Moist Coffee Cake Recipe

Fluffy Homemade Coffee Cake Recipe for Morning Joy

Mornings burst with warmth when fresh homemade coffee cake emerges from the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of cinnamon and buttery goodness.

Every slice of this classic coffee cake promises comfort and nostalgia in a single bite.

The tender crumb and delicate streusel topping create a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Bakers love how simple ingredients come together to craft something truly magical.

Rich layers of flavor dance between soft cake and crumbly topping, making each forkful a delightful experience.

Served alongside a steaming mug of coffee, this cake turns an ordinary breakfast into a memorable moment.

Dive into this recipe and savor a slice of pure, homemade happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Coffee Cake

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Provides structure and richness, choose fresh eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness, whole milk works best for a fuller flavor.
  • Oil: Creates a soft, moist texture, use neutral vegetable or canola oil for best results.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor, opt for pure vanilla extract for a more authentic taste.
  • Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with caramelization, use granulated white sugar for consistent results.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies other flavors, use fine table salt for even distribution.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the cake's base, sift to remove lumps and ensure smooth batter.
  • Baking Powder: Provides lift and lightness, make sure it's fresh for optimal rising.
For Streusel Topping:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness, choose soft and free of lumps.
  • Butter: Creates rich, crumbly texture, use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor, ground cinnamon works best.
  • Walnuts: Optional crunchy element, toast lightly for enhanced nutty flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind streusel ingredients together.
For Optional Icing:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze, sift to prevent clumping.
  • Butter: Provides creamy base, use softened for easy mixing.
  • Milk: Adjusts icing consistency, add gradually for desired thickness.

Tools You’ll Need for Coffee Cake

  • Mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • 9×9-inch baking dish: Perfect size for creating a delicious coffee cake.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal easy.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Needed for melting butter and mixing streusel.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and poking streusel into cake batter.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Small bowl: Used for preparing optional icing.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Helps beat eggs and mix ingredients thoroughly.

Steps to Make Coffee Cake

  • Cake Preparation

Gather all ingredients and tools. Warm up the oven and prepare a square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.

  • Batter Creation

Whisk together wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well blended. Gently fold in dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix the batter.

  • Streusel Magic

Create a delicious crumbly topping by combining butter, brown sugar, and flour. Sprinkle the mixture across the cake’s surface, using your fingers to gently press it into the batter.

  • Baking Process

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

  • Cooling and Finishing

Allow the cake to rest and cool slightly. If desired, drizzle a light glaze over the top for extra sweetness. Slice and serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

Tips to Customize Your Coffee Cake

  • Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a unique texture and nutty flavor profile.
  • Fold fresh blueberries, diced apples, or chocolate chips into the cake batter for delightful bursts of additional taste.
  • Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar substitute like stevia for a more nutritious version.
  • Experiment with adding ground cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to the streusel mix for a more complex and warming spice blend.
  • Substitute milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk to make the recipe suitable for different dietary preferences.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

  • Coffee Cake Companion Treats: Pair this delightful coffee cake with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth cappuccano to enhance the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and walnuts.
  • Breakfast Brilliance: Slice into perfect squares and serve as a morning breakfast treat alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
  • Afternoon Delight: Create an elegant dessert platter by cutting the cake into smaller bite-sized pieces and arranging them with a selection of fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or blueberries for a stunning presentation.
  • Party Perfect Presentation: Transform this coffee cake into a beautiful potluck or brunch offering by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top and serving on a rustic wooden board for a charming, homemade feel.

Storing and Planning Ahead with Coffee Cake

  • Chilled Delight: Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping its soft texture and delicious flavor intact.
  • Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month for quick breakfast or dessert options later.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Keep the cake covered with a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out too quickly.
  • Serving Suggestion: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and soft crumb texture.
Print
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Moist Coffee Cake Recipe

Moist Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Scrumptious chocolate marble coffee cake brings delightful swirls of rich cocoa and classic vanilla to dessert tables worldwide. Homemade comfort combines smooth textures and deep flavors you’ll crave with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted butter
  • 2 tbsps (15 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsps cinnamon
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
  • ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk (add more if needed)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease thoroughly.
  2. Batter Creation: Whisk egg until smooth, then blend sugar, milk, salt, oil, and vanilla into a harmonious mixture. Sift flour and sprinkle baking powder across the surface, gently folding ingredients until just combined.
  3. Streusel Crafting: Melt butter in a microwave-safe container, then mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and chopped walnuts until fully integrated and crumbly.
  4. Cake Assembly: Pour batter into prepared dish, ensuring even distribution. Generously sprinkle streusel over the surface, using fingertips to gently press topping into the batter with 12-18 random punctures.
  5. Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for moist crumbs with a toothpick. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
  6. Optional Finishing: Prepare icing by whisking butter and powdered sugar, gradually adding milk to create a smooth drizzle. Delicately spread over warm cake just before serving.

Notes

  • Master Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense cake texture; fold ingredients gently until just combined.
  • Streusel Embedding Strategy: Create random toothpick holes to help streusel sink naturally into cake without completely disappearing during baking.
  • Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and more consistent cake rise, especially with eggs and milk.
  • Moisture Control: Check cake doneness with toothpick test, aiming for moist crumbs rather than completely clean stick to ensure tender, soft interior.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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