Name: Easy Coffee Cake Recipe with Streusel Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Dash salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ¾ cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 egg yolk; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt

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Coffee Cake is one of those recipes that feels like home. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy morning with your family or sharing it with friends, this simple yet satisfying cake always delivers. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require any fancy techniques, and the buttery streusel topping makes every bite feel special.

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Whenever I host brunch or need something quick for a holiday morning, Coffee Cake is my go-to. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re serving it alongside a pot of coffee for a relaxed breakfast or as part of a festive spread. I love that it’s a no-stress option that looks like you put in more effort than you actually did—it’s a little slice of comfort that always brings smiles to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Ingredients for a delightful coffee cake on a table: eggs, brown sugar, sugar, butter, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, sour cream, and all-purpose flour. — Coffee Cake Ingredients. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

How to Make Coffee Cake with Step-by-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Making this Coffee Cake is simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Just follow my easy steps!

Preheat and create the streusel topping

Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350°F), grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.

A bowl of flour and brown sugar with a spoon sits invitingly, evoking thoughts of a cozy coffee cake. Nearby, a small dish of cinnamon adds warmth, all set against the backdrop of a beige cloth on a light surface. — Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.

A bowl with flour and spices ready for a coffee cake, a spoon, and a splash of liquid, surrounded by small bowls and a cloth on a light surface. — Stir in the melted butter.

A bowl of crumbly coffee cake mixture with a spoon, surrounded by small plates of yogurt, spices, and flour on a light surface. A brown cloth is draped nearby. — Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set this aside—it’s going to be the star of the show later.

Prepare the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting a soft, moist cake.

Top view of baking ingredients for coffee cake, featuring butter and sugar in a bowl, flour, cinnamon on a spoon, sour cream in another bowl, and a brown cloth on a light surface. — Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl.

A mixing bowl with batter, cracked eggs, and vanilla sets the stage for a delightful coffee cake creation. Surrounding it are bowls of flour, yogurt, and a small plate with cinnamon. A wooden spoon and brown cloth add rustic charm to the surface. — Add the egg, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla extract.

A person mixes dough for a coffee cake in a white bowl with an electric hand mixer. Nearby, there are bowls of flour, cinnamon, and additional ingredients on a light countertop. — Mix until well combined and smooth.

Add the egg, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

A mixing bowl with flour and a batter mixture perfect for coffee cake. A small plate with cinnamon powder and a spoon sits nearby on a light surface. A brown cloth is partially visible on the side. — Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

A bowl with a dough mixture being stirred with a wooden spoon, surrounded by flour and cinnamon on a light surface, promises the comforting aroma of homemade coffee cake. — Add them to the wet mixture.

A white bowl containing thick dough for coffee cake sits with a wooden spoon. Nearby, a small plate with cinnamon complements the scene, alongside a brown cloth. — Stir gently until just combined.

Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—your batter should still be light and airy.

Assemble and bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over the batter. For a little extra flair, use a knife or skewer to swirl the streusel into the batter.

A baking tray with uncooked coffee cake batter lined with parchment paper sits ready for the oven; beside it, a small plate holds cocoa powder and a spoon. — Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

A baking tray with an unbaked coffee cake, topped with a crumble, rests on parchment paper. Beside it sits a small plate with a spoonful of cinnamon, ready to enhance the flavors. — Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over the batter and bake for 30 minutes.

Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180ºC (350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan completely before slicing into squares and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade coffee cake!

A delectable sliced coffee cake with a crumbly streusel topping sits invitingly on parchment paper, surrounded by a cozy cloth, a gleaming plate with spoons, a steaming cup of coffee, and a small bowl of aromatic cinnamon. — Let the cake cool before slicing.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are my best tips to make sure your Coffee Cake turns out amazing every single time:

Use parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment makes removing the cake a breeze.
Room temperature ingredients: Soft butter and room-temperature eggs blend together more easily for a smooth batter and better texture.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Double the streusel: Love the topping? Double the streusel ingredients for an even more indulgent layer.
Make it your own: Add extras like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for a unique twist.
Test with a toothpick: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Cool in the pan: Let the cake cool fully in the pan to avoid it breaking apart when you slice it.

Close-up of a moist coffee cake with sliced layers and a delightful crumbly streusel topping on a parchment-lined surface. — Coffee Cake. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

How to Store Leftover Coffee Cake

This cinnamon coffee cake stores well, which means you can make it ahead.

Keep your Coffee Cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and let it thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Close-up of crumbly coffee cake squares with a golden brown topping resting on parchment paper, capturing the essence of freshly baked comfort. — Coffee Cake. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home

I’ve got plenty of other delicious dessert recipes for you to try!

Easy Coffee Cake Recipe with Streusel Topping

Coffee Cake is the ultimate feel-good recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simple, no-fuss process and buttery streusel topping make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether it’s for a cozy family morning or a festive holiday brunch, it fits right in. It’s a comforting, homemade treat that always brings warmth and smiles to the table.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Coffee Cake Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 221kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

8 inch square baking pan

Ingredients

Streusel Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash salt
¼ cup unsalted butter melted

Coffee Cake:

½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

For the streusel:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, and set aside.
¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, Dash salt, ¼ cup unsalted butter

For the cake:

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
½ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, ½ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter and lightly swirl it into the surface with a knife.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Enjoy your coffee cake!

Notes

Use parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment makes removing the cake a breeze.
Room temperature ingredients: Soft butter and room-temperature eggs blend together more easily for a smooth batter and better texture.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Double the streusel: Love the topping? Double the streusel ingredients for an even more indulgent layer.
Make it your own: Add extras like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for a unique twist.
Test with a toothpick: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Cool in the pan: Let the cake cool fully in the pan to avoid it breaking apart when you slice it.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Easy Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need