Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake

Ingredients

• For the cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (315g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• ½ cup brown sugar (100g)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
• 1 cup sour cream (240g)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10ml)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (8g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (3g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)

• For the cinnamon streusel

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
• ½ cup brown sugar (100g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a bowl, prepare the streusel by mixing the flour, both sugars, and cinnamon together. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon streusel over it. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the streusel, covering the surface evenly.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.

Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.

Despite the name, coffee cake traditionally does not contain coffee as an ingredient. The name comes from the fact that it’s meant to be enjoyed with coffee, not made from coffee.

Coffee cake became popular in European-influenced baking traditions where lightly sweet, crumb-topped cakes were served alongside hot drinks. Over time, the name stuck—even though the recipe itself usually focuses on flavors like cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and sometimes nuts.

That said, you absolutely can add coffee if you want a coffee-flavored version. Some options include:

Adding 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter

Replacing a few tablespoons of milk or sour cream with strong brewed coffee

Adding coffee to the glaze for a subtle mocha flavor