Coffee Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly. The cake is soft and tender, while the cinnamon streusel adds a sweet, buttery layer throughout the cake. I also appreciate how versatile it is since I can add walnuts for extra crunch or finish it with a sweet icing drizzle. It is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake

1 egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 cups flour

Streusel

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Icing (Optional)

1 tablespoon butter, room temperature

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk, plus extra if needed

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. I grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. In a mixing bowl, I beat the egg and then mix in the sugar, milk, salt, oil, and vanilla.
4. I add the flour and sprinkle the baking powder over it. I gently combine the baking powder with the top portion of the flour before stirring everything into the batter until just combined.
5. I pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. To make the streusel, I melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until fully combined.
7. If I want extra texture, I stir in the chopped walnuts.
8. I sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter.
9. Using my finger or the handle of a wooden spoon, I poke the streusel halfway into the batter about 12 to 18 times to distribute the cinnamon mixture throughout the cake.
10. I bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
11. If making the icing, I mix the butter and powdered sugar together and add milk until the icing reaches my preferred consistency.
12. I lightly drizzle the icing over the cooled cake before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chopped pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor. When I want a richer taste, I add a pinch of nutmeg to the streusel mixture. For a fruit-filled version, I like folding fresh blueberries or diced apples into the batter before baking. I also enjoy skipping the icing when I want a less sweet coffee cake.

storage/reheating

I store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I need to keep it longer, I refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For extended storage, I wrap individual slices and freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat, I microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds until warm. I can also warm slices in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake without nuts?

Yes, I often leave out the walnuts, and the cake still has plenty of flavor from the cinnamon streusel.

Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?

Yes, I like baking it a day ahead since it stays moist and tastes great the next day.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

I insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs and no wet batter, the cake is ready.

Can I freeze coffee cake?

Yes, I wrap slices tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. I thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Why should I avoid overbaking?

I find that overbaking can dry out the cake, so I remove it from the oven as soon as the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Conclusion

I love how this Coffee Cake combines a soft, tender cake with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a recipe I can rely on whenever I want a comforting homemade treat. Whether I serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it always delivers wonderful flavor and texture.

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