Best Ever Coffee Cake Recipe
This scrumptious Coffee Cake is moist and buttery, topped with cinnamon filling, a cheesecake layer, and a sweet streusel topping. It is a delicious dessert that you will make over and over again.
Bite into this addictive coffee cake, and instantly, the mouth is filled with a bounty of flavors, from the buttery cake on the bottom to the sweet cinnamon filling, rich cheesecake layer, crunchy streusel topping, and gooey vanilla glaze. This is more than just a coffee cake; it is a blend of different desserts in one, all of them tasting more delicious than they ever have before because they are combined so well.
Table of contents
The one and only Coffee Cake recipe you will ever need. This is by far the most amazing and indulgent Coffee Cake I have ever had. What is not to love, just check those layers: a very tender and buttery cake, that is topped with a flavorful cinnamon filling, a creamy cheesecake layer and buttery streusel topping.
With this easy recipe, you will become a brunch pop-star! Seriously, people may start making a fan group after they have this cake, it’s that good. The secret ingredient that makes it so special is the cream cheese. Anyone can make a coffee cake with cinnamon and streusel topping, but with the creamy layer, it is luxuriously rich and indulgent.
Perfect for a nice coffee break, a luscious dessert, or even a special breakfast. I wouldn’t mind having it any time, no matter what the occasion, or for no occasion at all. It does not have to be a special day to eat something delicious. This is the kind of cake found at fancy bakeries for more than $50 but why not make it at home for less than $20 with this simple recipe?
We love making easy and tasty desserts, some of my favorite ones are blueberry banana bread, chocolate banana bread, and chocolate banana muffins.
Why you will love this recipe
I’ve been experimenting with this recipe for over 7 years now, and I am proud to say that this is the best I’ve ever had. The secret is in the cream cheese layer and the streusel cinnamon topping. The combination of the two is what makes this dessert shine above others.
The cake itself is dense, moist, with a buttery texture. Yet, when you bite into it, the streusel topping provides a nice crunch that compliments it perfectly. Also, the dessert has a nice touch of cinnamon flavor, thanks to the sugar filling baked in the middle.
- So many desserts in one: It’s not just coffee cake with cinnamon filling, cheesecake, streusel topping, and vanilla glaze.
- It is as easy as making cake: If you can make a cake, this will be easy to do even if it involves a few steps.
- Feed a crowd: With this one recipe, it feeds up to 16 people! And it freezes well.
- It is inexpensive too: Spend less than $20 to make this delicious bakery-style cake.
What you’ll need to make a coffee cake
Special items:
- Baking dish – You will need a DEEP 9×13 baking dish.
- Mixer – For beating the ingredients.
- Bowls
- Cooking utensils
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- All-purpose flour – Provides a chewy, dense texture that is perfect for this cake.
- White granulated sugar – To allow sweetness as well as providing the gluten formation for building structure.
- Baking soda – When combined with buttermilk and baking powder, baking soda can create more structure and height.
- Baking powder – Baking powder is used to make all baked goods light and fluffy. When mixed with baking soda, they also help each other with browning, flavor, and leavening.
- Softened unsalted butter – Using unsalted butter lets you control how much salt goes into the final product. Make sure it is softened so it incorporates better.
- Large eggs – These should be at room temperature, so they whip up to a fuller consistency and hold their shape longer.
- Buttermilk – Not only does it add a tangy flavor, but it also helps baking soda react and makes a softer crumb consistency.
- Vanilla extract – Always use 100% pure vanilla. It contributes a rich flavor and aroma to balance sweetness and add depth as well as moisture.
- Salt
For the cinnamon filling:
- Softened unsalted butter –Make sure it is softened so it incorporates better.
- Cinnamon – This is the main star of this layer, so be sure to get a high-quality ground cinnamon.
- All-purpose flour – Any kind of flour will work for thickening this filling.
- Packed brown sugar – Brown sugar adds warmth and rich sweetness to the filling. Make sure it is packed firmly so there is enough.
For the cheesecake layer:
- Full-fat cream cheese – To make this a true cheesecake layer, it has to have cream cheese. Be sure to get the brick style and do not get low-fat. It needs fat to create the creaminess. Softened to room temperature.
- White granulated sugar – The crystals dissolve and create air pockets when whipped with the cream cheese to make it fluffy.
- Large eggs – These should also be at room temperature to help hold up the cake.
- Vanilla extract – Always use 100% pure vanilla. It contributes a rich flavor and aroma to balance sweetness and add depth as well as moisture.
For the streusel topping:
- Packed brown sugar – This is an important ingredient in the streusel. Make sure it is packed well so there is enough rich sweet flavor.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon provides warmth and sweetness with a bit of a bite.
- Melted unsalted butter – Use unsalted butter to control how much salt goes into the final product.
- All-purpose flour – Any kind of flour will work for this, but I prefer all-purpose flour because of the gluten content.
- Salt
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar – Using powdered sugar allows it to melt easier and gives the glaze a smoother texture and sweeter taste.
- Milk – Any kind of milk is fine for this part of the recipe.
- Vanilla extract – Always use 100% pure vanilla. It contributes a rich flavor and aroma to balance sweetness and add depth as well as moisture.
How to make the best moist coffee cake?
What makes this the perfect recipe is that it is also easy. If you can make a cake, this recipe will be no problem. On top of the cake is a layer of cinnamon filling, a cream cheese layer, and some streusel topping. Then, bake and serve with glaze. It’s just as easy as making a cake. It is done in less than an hour and serves 16 people! Don’t worry; the leftovers can be frozen for up to three months.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a deep-dish 9×13-inch baking dish with flour and grease. Make sure it is deep or it will overflow.
- Mix the cake: Now, whisk the sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together until combined in a large bowl. Then, use an electric mixer to beat in the softened butter until it is all mixed and crumbly. Beat in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until fluffy before pouring it into the baking dish.
- Make the cinnamon filling: Next, stir the softened butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl with a fork until it is crumbly. Spread it evenly on top of the cake batter.
- Mix the cheesecake layer: After, beat cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until it is creamy before beating in the sugar. Then, beat in the vanilla and eggs until it is light and fluffy, about three to five minutes. Scoop the cheesecake filling on top of the cinnamon filling and carefully spread it out evenly.
- Add the streusel: To make the streusel topping, mix the cinnamon, sugar, and salt in a large bowl before adding in the melted butter. Once it is all mixed, use a fork to stir in the flour until it is combined and crumbly. Sprinkle it on top of the cheesecake layer evenly.
- Bake the cake: Last, bake the cake for 60-75 minutes or until it is fully cooked through. Let it cool to room temperature before chilling for four hours in the fridge to let the cheesecake layer settle before glazing and serving.
- Glaze and serve: We love to glaze it with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract and glaze the cake this way. But this is optional, and feel free to skip it. Serve warm, or refrigerate for a few hours and enjoy with a nice cup of coffee! 😉
Expert tip
Why ingredient temperature matters
We all know that when making a cheesecake the cream cheese has to be softened to room temperature, but have you ever wondered why all the other things need to be warm or cold? It does make a difference. For example, ingredients that are warmed to room temperature blend easier, so they make a smoother batter and a more even texture. Have you ever tried to cream cold butter with sugar? It does not work very well and takes a lot longer than when it is at room temperature.
Sugar is able to create air pockets in the butter easily to make more volume if it is warmed to room temperature. Room-temperature eggs mix better as well, which makes a fluffier and lighter texture. Mixing ingredients at room temperature makes them taste better too because they absorb easier and bake better.
Structure can also be helped by room temperature ingredients. Milk will prevent butter from clumping if it is at room temperature, which can help the cooking time. They blend and bond together more easily, which results in a smoother batter. The texture of the cake ends up finer with a light texture and tender crumb.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Add fruit: Any kind of fruit preserves mixed into the cake batter would be incredible. I have made it with strawberry and raspberry.
- Make it nutty: Add some chopped nuts on top of the streusel topping to make it extra crunchy.
- Chocolate lovers: Instead of vanilla glaze, use chocolate fudge sauce topping for those chocolate lovers.
- Make it real: Since it says it has coffee in it, why not add some? Coffee is a common ingredient in rich chocolate cakes and adds a delicious bittersweet taste and depth to enhance every flavor.
- Flavored cake: Use your favorite flavor of extract to add a new taste to this irresistible cake. Some of the flavors I have tried are almond, coconut, and lemon.
- Skip the cheesecake layer: The cream cheese layer aka the cheesecake layer is optional, if you don’t have time, you can just skip it. However, this is one of the secret ingredients, and what makes this recipe special compared to the others. Therefore, I highly recommend using the cream cheese layer, as it will make a huge difference. The cake tastes amazing with it, but its an optional, scrumptious addition.
- Caramel topping: Another way to top this mouthwatering cake is with my yummy caramel sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas for this scrumptious coffee cake.
- Instead of serving this coffee cake with coffee or milk, serve it with mimosas. Try my sweet and tangy apple cider mimosa recipe.
- This can also be served as dessert after any meal, whether you are having beef, turkey, chicken, or pork.
- In fact, this coffee cake is so attractive and decadent that it can be decorated and used as a party cake. Just add some sprinkles.
- If some ice cream is needed to go with the cake, my 3-ingredient Oreo ice cream is perfect and so easy.
- Looking for a nice wine to enjoy with this cake? Madeira or Ruby Port would be amazing.
Frequently asked questions
What is coffee cake?
Coffee cake is not a cake made from coffee, as some people think. Instead, it got its name from the days when friends and neighbors sat and drank coffee while enjoying a slice of cake, making it a popular menu item at coffee houses. However, there are cakes flavored with coffee. They have nothing to do with this recipe. In fact, the British coffee cake is one fine example.
What is the difference between American and British coffee cakes?
An American coffee cake is a cake, usually vanilla, with a cinnamon layer in the middle and a cinnamon streusel topping. Sometimes, it has a vanilla glaze on top. Other times, it has a layer of fruit in the middle. Either way, it always has cake with a streusel topping. A British coffee cake has two layers of sponge cake flavored with coffee and filled with coffee-flavored buttercream and walnuts. It is also called a coffee and walnut cake.
Why is my coffee cake soggy?
It may be that it was not cooked long enough. With several different layers, this cake can be complicated to check, but if a toothpick comes out with no batter, it should be finished. Another issue could be the pan size. Be sure to use the pan of the right size. This is a large cake. It has to have a large, deep pan. Also, because this has a cheesecake layer, it has to chill long enough to set after it has cooled to room temperature. Remember to let it chill for at least four hours.
How do I keep my coffee cake from falling apart?
One of the main reasons that this happens is too much flour. This is a common problem for those who use the scoop measuring method. If you scoop flour, it gets packed in. When measuring flour, using the spoon and level method is essential. First, sift the flour. Then, use a spoon to lightly spoon the flour into the measuring cup until it is overfull. Last, use a butter knife to level it off.
Is there coffee in Coffee Cake?
Unlike the name suggests, coffee cakes rarely contain coffee, mostly it contains spices, nuts, and features a streusel or simple glaze topping. The main reason behind its name is because this dessert is a perfect complement to a cup of coffee or latte, and not because it has coffee in it!
How to store:
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic and then in foil before placing in individual freezer bags. That way, they can be removed and eaten anytime in the next few months.
- Defrost: Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
More coffee cakes to try:
Recipe tips:
- Be sure to use a DEEP 9×13 baking dish or it will overflow. I would recommend still putting it on a baking sheet anyway just in case.
- Use an off-set spatula to smooth the batter. It can be difficult to do the layers but don’t try to make it perfect.
- In a hurry or feeling lazy? Use a box cake mix instead of making your own.
- Make sure the ingredients are all at room temperature.
- Measure flour using the spoon and level method so it does not end up with too much flour.
- The glaze is optional and can be skipped. I personally like to add it because it makes the cake prettier.
- Use a toothpick to make sure the cake is completely finished before removing it. There should be no batter on it.
Best Ever Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Cinnamon Filling:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 packages 8oz each full fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups all purpose flour
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 – 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Cake:
- Grease and dust with flour in a 13×9 baking dish and set aside. Make sure you use a deep pan; otherwise, the batter will overflow in the oven. This is very important.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Using an electric hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter into the flour mixture until it is combined and crumbly.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk and beat until thoroughly combined; the mixture should be fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Cinnamon Filling:
- Mix the softened butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl using a fork until soft crumbs form.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the cake batter. Set aside.
Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese; once creamy, beat it in sugar.
- Once combined, beat in eggs and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Scoop the cheesecake filling over the cinnamon filling and, using a spatula, spread it evenly.
Streusel Topping:
- In a large bowl, mix sugar with cinnamon and salt. Add in the melted butter and combine using a fork.
- Once the butter is thoroughly combined, add the flour and mix with a fork or using your hands until thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle streusel topping over the cheesecake layer until evenly distributed.
Bake:
- Bake cake in a 350-degree oven for about 60-75 minutes, until fully cooked. Do the toothpick test! No raw cake batter should come up!
- Cool completely, and then refrigerate it for 3-4 hours for the cheesecake layer to settle fully before serving.
Glaze:
- Add the powdered sugar to a medium bowl. Add two tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined with no lumps. If the mixture is too thick, add one more tablespoon of milk. I like the glaze on the thicker side yet pourable, so it will look white and shiny, not transparent.
- Use a fork or spoon to drizzle the icing over the cake.
- Slice and serve!