Name: Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)

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If you’ve ever wished for a slice of comfort that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make, this Classic Coffee Cake delivers every time. With a tender, rich crumb swirled with buttery cinnamon streusel, it’s the kind of treat that turns any ordinary morning or afternoon into something deliciously special. This recipe highlights the unmistakable magic of old-fashioned baking – a cake that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to remind you of lazy weekend brunches or heartfelt family gatherings. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment, Classic Coffee Cake never fails to make life just a little sweeter.

Classic Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Every item has a role to play, creating the soft crumb and irresistible streusel that define a Classic Coffee Cake. You likely have most of these on hand right now!

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and that perfect, tender bite.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for a moist, flavorful cake and that signature buttery finish.
Sour cream: The secret to a rich, velvety texture; it keeps the crumb luscious and soft.
Large eggs: They bind everything together, ensuring the cake rises beautifully and holds together well.
Vanilla extract: For a warm, fragrant undertone that enhances every bite.
Baking powder: Provides lift to keep your Classic Coffee Cake light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly and plays nicely with the sour cream.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the other flavors.
Brown sugar (for the streusel): Offers deep, caramel notes in the streusel layer that’s hard to resist.
All-purpose flour (for the streusel): Ensures the topping has texture and crumbles perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic, warm spice in every bite of the streusel swirl.
Cold unsalted butter (cubed): For a streusel that bakes up crisp and golden – absolutely key!

How to Make Classic Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which sets the stage for a perfectly golden cake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well – you don’t want a single crumb sticking when you slice into your beautiful Classic Coffee Cake later!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking first helps ensure your cake bakes up evenly, so don’t skip this step. It’s where the foundation of the cake begins!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Add the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until light and fluffy; this aerates the mixture and creates an irresistible, tender Classic Coffee Cake crumb. Take your time – this is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Mix in Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

One egg at a time, mix each in thoroughly before adding the next. Then blend in the creamy sour cream and vanilla extract, infusing the batter with richness and that signature aromatic warmth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients you whisked earlier, stirring gently. Mix just until combined – overmixing can toughen the cake, and we’re aiming for ultra-tender morsels in every forkful.

Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the cubed cold butter, using a fork or pastry cutter to work it in until you have pebble-like crumbs. The streusel is what gives this Classic Coffee Cake its signature spice and crunch.

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Spread half the batter evenly in your prepared dish. Sprinkle half the streusel over the top. Repeat with the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the streusel, creating beautiful, bakery-style layers.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop your assembled cake into the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving – if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake

Garnishes

While Classic Coffee Cake shines on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of simple vanilla glaze can add an elegant touch. For those extra-special occasions, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a few berries will really set the scene.

Side Dishes

Pair your Classic Coffee Cake with fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or a bright fruit salad for a balanced brunch. And of course, a steamy mug of coffee or tea is a must for the complete experience!

Creative Ways to Present

Getting a little playful with presentation keeps things festive. Try cutting the cake into small cubes to serve as bite-sized treats on a platter, or layer slices in parfait glasses with berries and cream for a visually stunning dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Classic Coffee Cake will stay fresh and flavorful when stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be sure to use a cake dome, airtight container, or even wrap slices individually if you want to keep them ultra-soft.

Freezing

For longer storage, this cake freezes like a dream. Simply wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic and place them in a freezer bag; they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. The cinnamon aroma feels just as inviting when thawed!

Reheating

Enjoy that bakery-fresh taste again by gently warming slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger portion, use a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. It brings the buttery flavor and soft crumb back to life.

FAQs

Can I add nuts or fruit to the Classic Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are fantastic in the streusel, and a swirl of jam or a handful of berries in the batter creates a delightful twist while keeping the soul of the cake intact.

What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, substitute with plain Greek yogurt. Both ingredients add moisture and tang, creating that signature tender crumb the Classic Coffee Cake is known for.

Is this cake very sweet?

Classic Coffee Cake is perfectly balanced, with enough sweetness to make each bite a treat but not so much that it overpowers. The cinnamon streusel adds a welcome burst of flavor without being cloying.

Can I bake this in a different pan size?

Definitely! You can use two 8-inch square pans or a 10-inch springform pan; just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary by a few minutes depending on the thickness of the cake.

Is Classic Coffee Cake actually made with coffee?

Despite the name, there’s no coffee in the cake itself – it’s meant to be enjoyed with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The delicious flavors pair perfectly with a hot drink!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, nostalgic, and sure to bring smiles, this Classic Coffee Cake should be at the top of your baking list. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat with layers of cozy flavor in every slice. Give it a try – I promise it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation!

Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic goodness of a moist and tender Classic Coffee Cake with a delightful cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with your coffee!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
For the streusel, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Spread half of the batter into the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel. Repeat with remaining batter and streusel. Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.