If you’re on the hunt for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe will be your new go-to. It’s perfectly tender with a delightful crumb topping that adds just the right touch of sweet spice and crunch. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekend brunch or a comforting afternoon snack, this cake brings a simple, classic flavor that everyone will adore. The ease of the recipe means you can whip it up quickly, no fuss, and enjoy a homemade cake that tastes like it took hours to perfect.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, making sure your coffee cake turns out moist, flavorful, and irresistibly tender. You’ll notice how simple staples work together beautifully to create the perfect balance of sweetness, crumbly texture, and a lovely golden color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Foundation of the cake that provides structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that gives the cake a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates richness and moistness in the cake.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and adds creaminess.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping): Adds a soft, crumbly contrast to the cake’s surface.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel flavor to the crumb topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates the signature crumbly topping texture when cut in.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice punch that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar topping.
How to Make Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This is your dry base that ensures the cake will rise perfectly and have a tender crumb.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until the batter is smooth and homogenous — this is where your cake’s moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture begins to develop.
Step 3: Pour the Batter
Transfer your luscious batter into a prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This creates an even layer for the crumb topping to sit on and bake beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly with pea-sized clumps. This topping is what makes this recipe truly feel like a homey classic.
Step 5: Sprinkle and Bake
Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over your cake batter, giving every inch a cozy blanket of sweet, cinnamon-spiced crumbles. Pop it into the oven and bake until the top is golden and the cake springs back when touched.
How to Serve Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe is lovely as is, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate it to show-stopping status. Adding a few toasted nuts on top can also add extra crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your coffee cake into charming rectangles or squares and layer them on a rustic wooden board alongside coffee cups for a casual yet inviting spread. For a crowd-pleaser, serve it with small bowls of berry compote or whipped cream on the side so everyone can customize their slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain its lovely crumb texture. Beyond that, refrigeration is best to keep it fresh but bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze slices of this coffee cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. This makes it perfect to prepare in advance for unexpected guests or a future treat.
Reheating
Warm up slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or place them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil to freshen up the texture. Reheating brings back that just-baked feel you’ll love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this coffee cake?
All-purpose flour is best for the balance of structure and tenderness, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends if needed, keeping in mind the texture might slightly change.
Is it necessary to use whole milk?
Whole milk gives the best richness, but you can substitute with 2% or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk without drastically affecting the cake’s texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk. The cake will still be delicious and tender.
How long should I bake the coffee cake?
Bake until the crumb topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically around 40 to 45 minutes depending on your oven.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans fold nicely into the topping or batter, and fresh berries lightly stirred into the batter add a lovely burst of freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe is a delightful kitchen staple that brings effortless joy to your day. It’s simple to make, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers comfort in every bite. Whether for your family or friends, this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite that people ask for again and again. So go ahead, pull out your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to a homemade classic that tastes like warmth and happiness.
Print
Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Easy Coffee Cake is a moist, tender cake topped with a sweet cinnamon crumble. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack alongside your favorite cup of coffee, it blends simple ingredients to create a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients into Dry: Add the softened butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined without lumps.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the prepared batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cold cubed butter.
- Form the Crumbs: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the crumb topping ingredients until they form a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Top the Batter: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Bake the Coffee Cake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of softened in the batter.
- You can add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins to the crumb topping for added texture.
- Make sure the butter is cold when making the crumb topping to achieve a nice crumbly texture.
- If you prefer a lighter crumb topping, reduce cinnamon to 1/2 teaspoon.
- The coffee cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
