If you haven’t tried coffee cake for breakfast yet, are you even living? Coffee cake is one of those delightful, not-too-sweet treats that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.

It’s fluffy, buttery, and features that iconic crumbly cinnamon topping. Perfect for hosting a brunch or just as a mid-morning energy boost.

Ingredients

- 1 ½ cups flour

- 1 cup sugar

- 1 tsp baking powder

- ½ tsp baking soda

- 1 tsp cinnamon

- 1 egg

- ½ cup butter

- ½ cup milk

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crumb topping:

- ½ cup flour

- ½ cup sugar

- ¼ cup butter

- 1 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare Your Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix until smooth and lump-free. Don’t overmix; the batter should be thick but not runny.

2. Crumb Topping Magic

The crumb topping is what makes a coffee cake irresistible. In a small bowl, mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Add in cold butter and rub it in with your fingers until you have a sandy texture. This topping will add the perfect sweet crunch to your cake.

3. Layer and Bake

Grease a baking pan and pour in half of the batter. Sprinkle half of your crumb topping on top, then pour in the remaining batter. Finish with the remaining crumb topping. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Let It Cool

Once baked, let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake set properly and makes it easier to cut neat squares or slices.

5. Enjoy With Your Morning Coffee

Grab a slice and pair it with your favorite cup of coffee. The buttery, cinnamon-scented crumbs and moist cake are guaranteed to make your morning brighter. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spiced!

Coffee or No Coffee?

Despite the name, coffee cake doesn’t always contain coffee (confusing, right?). However, if you’re a coffee fanatic, adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter can give your cake an extra depth of flavor. If not, feel free to skip it! The cake will still be delicious and perfect for pairing with your favorite morning brew.

Coffee Cake Variations

Want to switch things up? Try adding a handful of blueberries or chopped nuts to the batter before baking. Or, for an extra indulgent twist, drizzle some cream cheese frosting over the top once it’s cooled. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize your coffee cake to suit your taste buds.

Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze it for later. Warm it up slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. And enjoy with your morning coffee!