Classic Coffee Cake: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide

Classic Coffee Cake: just the name conjures up images of cozy mornings, steaming mugs, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and buttery goodness. But what if I told you that achieving that perfect slice of crumbly, moist, and utterly irresistible coffee cake is easier than you think? Forget complicated recipes and fussy techniques; we’re diving into a straightforward, foolproof method to bake a classic coffee cake that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While its exact origins are debated, coffee cake, in its various forms, has been a beloved treat for centuries, with roots tracing back to European traditions. Often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee (hence the name!), it’s more than just a cake; it’s an experience. It’s a symbol of connection, shared moments, and simple pleasures. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

People adore coffee cake for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The tender, moist cake base, often infused with vanilla or a hint of citrus, is perfectly complemented by a generous, crumbly streusel topping. That sweet, buttery, cinnamon-spiced topping is what elevates it from a simple cake to something truly special. Plus, its inherent simplicity makes it a winner. It’s a relatively quick and easy bake, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. So, are you ready to unlock the secrets to baking the perfect classic coffee cake? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• For the Streusel Topping:
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or strong brewed coffee
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Streusel Topping:

Before we even think about the cake batter, let’s get that glorious streusel topping ready. This is what makes coffee cake, well, coffee cake! I find it’s best to do this first so it’s ready to go when the cake batter is prepared.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
2. Add the 6 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (my preferred method!), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want small clumps of butter distributed throughout – this is what creates that lovely, crumbly texture when baked.
3. If you’re using nuts (and I highly recommend it!), stir in the ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
4. Set the streusel topping aside while you prepare the cake batter. You can even pop it in the fridge if your kitchen is warm, to keep the butter from melting.

Making the Coffee Cake Batter:

Now for the main event! This cake batter is simple to make, but following the steps carefully will ensure a moist and tender coffee cake.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a real time-saver! Make sure you get into all the corners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter and 1 ¾ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.
4. Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. In a separate measuring cup, measure out the 1 cup of sour cream. This is our secret ingredient for a super moist cake!
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. I usually do this in three additions. So, add about a third of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add half of the sour cream, mix until just combined, then another third of the dry ingredients, mix, then the remaining sour cream, mix, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
7. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick, but that’s perfectly normal.

Assembling and Baking the Coffee Cake:

Almost there! Now we put it all together and get this beauty into the oven.

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. It might seem like a lot of batter, but it will all fit!
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter. Don’t be shy – the more streusel, the better!
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should spring back lightly when touched.
4. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice.

Making the Optional Glaze:

While the cake is cooling, you can whip up a simple glaze to drizzle over the top. This is totally optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cake look extra pretty.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk or strong brewed coffee, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Start with 2 tablespoons of liquid and add more, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want a glaze that’s thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread slightly.
2. Once the coffee cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to make this coffee cake your own:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This is crucial for a smooth batter and even baking. Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature before you start.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Add a layer of fruit: Before adding the streusel topping, you can sprinkle a layer of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) over the cake batter. This adds a burst of flavor and moisture.
• Use different extracts: Experiment with different extracts in the batter or glaze. Almond extract, lemon extract, or even a touch of orange zest can add a unique flavor.
• Make it chocolate: Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate coffee cake. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter or streusel topping.
• Store it properly: Coffee cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
• Coffee Glaze: Instead of milk, use strong brewed coffee for the glaze. This enhances the coffee flavor and complements the cake perfectly.
• Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will give a similar tang and moisture to the cake.
• Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans or walnuts, you can use other nuts like almonds, macadamia nuts, or even leave them out altogether.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this classic coffee cake recipe as much as I do! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This Classic Coffee Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a moment of pure comfort and joy. From the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes to the satisfyingly sweet and crumbly texture, every element of this cake is designed to delight. It’s a must-try because it’s more than just a cake; it’s a memory in the making, a tradition waiting to be born in your own home. Why is it a must-try, you ask? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers! The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the instructions are straightforward. But don’t let its simplicity fool you – the flavor is anything but ordinary. The moist, tender cake, the sweet, buttery crumb topping, and the subtle hint of coffee create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for a second slice. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and comforting, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a truly decadent experience, try adding a layer of cream cheese filling between the cake and the crumb topping. Simply mix together softened cream cheese, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract, and spread it evenly over the batter before adding the crumb topping. You could also incorporate different extracts, like almond or lemon, to add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Looking for serving suggestions? This Classic Coffee Cake is absolutely divine served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also fantastic with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. For a more elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize this recipe to your liking. The possibilities are endless! Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this Classic Coffee Cake is sure to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible cake. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #ClassicCoffeeCakeRecipe. Tell me what variations you tried, what you loved about it, and how you made it your own. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help!

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