If you’ve ever longed for a treat that transforms an ordinary morning into a mini celebration, the Best Easy Coffee Cake will knock your socks off. This is classic comfort, bringing together the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of a buttery streusel, and the tender crumb that only sour cream can deliver. Whether you serve it for weekend brunch, share it with colleagues, or stash a piece for a secret snack, this easy coffee cake guarantees big smiles. From the first irresistible bite to the very last crumb, you’ll see why it’s truly our Best Easy Coffee Cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, staple pantry ingredients are the real heroes in the Best Easy Coffee Cake. Each one plays an essential role—creating a cake with richness, tenderness, and that all-important ribbon of cinnamon swirl. Let’s break down exactly what makes this cake sing:
- All-purpose flour: The structural backbone of the cake, providing a tender crumb while supporting the layers of streusel.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delightfully moist texture throughout the cake.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The key to both richness and that melt-in-your-mouth feel—be sure it’s soft for easy creaming!
- Sour cream: This is the secret ingredient that keeps the cake wonderfully moist and slightly tangy.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add just the right amount of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Warm, aromatic, and absolutely essential for rounding out the cake’s flavors.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners work in tandem for the perfect, fluffy rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cake beautifully.
- Brown sugar (for streusel): Brings depth and a caramel-like sweetness to the crunchy topping.
- Ground cinnamon (for streusel): The classic warm spice that defines a truly irresistible coffee cake.
- All-purpose flour (for streusel): Helps create that delightful, crumbly texture in the topping.
- Cold butter, cut into pieces (for streusel): Makes the streusel perfectly crisp and golden as it bakes.
How to Make Best Easy Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect baking temperature for an even golden crust and a moist, tender center. A generous greasing of your 9×9-inch baking pan ensures that not a crumb will be left behind when you go to serve.
Step 2: Mix Up the Streusel Topping
Grab a small bowl and combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Next, add the cold butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture looks like chunky, delicious sand. Set this magical topping aside—it’s going to become the best part of your Best Easy Coffee Cake!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for airiness and structure—it’s what makes this coffee cake so soft and irresistible.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before you move to the next. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. These ingredients make the cake extra rich and flavorful—don’t skip or rush this step.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, gently folding just until you can’t see any dry flour. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, so keep a light touch!
Step 6: Assemble with Streusel Layers
Spoon half the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the streusel loosely over this layer, ensuring coverage from corner to corner. Top with the remaining batter and smooth gently, then finish with all remaining streusel for a generous crown of cinnamon crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The Best Easy Coffee Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing, so each square holds together beautifully when served.
How to Serve Best Easy Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar across the top adds a touch of sweetness and makes the coffee cake look extra inviting. For a fancier finish, try drizzling with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or add a handful of fresh berries right before serving for a lovely color pop.
Side Dishes
The Best Easy Coffee Cake truly shines alongside a fresh fruit salad or a big bowl of berries. For brunch, serve with creamy Greek yogurt, crisp bacon, or scrambled eggs to round out the meal. And of course, a hot cup of coffee or tea is always the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a breakfast buffet or potluck—these are guaranteed to disappear fast! Try stacking alternating layers of coffee cake squares and whipped cream in parfait glasses for a fun twist. You can also bake the cake in muffin tins for individual treats that are perfect for on-the-go mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Best Easy Coffee Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop the cake in the fridge—just be sure it’s wrapped well to prevent drying out. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this a fabulous make-ahead treat for guests.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes like a dream! Cut into individual squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and stash in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months; when the craving strikes, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a freshly baked flavor.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and pop in a 300°F oven until heated through—this helps restore moisture and keeps the streusel crisp.
FAQs
Can I add nuts to the Best Easy Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! For extra crunch and flavor, stir ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping before layering it over the batter. This little addition makes each bite even more irresistible.
Is it possible to make this coffee cake ahead for a brunch party?
Definitely. You can bake the entire cake a day or two before your event. Keep it tightly covered, and it will remain moist and flavorful—many people agree it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What if I only have salted butter?
No problem! Just use salted butter and reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch. The cake will still turn out delicious and perfectly balanced.
Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, plain full-fat yogurt works well in this recipe if you don’t have sour cream on hand. It provides similar moisture and a hint of tang that keeps the cake tender and flavorful.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
Your Best Easy Coffee Cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking—that’s the secret to a moist, tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Best Easy Coffee Cake at home. With its irresistible cinnamon streusel and melt-in-your-mouth crumb, it’s destined to become one of your new favorites. Invite friends, brew some fresh coffee, and share a slice of comfort—this cake turns any day into a special occasion!
Print
Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delectable Best Easy Coffee Cake recipe that is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day. With a moist sour cream base and a cinnamon streusel topping, this classic coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Make the streusel: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- Prepare the batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Layer and bake: Spread half of the batter in the pan, sprinkle half of the streusel. Add remaining batter, top with remaining streusel. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a nutty twist, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel.
- This coffee cake tastes even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
