Coffee Cake

Baking a delicious coffee cake fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that instantly transports you to a cozy café. This delightful treat combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of sugar, and the comforting flavor of cinnamon. Ready in under an hour, it works perfectly for brunch or as a sweet afternoon snack.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to treat friends or family to something special. Enjoy it during a gathering or make it to brighten your morning with a cup of coffee. You can prepare the cake a day in advance; just store it properly for freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It has a tender, moist texture thanks to the eggs and milk.
• The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch with each bite.
• It takes less than an hour from start to finish.
• It’s versatile; enjoy it plain or with icing!

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious coffee cake.

For the Cake

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

For the Streusel Topping

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

For the Icing (optional)

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

Walnuts can be skipped for a nut-free version.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Canola oil can replace vegetable oil.
• Brown sugar can be substituted with white sugar.
• Add pecans instead of walnuts for another nutty flavor.
• Almond milk works well for a dairy-free option.

How to Make It

Dive into the baking process with these simple steps.

Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly.

Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat together the egg, oil, vanilla, and sugar until smooth. Gradually add in milk, salt, baking powder, and flour, mixing until just combined.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and walnuts (if using). Mix until crumbly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure you measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Let the cake cool slightly before icing to avoid melting.
• For a richer flavor, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla.
• Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
• Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
• Make it a dessert option with vanilla ice cream on the side.