There’s something inherently comforting about the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sweet scent of cake baking in the oven. Coffee cake, with its crumbly topping and moist interior, is a beloved treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of joe or a soothing tea. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating yourself to a midday snack, or simply craving a decadent dessert, these five coffee cake recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and elevate your baking game.
1. Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
A timeless favorite, this classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. With layers of tender cake, swirls of cinnamon-sugar, and a buttery crumb topping, every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Serve it warm for breakfast or dessert, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) to make the streusel topping.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, then sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
2. Blueberry Lemon Coffee Cake
Brighten up your day with this delightful blueberry lemon coffee cake. Bursting with fresh blueberries and tangy lemon zest, this moist and tender cake is topped with a crunchy streusel and finished with a zesty lemon glaze. It’s the perfect way to usher in spring or add a touch of sunshine to any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
- Zest of 1 lemon
Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the lemon zest and fresh blueberries.
- In a small bowl, combine the streusel topping ingredients using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, then sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and serve. Enjoy!
3. Chocolate Espresso Swirl Coffee Cake
For the ultimate indulgence, try this chocolate espresso swirl coffee cake. Rich chocolate batter is swirled with a luscious espresso filling, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for any chocolate lover. With its moist crumb and irresistible flavor combination, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee
Espresso Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso or strong coffee
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and brewed espresso to make the chocolate batter.
- In another bowl, mix together the ingredients for the espresso filling until smooth.
- Spread half of the vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spoon half of the chocolate batter on top.
- Repeat with the remaining vanilla and chocolate batters, then swirl the two batters together using a knife or skewer.
- Dollop the espresso filling over the batter and swirl it into the cake using a knife or skewer.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
4. Raspberry Almond Coffee Cake
Treat yourself to the perfect balance of tart raspberries and nutty almonds with this raspberry almond coffee cake.