Flavors Worth Savoring
The Best Homemade Coffee Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Make
The smell of freshly baked coffee cake is pure bliss. When you take your first bite, the moist, buttery crumb melts in your mouth. The cinnamon-sugar crumble layers create a flavor symphony that feels like a cozy Sunday morning.
This homemade coffee cake is more than just a breakfast treat. It’s a reminder of the simple joys in life that bring us together. It fills our hearts with warmth.
The secret to this amazing coffee cake is the perfect mix of ingredients and careful attention to detail. The high-quality butter gives it a rich, velvety texture. The flour and sugar are measured just right to make a dense yet tender crumb.
Every part of this recipe is crafted to give you an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this coffee cake will become a favorite in your baking collection.
Discover the full recipeand learn the secrets to baking the ultimate homemade coffee cake. Your family and friends will love it.
Why This Classic Coffee Cake Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
Enjoy the amazing smell and soft texture of a classic coffee cake. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. This cinnamon coffee cake is sure to be your favorite.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This coffee cake has layers of flavors. The cake is moist and buttery, with cinnamon adding warmth. The topping is crunchy and sweet, thanks to cinnamon sugar. Sour cream makes the cake tender and rich.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This coffee cake is special because of its double crumb topping. Cornstarch makes the topping light and airy. It’s a classic recipe with German roots, loved for its history and taste.
Origin and History
Coffee cake isn’t made with coffee. It’s called that because it’s served with coffee. It started in Central Europe in the 17th century. Now, it’s a favorite in the United States.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Coffee Cake Recipe
Making the perfect homemade coffee cake needs top-notch ingredients. It starts with a buttery cake base and a crumbly streusel topping. These add warmth and texture. Let’s look at what makes this recipe special.
The cake’s heart is all-purpose flour, giving it structure and a soft crumb. Cornstarch makes it light and airy. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise well. A bit of salt boosts the flavor.
For the cake’s rich base, use room-temperature unsalted butter and vegetable oil. They add moisture and a subtle richness. White and light brown sugar add sweetness and depth. Eggs and vanilla extract bind the ingredients and add aroma.
Sour cream is the secret that makes this coffee cake stand out. It adds moisture, tang, and a luscious texture. The streusel topping, made with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, contrasts beautifully with the cake.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 and 1/2 cups (180 g) |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup (30 g) |
| Baking Powder | 1 and 1/2 teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter (room temperature) | 1/4 cup (56 g) |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/4 cup (53 g) |
| White Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup (150 g) |
| Light Brown Sugar | 3/4 cup (150 g) |
| Eggs (room temperature) | 2 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Buttermilk (room temperature) | 1 cup (225 g) |
| All-Purpose Flour (for streusel) | 1 cup (120 g) |
| Ground Cinnamon (for streusel) | 2 teaspoons |
| Unsalted Butter, melted (for streusel) | 6 tablespoons (85 g) |
Choosing and measuring these quality ingredients carefully will make a coffee cake that’s truly exceptional. The flavors are balanced, the crumb is tender, and the streusel topping is irresistible. This recipe will become your new favorite.
The Secret to an Irresistible Crumb Topping
The secret to a memorable crumbly streusel topping is finding the right mix of ingredients and technique. This homemade coffee cake topping makes the recipe stand out, taking it to a new level of taste.
Creating the Perfect Streusel Texture
Melted butter is the key to a soft and thick streusel. Adding a bit of cornstarch keeps it from getting too hard when baked. This results in a crumbly streusel topping that’s soft and melts in your mouth, perfect with the moist cake below.
Double Layer Crumb Technique
- This recipe uses a special “double layer” method for the coffee cake topping. First, some crumb mix is spread over the cake batter, adding a special center.
- Then, the rest of the crumb topping is spread over the top, making sure every part gets a good amount of crumbly streusel topping.
Tips for Even Distribution
To get an even layer of crumbly streusel topping on the cake, squeeze and crumble the mix over the top. This method makes sure every bite is covered, resulting in a perfectly baked coffee cake topping with a great texture.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Making the perfect coffee cake is a fun process. Start by making the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Add 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set it aside while you make the cake batter.
To make the cake, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cake flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. In another large bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of full-fat sour cream, mixing well after each addition.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping over the batter.
- Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it gently to cover the crumb layer.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 30-45 minutes before removing it.
- Dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.
This classic coffee cake recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The buttery, moist crumb and the cinnamon-sugar swirl make it irresistible. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert. Follow these steps to bake the how to make coffee cake that will impress everyone.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 55 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 12 servings | 1 9-inch coffee cake |
For the best coffee cake baking tips, use room temperature ingredients and follow the proper mixing techniques. This will help you achieve the perfect moist, crumb texture. Enjoy your freshly baked coffee cake, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your loved ones!
Making the Ultimate Buttery Cake Base
The secret to a moist and tasty coffee cake lies in the cake base. Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are room temperature before you start. This ensures the ingredients mix well, creating a soft, rich crumb that’s perfect for the streusel topping.
Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
When the butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature, they mix better. This leads to a batter that’s smooth and even. The result is a cake that’s soft and fluffy.
Proper Mixing Techniques
First, cream the butter and sugars until they’re light and fluffy. Then, add the rest of the ingredients. This step is key for a moist, buttery crumb. When you mix in the dry ingredients, do it gently but thoroughly. This prevents the cake from becoming tough and dense.
Achieving the Perfect Moisture Level
Sour cream is the magic ingredient for this coffee cake’s moistness. If you don’t have sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute. The recipe uses melted butter to create a soft, loose crumb. This crumb is the perfect match for the streusel topping.
