Coffee Cake Recipe

This classic coffee cake is a crowd-pleasing, buttery, and cinnamon-infused delight that’s as perfect for breakfast as it is for dessert. With a moist and tender crumb and layers of sweet cinnamon sugar, this simple yet comforting recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for sharing at brunches, holidays, or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour

• Uses pantry staples—no special ingredients needed

• Incredibly soft and moist with a cinnamon sugar swirl

• Great for breakfast, brunch, or snacking

• Kid-approved and family-favorite

• Customizable with fruit or nuts

• Can be made ahead for convenience

• Feeds a crowd—perfect for potlucks

• Simple steps, no fancy equipment needed

• Reheats well and stores beautifully

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or applesauce or melted coconut oil)

• 1¼ cups milk

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1¼ cups packed light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ¼–⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional additions:

• 1½ cups blueberries or chopped apples (for fruity variation)

• Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts (for crunch)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Make the batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

3. Layer the cake:
Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.

4. Add remaining batter and topping:
Carefully dollop the rest of the batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, spreading it gently with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Drizzle melted butter over the top layer.

5. Bake:
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool slightly and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 15
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Berry Coffee Cake: Add 1½ cups of blueberries or chopped strawberries to the batter before baking.

• Nut Topping: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds for extra crunch.

• Apple Cinnamon Twist: Stir in 1½ cups of finely chopped apples for a fall-inspired version.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk and oil.

• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon mix.

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop dollops of sweetened cream cheese throughout for a richer texture.

• Mini Coffee Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for portable, single-serving treats.

• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in ¾ cup of mini chocolate chips for a fun variation.

• Iced Finish: Drizzle with vanilla glaze once cooled for a bakery-style finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week in the fridge.

• Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Microwave individual slices in 10-second increments. For oven reheating, wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for making the night before. Bake it fully, cover, and store at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

It’s best to bake it fresh. However, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but for best results, bake each batch in its own 9×13 pan.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done?

The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier twist.

Can I add a glaze or frosting?

Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze adds a delicious touch.

Is this coffee cake overly sweet?

It’s sweet but well-balanced, especially when served with coffee or tea.

Do I need a mixer to make this?

Nope! This is a simple mix-by-hand recipe—no mixer required.

Why is it called coffee cake if it has no coffee in it?

It’s traditionally served alongside coffee, not made with it—hence the name.

Conclusion

This easy coffee cake recipe is the definition of comfort baking: warm, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon goodness. Whether you’re preparing a special brunch, hosting guests, or just craving a sweet treat to pair with your morning coffee, this cake checks every box. With endless ways to customize and simple prep, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.