Fluffy Coffee Cake

By: CALVIN ROURKE

Published: September 15, 2025

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why make this recipe

Coffee Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Its tender, moist texture combined with a sugary, cinnamon streusel topping makes it an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. This recipe is simple enough for anyone to try, and its warm, inviting aroma will fill your kitchen and your heart with comfort.

how to make Coffee Cake

To get started with making Coffee Cake, follow these simple steps to ensure you create a perfect cake that everyone will love.

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 3 Tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup butter, cubed
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2½ teaspoons milk

Directions :

  1. Heat your oven to 375 degrees F. Optional: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Grease a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
  2. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, egg, and buttermilk until smooth.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared dish.
  6. Prepare the streusel filling by mixing together cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the dish.
  7. Pour the remaining batter on top of the streusel filling.
  8. In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Crumble this mixture on top of the remaining batter.
  9. Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let it cool before serving.

how to serve Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. You can dust the top with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate experience. It makes for a perfect addition to brunch or a lovely snack any time of the day.

how to store Coffee Cake

To store Coffee Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.

tips to make Coffee Cake

  • Make sure the butter and buttermilk are at room temperature for an even mix.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Customize the streusel topping by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
  • Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

variation

You can try adding fruits, such as blueberries or apples, into the batter for a fruity twist. This can enhance the flavor and add more moisture to the cake.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk. To mimic buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1½ cups of milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.

How can I make the cake healthier?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and cut down on sugar by using a sugar alternative or reducing the amount of brown sugar used.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes! Pour the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Print

Fluffy Coffee Cake

A delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with coffee, featuring tender, moist texture and a sugary, cinnamon streusel topping.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
  • By: Calvin Rourke
  • Category: Desserts
  • Difficulty: Not specified
  • Cuisine: Not specified
  • Yield: 9 Servings
  • Dietary: None

Ingredients

  • 01 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 02 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 03 ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 04 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 05 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 06 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 07 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 08 3 tablespoons softened butter
  • 09 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 10 ½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
  • 11 ½ cup brown sugar
  • 12 ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 13 ½ tablespoon cinnamon (for topping)
  • 14 ¼ cup butter, cubed
  • 15 ⅛ teaspoon salt (for topping)
  • 16 ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 17 2½ teaspoons milk

Instructions

Step 01

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 02

2. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

3. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, egg, and buttermilk until smooth.

Step 04

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 05

5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish.

Step 06

6. Prepare the streusel filling by mixing cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the batter.

Step 07

7. Pour the remaining batter on top of the streusel filling.

Step 08

8. In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients: flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Crumble this mixture on top of the remaining batter.

Step 09

9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 10

10. Let cool before serving.