Coffee Cake

There’s something incredibly comforting about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar baking in the oven. I have so many fond memories of my grandmother pulling a pan of her famous coffee cake out, the streusel topping perfectly golden. This recipe is my tribute to those cozy weekend mornings, a classic treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

This isn’t just any coffee cake. It boasts a wonderfully moist, buttery crumb thanks to the sour cream, a rich ribbon of cinnamon filling swirled through the center, and a generous layer of crunchy, crumbly streusel on top. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to be the star of any brunch or holiday breakfast. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why This Will Be Your Go-To Coffee Cake

• Incredibly Moist & Tender: The combination of sour cream and cornstarch gives this cake a soft, tender crumb that stays moist for days.
• The Perfect Streusel: The topping is the best part! It’s buttery, crumbly, and has the perfect ratio of cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: You likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients needed for this recipe right in your pantry and refrigerator. No special trips to the store required!
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Whether you’re serving it for a family breakfast, a brunch with friends, or as a simple dessert, this coffee cake is always a huge hit. It’s a classic for a reason!

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The Building Blocks of a Perfect Coffee Cake

This recipe is broken down into three simple components: the cake batter, the cinnamon filling, and the streusel topping. Let’s look at the key players.

For the Cake Batter:

• All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: The combination of these two creates a structure that’s soft and tender, much like using cake flour.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugars, creating air pockets that result in a light cake.
• Brown & Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure, while brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Sour Cream: This is the secret to an incredibly moist cake! Its acidity also helps tenderize the gluten. Full-fat plain yogurt is a great substitute.
• Eggs & Vanilla: These are essential for flavor, binding, and structure.

For the Cinnamon Filling & Streusel Topping:

• Light Brown Sugar: This is the star for both the filling and the topping, providing that classic warm, caramel-like sweetness.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The heart of the coffee cake flavor! The recipe calls for cinnamon, but adding a touch of nutmeg to the streusel adds a wonderful depth.
• Butter: For the streusel, room temperature butter is best. You want to be able to easily crumble it into the flour and sugar mixture with your fingers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Fillings

First, let’s get our delicious layers ready. For the cinnamon filling, find a small bowl and whisk together the ¾ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Set this aside.

For the streusel topping, grab a medium bowl. Add the ⅔ cup of light brown sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and the optional 1 teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together. Now, add the ½ cup of cubed, room-temperature unsalted butter. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse, pea-sized crumbles. Set this bowl aside as well.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan. For easy removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on two sides to act as handles.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Cake Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of cornstarch, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sifting is an important step as it aerates the flour and removes any lumps, leading to a lighter cake. Give it a quick whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, beat the ¾ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Start on medium speed and beat for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Flavorings

With the mixer on low speed, add the 3 large eggs one at a time, waiting for each egg to be fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and the optional 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Finish the Batter

Scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Add the 1 cup of sour cream (or yogurt) and mix on low until it’s just blended in. Now, add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, mixing on low speed only until the flour is no longer visible. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly okay.

Step 7: Layer the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling mixture evenly over the top, covering the batter from edge to edge. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon layer and gently spread it to cover the filling completely. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the entire surface.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The coffee cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

My Top Tips for Success

• Room Temperature is Key: For the smoothest batter and best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature before you begin. This helps them incorporate into the batter evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until it’s just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense cake instead of a light and tender one.
• Check for Doneness Carefully: Ovens can vary. Start checking the cake around the 45-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t cooked, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
• Storage: This coffee cake stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. For more advice on baking techniques, browse our complete collection of Cakes.

Fun Twists on a Classic Coffee Cake

• Add Some Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, mix ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping before sprinkling it over the cake.
• Fruity Filling: Gently fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen (don’t thaw) blueberries or raspberries into the cake batter. You can also add a layer of thinly sliced apples on top of the cinnamon filling.
• Add a Glaze: Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top. Just whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla.
• Spice It Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of cardamom or allspice to the cinnamon filling for a warmer, more complex flavor. This is a great idea for our other Seasonal & Holiday Cakes as well.

How to Serve Your Coffee Cake

This coffee cake is truly a standalone star, perfect with your favorite cup of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. It’s the centerpiece of any brunch spread, pairing wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, and bacon.

For an extra-special dessert treat, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, cinnamon-spiced cake with the cool, creamy topping is simply divine. It’s a wonderful addition to a dessert table, especially alongside one of our delicious No‑Bake & Cheesecakes for a party.

Did You Make This Coffee Cake?

I truly hope you love this coffee cake recipe as much as my family does. It’s a timeless classic that brings so much warmth and happiness to the table. From the tender cake to that irresistible crumb topping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other delicious Cakes! I would love to see your beautiful creations, so please tag me on Instagram or share a picture on our Facebook page. Happy baking!