Imagine waking up to a warm slice of coffee cake, the enticing aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen. This delightful, buttery cake is perfect for intimate gatherings, lazy Sunday brunches, or even a simple afternoon treat. With its soft texture and delicious streusel filling, it’s a go-to recipe that never disappoints. Made with easy-to-find ingredients, coffee cake is as comforting as it is delectable, promising to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This coffee cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First off, it combines the richness of buttermilk with the right balance of spices, creating a cake with incredible depth of flavor that feels gourmet yet is so easy to prepare. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re having friends over for coffee or celebrating a special birthday.

"This coffee cake is simply the best! It’s moist and packed with flavor. Everyone who tries it keeps asking for the recipe!" – Maria, passionate home baker

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a sweet breakfast option or a delightful dessert. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it accessible for all households. No complicated steps or fancy techniques—just simple baking magic that anyone can achieve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making coffee cake doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. This recipe breaks it down into straightforward steps that will have you feeling like a seasoned baker in no time. You’ll combine dry ingredients with wet ones and layer in a sweet streusel filling to elevate the flavor. Anticipate your kitchen filling with warm, sweet scents as this delicious creation bakes!

What You’ll Need

To embark on this coffee cake adventure, gather the following 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 (for the streusel)
½ cup brown sugar (light, firmly packed)
½ Tablespoon cinnamon (for the streusel)
¼ cup butter (cubed, for the streusel)
⅛ teaspoon salt (for the streusel)
½ cup powdered sugar (for the drizzle)
2½ teaspoons milk (for the drizzle)

Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can simply mix milk with a dash of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes—it’s a perfect substitute!

Cooking Steps

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For easy cleanup, you can line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
For the streusel filling, in a small bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, both sugars, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and cubed butter. Mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel filling over the batter in the dish. Then, pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out gently.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While it’s baking, prepare the drizzle by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling the icing on top.

Serving Ideas

The best way to serve coffee cake is warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. Pair it with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate experience. It makes a delightful breakfast option, or serve it as an accompaniment to dessert. Slice it up and plate with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of elegance.

Keeping Coffee Cake Fresh Longer

Store any leftover coffee cake at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and it’ll keep well for about 2 months.

Safety Tip: Always ensure cakes are completely cooled before storing them to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.

Helpful Hints

Egg Temperature is Key: Make sure your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature—it really helps the batter come together smoothly.
Don’t Skimp on Streusel: A generous layer of streusel can take your coffee cake to another level; feel free to adjust the quantity to your taste.
Check Your Oven: Baking times may vary based on your oven’s accuracy; check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.

Flavor Variations

Want to spice things up? Here are a few creative twists you can try:

Add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Substitute the cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.
Mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for additional sweetness.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make this coffee cake?

The entire process, from prep to bake, usually takes around one hour, making it a relatively quick treat!

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar texture.

Is it possible to make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to find one that is a 1:1 swap ratio for best results.

This coffee cake is not just another recipe—it’s an invitation to gather, share, and enjoy sweet moments over a slice of delightful goodness. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes a cherished family tradition!

Delicious Coffee Cake

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful, buttery coffee cake with a sweet streusel filling, perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (for the streusel)
½ cup brown sugar (light, firmly packed)
½ tablespoon cinnamon (for the streusel)
¼ cup butter (cubed, for the streusel)
⅛ teaspoon salt (for the streusel)
½ cup powdered sugar (for the drizzle)
2½ teaspoons milk (for the drizzle)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
For the streusel filling, in a small bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, both sugars, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and cubed butter. Mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel filling over the batter in the dish. Then, pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out gently.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the drizzle by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth while the cake is baking.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling the icing on top.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with coffee or tea.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: coffee cake, dessert, brunch, baking