Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and utterly nostalgic, the Best Easy Coffee Cake is about to become your new obsession. This classic treat is packed with tender, buttery crumb and generous layers of cinnamon-swirled streusel that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a leisurely brunch or a quick breakfast treat, this recipe delivers table-side joy with minimal fuss. There’s a reason it’s called the Best Easy Coffee Cake—it’s truly one you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as this cake is, every ingredient plays a starring role in creating its irresistible flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s break down exactly what you need and why each one deserves a spot in this all-star lineup.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Vital for a rich, tender cake crumb and a golden brown streusel top.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Large eggs: These provide structure, moisture, and richness to your cake batter.
- Sour cream: The secret to a supremely moist crumb, with just the right amount of tang (Greek yogurt works too!).
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle pop of flavor throughout the cake.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft backbone of both the cake and the streusel.
- Baking powder: Ensures a beautiful rise and airy texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the sour cream for extra lift and softness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
- Brown sugar (for streusel): Lends deep caramel notes and a hint of chew to the topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy aroma—the streusel just wouldn’t be right without it.
- Butter (melted, for streusel): Helps the topping get golden and crunchy as it bakes.
- Pecans or walnuts (optional): If you’re feeling nutty, these add satisfying crunch and a toasty finish.
How to Make Best Easy Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your Best Easy Coffee Cake releases beautifully, with every piece coming out picture-perfect and ready to be devoured.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. Don’t rush this process—it’s key for getting that soft, tender texture you crave in a coffee cake.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, then blend until silky and smooth. The combination of sour cream and eggs is what keeps your Best Easy Coffee Cake incredibly moist without becoming dense.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick whisk ensures that leavening agents are evenly distributed, preventing any uneven rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix! A few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your crumb wonderfully tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping and Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and melted butter. Add in the nuts if you’re using them. This will be the sweet, cinnamon-laced ribbon that elevates your Best Easy Coffee Cake to the next level.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Spread half of the cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Then, sprinkle on half of the streusel mixture. Add the rest of the batter, gently spreading it to cover the streusel, and finish with the remaining streusel over the top. This creates gorgeous, gooey pockets of cinnamon sugar in every slice.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. The aroma at this stage is just heavenly—and resisting a warm slice will be nearly impossible!
How to Serve Best Easy Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Dust a little powdered sugar over the top for a bit of sparkle, or drizzle on a simple glaze (mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a couple teaspoons of milk) to add an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish. A handful of fresh berries or even a dollop of whipped cream can make each serving feel a little more special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Best Easy Coffee Cake with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee for a match made in breakfast heaven. It’s also wonderful alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt or a platter of crisp, fresh fruit if you’re putting together a more elaborate brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and stack them on a tiered cake stand. If you’re packing up leftovers, wrap individual slices in parchment for a grab-and-go treat. You can even serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert take on this breakfast classic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator if you want to extend its freshness up to five days. A simple airtight container or even some foil does the trick.
Freezing
The Best Easy Coffee Cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, slice it and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and enjoy whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love a warm, just-baked feel, simply pop a slice into the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm it gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. That quick reheating brings back the cake’s soft crumb and gooey streusel, just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I make Best Easy Coffee Cake without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer or if you need an allergy-friendly version. The cake will still have all that delicious cinnamon streusel flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure the cake stays moist?
Using sour cream (or Greek yogurt) is key for moisture. Just be sure not to over-bake—check the cake at the minimum time and pull it out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I use a different size pan?
A 9×13-inch dish is classic, but you can use two 8-inch square pans or even make muffins—just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on them as they bake more quickly.
How do I add a glaze to the Best Easy Coffee Cake?
Simply whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 teaspoons milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled cake for a pretty, sweet finish.
Is this cake actually made with coffee?
Nope! The name “coffee cake” comes from the tradition of serving it with coffee, not because there’s coffee in the recipe. It’s the perfect companion for your morning brew!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a homemade cinnamon cake that brings everyone to the table smiling. I hope you give the Best Easy Coffee Cake a try—the combination of rich, tender crumb and spiced streusel is pure comfort! One bite and you’ll see why this coffee cake is a cherished favorite in so many kitchens. Don’t wait for a special occasion; bake it soon and share a slice of joy with someone you love!
Print
Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Easy Coffee Cake recipe is a classic and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a moist sour cream cake base and a sweet cinnamon streusel topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping and Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet ingredients.
- Make the streusel: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, melted butter, and nuts.
- Layer the batter: Spread half of the batter, sprinkle half of the streusel, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Add a glaze by mixing 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk and drizzling over the cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
