Classic Coffee Cake

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Classic Coffee Cake with its tender crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re indulging in a morning treat or serving it at a cozy gathering, this cake is sure to hit the spot. Picture yourself enjoying a warm piece with a cup of coffee, the perfect balance of sweetness and spice melting in your mouth. Trust me—this is the kind of cake that makes everything feel a little cozier, a little sweeter, and a lot more delicious. Get ready to whip up a comforting classic that everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love Classic Coffee Cake

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The subtle sweetness of the cake is complemented by the rich cinnamon swirl and the nutty streusel topping. It’s like a hug in cake form.
• Versatile: Serve it at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or even for dessert. This cake fits any occasion, big or small.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this coffee cake comes together without any fuss. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll feel like a pro.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Its comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults. You can always count on this cake to disappear quickly when you serve it!

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this delicious coffee cake. Simple ingredients, but oh-so-satisfying:

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to soft, pillowy perfection.
• Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to give the cake that light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and add to the cake’s moistness.
• Vanilla extract: For that warm, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
• Sour cream: Gives the cake its moistness and a slight tang that complements the sweetness perfectly.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the swirl, providing that irresistible warmth and spice.

For the Streusel Topping:

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crumbly topping.
• Butter: For richness and texture in the streusel.
• Cinnamon: To tie the topping together and give it a little spice.
• All-purpose flour: Helps create the crumbly texture that’s perfect on top of the cake.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a crunchy, nutty addition to the streusel (optional, but highly recommended!).

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to bake? Let’s get started on this sweet, cinnamon-infused masterpiece!

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the softened butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. If you’re using nuts, fold them in. Set the streusel aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set this aside for the swirl.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Add half of the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined. Then, add the sour cream and mix again. Finally, add the remaining dry flour mixture and mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 5: Layer the Cake

Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar swirl over the batter, then gently swirl it with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.

Add the rest of the batter on top, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar swirl over the top, then use a knife to swirl it gently.

Step 6: Add the Streusel

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the oven and bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end—you don’t want it to overbake!

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares or wedges, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrate: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake

• For Breakfast: A slice of this coffee cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the ideal morning treat!
• As a Snack: This cake is also perfect for an afternoon snack. A little sweetness and spice to power you through the day.
• For Dessert: Serve this at the end of a cozy meal, with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you want to elevate it.

Additional Tips

• Add-ins: If you want to get creative, consider adding fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples into the batter for an extra twist.
• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and delicious!
• Make Ahead: You can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can make this coffee cake a day ahead. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld!

Q2: Can I use a different kind of nut for the streusel topping?
A2: Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts would work beautifully in the streusel. You can also skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.

Q3: Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one replacement to maintain the texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cooled coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Q5: Can I use low-fat sour cream?
A5: Yes, you can swap in low-fat or non-fat sour cream, though the cake might be slightly less rich.

Q6: Can I use a bundt pan instead of a round cake pan?
A6: Yes, you can! Just be sure to grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly, and check the cake 5–10 minutes earlier to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Q7: Can I make the cinnamon swirl stronger?
A7: Definitely! If you love cinnamon, you can add more cinnamon to the swirl mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Q8: Can I make this coffee cake vegan?
A8: Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based sour cream or yogurt. Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute.

Q9: How should I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Q10: Can I add other spices to the batter?
A10: Absolutely! You can experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile. A pinch of allspice would also be a great addition to the cinnamon swirl!

Conclusion

Classic Coffee Cake is the kind of treat that makes every day feel like a special occasion. With its buttery, cinnamon-spiced layers and crunchy streusel topping, it’s the perfect cake to share with friends and family or enjoy with your morning coffee. It’s easy to make, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. So go ahead, bake this up, and get ready to savor every bite!

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