Coffee Cake Recipe

Introduction

This easy Coffee Cake is a simple homemade treat with a soft, tender cake layer, a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar streusel, and a sweet icing drizzle. Chopped walnuts add a little crunch, but they can easily be left out.

Despite its name, coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee. It’s traditionally served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a lovely choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Course: Breakfast, Dessert
• Cuisine: American-inspired

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Streusel

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped walnuts, optional

For the Icing Drizzle

• 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk, plus extra if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round or square baking pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, vanilla, sugar, and milk until smooth.

Add the salt and baking powder, then gradually mix in the flour.

Stir just until the flour is incorporated. Avoid overmixing so the finished cake stays soft and tender.

3. Make the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.

Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly streusel.

Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.

4. Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar streusel evenly over the top.

5. Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.

6. Make the Icing

While the cake cools, mix the room-temperature butter and powdered sugar together.

Add 1 tablespoon of milk and stir until smooth.

If the icing is too thick, add a small amount of extra milk until it reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency.

7. Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the icing over the slightly warm or completely cooled coffee cake.

Slice and serve with your favorite coffee or tea.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix only until the flour disappears for a softer cake.
• Use room-temperature butter for the icing: It blends more easily with the powdered sugar.
• Don’t skip the streusel: The cinnamon-brown sugar topping gives this cake its classic coffee cake texture and flavor.
• Chop the walnuts finely: Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the streusel.
• Check the cake early: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking around the 30-minute mark.
• Let it cool slightly: The cake becomes easier to slice as it cools.

Ingredient Substitutions

Vegetable Oil

Canola oil works well, as listed in the recipe. Any other neutral-flavored cooking oil can also be used.

Milk

Regular milk can be used. If you prefer a slightly richer cake, whole milk is a good option.

Walnuts

The walnuts are optional. You can leave them out for a nut-free version.

Icing

If you prefer a less sweet coffee cake, you can reduce or skip the icing drizzle.

Recipe Variations

Walnut Coffee Cake

Use the optional walnuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor throughout the streusel.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Leave out the walnuts and use only the brown sugar and cinnamon streusel for a classic cinnamon topping.

Extra Streusel

For a more generous topping, spread the streusel evenly over the entire cake before baking.

Simple Coffee Cake

Skip the icing drizzle and serve the cake with just the cinnamon streusel topping.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Individual slices can be gently warmed in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

You can also freeze the cake without the icing for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely before adding the drizzle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this coffee cake with:

• Hot coffee
• Black tea
• Chai tea
• Fresh berries
• A spoonful of whipped cream
• Fresh fruit

It’s especially good when served slightly warm so the cinnamon streusel is soft and fragrant.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, based on 10 servings:

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coffee cake contain coffee?

No. Traditional coffee cake usually does not contain coffee. The name refers to the fact that it’s commonly served alongside coffee or tea.

Can I leave out the walnuts?

Yes. The walnuts are optional, so you can simply omit them from the streusel.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake it a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. Add the icing before serving or shortly before.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

Why is my coffee cake dense?

Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten and make the cake dense. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.

Can I freeze coffee cake?

Yes. For the best texture, freeze the cake without the icing. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make it without nuts?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the walnuts. The cinnamon-brown sugar streusel will still give the cake plenty of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This easy Coffee Cake is a wonderful homemade recipe when you want something simple, comforting, and full of cinnamon flavor. The soft cake, crumbly brown sugar streusel, and light icing drizzle make every slice satisfying without requiring complicated baking techniques.

Serve it with a warm cup of coffee for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed afternoon treat.

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