Irresistible Coffee Cake Recipe

Fluffy Homemade Coffee Cake Recipe: Morning Bliss in Bites

On lazy weekend mornings, a warm slice of homemade coffee cake with crumbly streusel topping instantly brightens the day.

This classic coffee cake recipe delivers comfort in every delectable bite.

Generations of bakers have perfected this sweet, tender treat that pairs perfectly with a steaming mug of java.

Soft, buttery layers mingle with cinnamon-rich crumbs that create an irresistible texture.

The aroma wafting through the kitchen promises pure morning bliss.

Each forkful combines rich, moist cake with a delightful crunchy topping that melts in your mouth.

Gather your ingredients and let’s bake a breakfast classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients That Go into Marbled Coffee Cake

For Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar: Fine, silky sugar that creates a smooth, glossy coating with a sweet finish, perfect for drizzling over baked goods.
  • Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps thin the sugar to achieve a perfect drizzling consistency, bringing a creamy texture to the glaze.
For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb, ensuring a classic cake texture that's light and soft.
  • Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior while keeping the cake moist.
  • Baking Powder: Magical leavening agent that helps the cake rise evenly and creates a soft, airy interior.
  • Salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances the sweetness, bringing depth to the cake's taste profile.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together, add moisture, and contribute to the cake's rich, tender texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings luxurious flavor, creates tender crumb, and adds incredible richness to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire cake's flavor experience.
For Marbling and Flavor:
  • Cocoa Powder: Introduces deep chocolate notes and creates beautiful dark swirls throughout the cake.
  • Instant Coffee Powder: Adds robust coffee undertones that complement the chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Baking Tools for Marbled Coffee Cake

  • 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect cake size and shape.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
  • Cooking spray: Helps parchment paper release the cake smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining cake and streusel ingredients.
  • Whisk or spatula: Perfect for mixing batter until smooth and lump-free.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
  • Small bowl: Used for preparing the glaze.
  • Whisk or fork: Helps mix glaze ingredients to a smooth consistency.

Marbled Coffee Cake Instructions You Can Follow

  • Streusel Foundation

A delightful base of crunchy goodness combining nutty walnuts, warm cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar crumbles that will add texture and flavor to the cake.

  • Cake Batter Preparation

Smooth blend of classic ingredients whisked together to create a silky, rich foundation that serves as the canvas for our marbled masterpiece.

  • Layering Magic

Carefully pour the batter in stages, sprinkling streusel between layers to create beautiful swirls and pockets of delicious crunch throughout the cake.

  • Oven Transformation

Bake the cake until it reaches a gorgeous golden color, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that signals a perfect dessert is emerging.

  • Sweet Finishing Touch

Drizzle a simple, creamy glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to set and create a beautiful, glossy topping that adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Tips for Better Texture and Flavor in Coffee Cake

  • Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds to add unique texture and flavor to your coffee cake. Each nut brings its own delightful crunch and subtle taste.
  • Prepare the entire cake a day before serving. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature to enhance the flavors and keep it moist.
  • Fold in fresh blueberries, chocolate chips, or orange zest into the batter for an unexpected twist that elevates the classic coffee cake recipe.
  • Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer preservation, refrigerate for up to a week, bringing slices to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Marbled Coffee Cake Beautifully

  • Cozy Morning Companion: Pair this marbled coffee cake with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth cappuccino to enhance the breakfast experience.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the cake into elegant squares and serve alongside a classic Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated mid-day treat that complements the cake's rich flavors.
  • Dessert Presentation Magic: Garnish each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or a small dollop of whipped cream to elevate the cake's visual appeal and add extra texture.
  • Family Gathering Centerpiece: Create a beautiful dessert platter by arranging cake slices on a wooden board with fresh berries, creating an inviting and memorable sharing moment for loved ones.

Storing Marbled Coffee Cake for Days of Enjoyment

  • Slice and Serve Strategy: Cut cake into neat squares when completely cooled to maintain perfect shape and prevent crumbling. Store individual pieces in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go snacking.
  • Refrigeration Tips: Keep cake covered in airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain soft texture.
  • Counter Storage Solution: Leave cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Place under cake dome or cover with clean kitchen towel to protect from dust and keep fresh.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Slice cake before freezing for convenient portioning. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
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Irresistible Coffee Cake Recipe

Irresistible Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

This delightful coffee cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Warm cinnamon streusel tops a moist crumb that welcomes coffee lovers to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • ½ cup (113 g) butter
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9 x 13 inches baking pan with parchment paper, lightly spraying with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Streusel Creation: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, chopped walnuts, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Incorporate chilled butter by cutting and working it into the dry ingredients until a crumbly mixture develops with a sandy texture.
  3. Batter Fusion: Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Blend eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, mixing until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency with no lumps.
  4. Layering Technique: Spread half the cake batter evenly across the prepared pan, sprinkle with half the streusel mixture. Gently pour remaining batter over the first layer, then generously top with the remaining streusel, creating a marbled visual effect.
  5. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly.
  6. Finishing Touch: Whisk powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze, drizzling it elegantly across the cake’s surface. Allow the glaze to set for 10 minutes before cutting into servings.

Notes

  • Nail the Butter Temperature: Use chilled butter for streusel to create a perfectly crumbly texture that adds delightful crunch and richness to your coffee cake.
  • Master the Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the cake batter to prevent a tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender, light crumb.
  • Check Baking Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at an angle into the cake’s center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cake is perfectly baked.
  • Glaze with Precision: Let the cake cool slightly before adding glaze to prevent it from becoming too runny and ensure a beautiful, smooth drizzle that sets beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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