Classic Coffee Cake

This Classic Coffee Cake is a heartwarming treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its soft and moist texture, combined with the rich cinnamon streusel topping, makes it a family favorite. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert.

Not only is this cake incredibly delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can serve it warm, fresh out of the oven, or enjoy it the next day with a cup of coffee or tea. The optional icing drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness, but this cake is just as delightful on its own. It’s the perfect combination of sweetness and spice, making every bite a delightful experience.

Full Recipe:

Cake

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups flour

Streusel

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Icing Drizzle (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (extra if needed)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add sugar, milk, oil, salt, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
3. Spoon the flour into measuring cups and pour over the wet ingredients. Sprinkle baking powder over the flour and gently mix into the batter until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
4. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9 baking dish.
5. For the streusel, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until well combined. Add the walnuts if using.
6. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the cake batter. Use your finger or the small end of a wooden spoon to poke the streusel halfway into the batter at random spots (12-18 times).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. For the optional icing drizzle, mix the butter and powdered sugar. Add milk as needed to reach the desired consistency. Lightly drizzle over the warm cake if desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal per serving | Servings: 9

History and Background

Coffee cake is a classic American treat that has been enjoyed for generations. Despite its name, traditional coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee. Instead, it gets its name because it’s meant to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee. The combination of a moist, tender cake with a sweet, crumbly streusel topping has made it a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, and casual gatherings. This recipe, with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, is reminiscent of the cakes that many families have enjoyed at their breakfast tables for years.

Tips and Variations

• Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can omit them from the streusel or substitute them with pecans or almonds. The cake is just as delicious without them!
• Add-ins: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh or frozen berries, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of fruit preserves to the batter before baking.
• Toppings: While the recipe includes an optional icing drizzle, you can also dust the cake with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
• Serving: This cake is best served warm, but it can also be stored and enjoyed at room temperature. For an extra cozy treat, serve it with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Storage: Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it moist, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
• Freezing: This coffee cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven if desired.
• Make-Ahead: This cake can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap before baking. In the morning, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Nutritional Information

While this coffee cake is a sweet treat, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately 220 kcal, making it a reasonable indulgence for breakfast or dessert. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie content, consider using a sugar substitute in the cake batter and streusel, or reduce the amount of sugar used overall.

Serving Suggestions

This coffee cake is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments:

• Morning Treat: Serve a warm slice with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
• Brunch Spread: Add it to a brunch table with fresh fruit, yogurt, and other pastries.
• Dessert Option: Enjoy it as a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• On-the-Go Snack: Cut it into squares for a quick and easy snack to take with you.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This coffee cake recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. The combination of a soft, moist cake with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping creates a delightful contrast in every bite. It’s an ideal recipe for beginners because it requires no special equipment and comes together quickly. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a casual family breakfast or a special brunch, this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.

The Secret to a Perfect Coffee Cake

Achieving the perfect coffee cake is all about balance and technique. Here are a few secrets to ensure your coffee cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overmix: One of the keys to a tender coffee cake is to avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Spoon and Level the Flour: For the best texture, spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents packing the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Moisture: The combination of oil and milk in this recipe ensures a moist cake that stays fresh for days. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the oil with melted butter.
• Streusel Topping: The streusel is what makes coffee cake so irresistible. Be generous with the streusel, and make sure to poke some of it into the batter to create pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness throughout the cake.

Customizing Your Coffee Cake

This coffee cake recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to create different variations based on your preferences or the season:

• Fruit Variations: Fold fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples into the batter for a fruity twist. You can also add a layer of fruit preserves in the middle of the batter for a surprise filling.
• Spices: While cinnamon is classic, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice in the streusel for a different flavor profile.
• Healthier Options: To make this coffee cake a bit healthier, you can use whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, swap the sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, and use Greek yogurt instead of some of the oil to reduce the fat content.
• Gluten-Free: To make this cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Coffee Cake Through the Seasons

This classic coffee cake can be adapted to suit any season:

• Fall: Add pumpkin puree to the batter and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the streusel for a pumpkin coffee cake. You can also incorporate chopped apples or pears for a fall-inspired treat.
• Winter: Infuse the batter with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add a handful of cranberries or a swirl of cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
• Spring: Incorporate fresh berries or a hint of lemon zest into the batter for a light and fresh flavor. Top with a lemon glaze instead of the traditional icing drizzle.
• Summer: Use stone fruits like peaches or nectarines, sliced and layered on top of the batter before adding the streusel.

Pairings and Serving Ideas

Coffee cake is versatile and pairs beautifully with various beverages and sides:

• Beverages: Serve with a steaming cup of coffee, a latte, or a hot tea to complement the cake’s flavors. For a refreshing contrast, try it with a glass of cold brew or iced tea in warmer months.
• Sides: Pair with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast. For a dessert option, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Presentation: For a brunch spread, arrange slices of coffee cake on a cake stand or a platter with fresh berries for an eye-catching display. If serving at a gathering, consider cutting the cake into smaller squares for easy sharing.

Coffee Cake’s Place in American Cuisine

Coffee cake has become a beloved part of American culinary traditions, often associated with cozy mornings and family gatherings. Its roots can be traced back to Europe, where various cultures, such as the Danish and German, have their own versions of coffee cakes often enjoyed with hot beverages. In America, coffee cake has evolved into a versatile baked good that’s not overly sweet, making it ideal for breakfast or a midday snack. Its popularity grew in the mid-20th century, aligning with the rise of casual coffee gatherings and brunch culture. Today, it remains a staple in home baking, cherished for its simplicity and comforting flavors.

Conclusion

This Classic Coffee Cake is a timeless recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy breakfast to an elegant brunch. Its soft, moist texture paired with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping makes it an irresistible treat. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, this coffee cake is a versatile favorite that brings warmth and comfort to every slice. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it to guests, it’s sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.