep the cake moist and flavorful. Use plain, full-fat yogurt for the richest result.
Does this cake taste like coffee?
No, there’s actually no coffee in the cake itself! The name comes from its perfect pairing with a cup of coffee. This recipe highlights cinnamon and buttery streusel flavors rather than coffee itself.
How do I make the streusel extra crunchy?
Use very cold butter, and if you want even more crunch, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. Sprinkling a little raw sugar on top before baking also gives the streusel a satisfying texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients and bake the Best Easy Coffee Cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time and test with a toothpick for doneness.
What’s the best way to add the glaze?
Wait until the cake has cooled so the glaze sets nicely on top rather than soaking in. Use a spoon or fork to drizzle pretty ribbons, or pour the glaze into a small zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe for a bakery-style finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely irresistible about a homemade coffee cake, and I can promise that this Best Easy Coffee Cake will win over everyone who tries it. Whether you bake it for easy breakfasts, cozy weekends, or shareable desserts, it’s always a hit. Give it a place in your regular baking rotation—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Best Easy 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 the Best Easy Coffee Cake, a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. This moist cake features a buttery crumb and a sweet cinnamon streusel topping, finished with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and sour cream.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Make the streusel: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Layer the batter: Spread half the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the streusel, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes.
- Optional glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over the cake.
Notes
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips to the streusel for extra flavor.
- Freezes well—wrap tightly after cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
