Name: Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1½ cups sugar; 1¼ cup milk; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; ½ cup butter, cold, cut into small cubes; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Get ready to swoon over the Classic Coffee Cake Recipe that truly lives up to its reputation: a tender, buttery crumb, a cozy cinnamon swirl running right through the middle, and a gloriously crisp brown sugar topping that will have you reaching for another slice. Whether this is your first time baking coffee cake or it’s one of your old favorites, this simple yet irresistible dessert brings easy, everyday ingredients together for a treat that’s perfect with your morning coffee, for afternoon snacking, or as a crowd-pleaser at brunch.

Classic Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how these pantry staples transform into something so melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Every ingredient in this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe has a special role to play, creating layers of flavor, tender texture, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Eggs: They give the cake structure and keep it moist, acting as the “glue” for a soft crumb.
Sugar: Regular white sugar sweetens the cake gently so the cinnamon really shines.
Milk: This adds richness and helps the batter mix smoothly for a tender bite.
Vegetable Oil: Oil makes the cake extra moist and ensures it stays soft for days.
Vanilla Extract: Just a tablespoon leaves the cake with a heavenly fragrance and flavor base.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it that signature soft-yet-sturdy form.
Baking Powder: Adds lift so the cake is light and fluffy instead of dense.
Salt: Balances all the sweet flavors and heightens the cinnamon notes.
Brown Sugar (for topping): Deep, molasses-y flavor adds caramel notes and the classic crumbly topping.
Cinnamon (for topping): The heart and soul of coffee cake—the kitchen will smell amazing.
Butter, cold (for topping): Makes the streusel topping perfectly crumbly and golden once baked.
Flour (for topping): Helps catch the butter and sugar, creating those luscious sweet crumbles.

How to Make Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F—this ensures your cake cooks evenly from the start. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, making sure to get into every corner. This simple step keeps the cake from sticking and makes for easy serving later. Set your pan aside—you’ll be pouring in the batter before you know it.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended, and those eggs have worked their magic, giving you a rich, creamy base. This not only saves time, but ensures every bite of this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe is moist and full of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk gently, just until the batter is smooth and no visible pockets of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to an airy cake instead of a dense one. Once combined, let the batter rest for a minute to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

Now onto the magic: the crumbly topping. In a separate bowl, add your brown sugar, cinnamon, cold cubed butter, and flour. Using clean hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a coarse, sandy mixture. The secret is to keep the butter cold so you get a topping that’s both crunchy and melts right in your mouth.

Step 5: Layer the Cake and Topping

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, then evenly sprinkle about one-third of the crumb mixture over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, using a spatula to spread it gently into the corners. Finish by scattering the rest of the cinnamon topping over everything, allowing it to sink slightly into the batter for pockets of sugary goodness throughout this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the aroma fills your kitchen with cozy warmth. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan to set the crumb, then dive in while it’s still warm or let it cool completely—either way, you’re in for a treat.

How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar makes for a pretty, snowy finish, especially if you’re serving to guests. If you want to make it extra special, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze takes this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe up a notch. Don’t forget some curls of chocolate or a few fresh berries for a pop of color!

Side Dishes

Serve your coffee cake alongside a steaming mug of coffee—it’s a match made in heaven. For a hearty brunch, consider pairing slices with fresh fruit salad, softly scrambled eggs, or a banana smoothie. The subtle sweetness of the cake is a lovely contrast to savory or tangy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the coffee cake into neat squares and nestle them in colorful cupcake liners for a shareable treat at gatherings. Or, stack smaller pieces on a tiered tray for a festive brunch table centerpiece. Warm slices with vanilla ice cream can easily double as dessert for special occasions—the possibilities are endless with this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or pop it in the fridge—this helps the cake stay moist and fresh for up to five days.

Freezing

To save some for another day, wrap individual slices or the entire cake (once completely cooled) in plastic wrap, then foil. Tuck into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight on the counter or in the fridge and you’ll have classic coffee cake magic on hand, ready whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, quickly warm a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. Or, cover loosely with foil and pop in a low oven for 10 minutes to revive that crispy topping and soft center. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as the first slice.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil in the cake batter?

Absolutely! Melted butter will give your Classic Coffee Cake Recipe even more richness and a slightly denser crumb. Just use an equal amount and make sure it’s fully melted and slightly cooled before mixing with the other wet ingredients.

What makes a coffee cake a “coffee cake” if there’s no coffee in the recipe?

Despite the name, classic coffee cake recipes are named for their perfect partnership with coffee rather than including it as an ingredient. The tender crumb and cinnamon-sugar topping are all about complementing your favorite hot beverage!

Can I add nuts or fruit to the coffee cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the topping for extra crunch. If you love fruit, fold in a cup of blueberries or diced apples to the batter and enjoy a delicious twist on the traditional Classic Coffee Cake Recipe.

Why is my crumb topping not crunchy?

The biggest secret to the perfect crunchy topping is using cold, cubed butter and not overmixing it. If the butter gets too soft or melts, the topping can turn cakey instead of crisp. Try chilling the crumb mixture for a few minutes before sprinkling it onto the batter.

Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour in both the cake and the topping with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You’ll get a similar texture and the same delicious cinnamon swirl that makes the Classic Coffee Cake Recipe so irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless about sharing a cake that’s as comforting as this one. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, a cozy get-together, or just because, I hope you give this Classic Coffee Cake Recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite tradition!

Classic Coffee Cake Recipe