Are you a coffee lover looking for the perfect breakfast treat? Well, you’re in for a delight! Coffee cake, as the name suggests, is the ultimate pairing for your morning brew, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a moist and flavorful coffee cake in no time. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving something sweet, this easy coffee cake recipe is the go-to option.
Why Coffee Cake is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes coffee cake so special. At its core, coffee cake is all about balance: the contrast between the soft, buttery cake and the crisp, cinnamon-laden crumb topping. It’s this blend of tender texture with a little crunch that makes every bite truly satisfying.
Another reason coffee cake is such a beloved treat is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas, inviting you to add your own spin—whether that’s a handful of seasonal berries, a drizzle of glaze, or even a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch. Plus, it’s not overly sweet, making it the perfect companion for a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. It’s a dessert that doesn’t overpower but complements, and that’s why people keep coming back for more.
Now, let’s get to the heart of this delightful treat: the recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8
Ingredients for Easy Coffee Cake Recipe:
To make this delicious and fluffy coffee cake, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¾ cup of milk
For the crumb topping (the best part of any coffee cake):
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup of sugar
- ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Steps for Easy Coffee Cake Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is warming up, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. This step is crucial to avoid any sticking, guaranteeing your coffee cake comes out perfect every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix will help create the tender crumb structure of your cake. Set this aside for now, as we’ll soon combine it with the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer (or a whisk, if you prefer). This step is key to ensuring a light and fluffy cake. The sugar helps aerate the butter, creating the perfect texture. Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start by mixing in a portion of the dry mix, then add some milk, and repeat until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—just stir until it’s smooth and incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so aim for a light touch.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
Now for the star of the show—the crumb topping. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until you have a crumbly texture. This topping adds a delicious, sweet crunch to the top of the cake, making each bite extra special.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter, ensuring every inch is covered. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Let it Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your coffee cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. While it’s best enjoyed slightly warm, it’s just as delicious at room temperature. Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, and savor every bite.
Nutrition Facts for Easy Coffee Cake Recipe:
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Recipe
There are countless reasons why this coffee cake recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find this recipe simple and straightforward. With just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can satisfy your sweet tooth any time of day.
The crumb topping is another standout feature. It adds a delightful contrast to the soft, tender cake, giving each bite a crunchy, cinnamon-sweet flavor that perfectly complements the buttery richness below. It’s this balance of textures and flavors that makes coffee cake so special.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile. While it’s delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Try adding a handful of fresh berries or chopped nuts for a fun twist, or swap in some brown sugar in the crumb topping for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. You can even add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for an extra hint of spice. And if you’re hosting guests, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger dish.
Whether you’re enjoying this coffee cake as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or a dessert, it’s guaranteed to please. The combination of ease, flavor, and texture makes it a go-to option for any occasion. So, the next time you’re brewing a pot of coffee and craving something sweet, whip up this easy coffee cake recipe and indulge in a slice of heaven.