If there’s one treat destined to steal the spotlight at brunch, cozy mornings, or impromptu gatherings, it’s the Best Easy Coffee Cake. Imagine digging your fork through a tender, sky-high crumb laced with warm cinnamon and a buttery brown sugar swirl, all crowned with a nutty crunch. This fuss-free delight is one of those recipes you keep in your back pocket—not just for how delicious it is, but for how universally loved (and seriously easy!) it turns out every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Easy Coffee Cake lies in its familiar, straightforward ingredients. Every item contributes something special, ensuring a soft, rich crumb with gorgeous flavor and gorgeous swirls you’ll want to show off.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone to give your cake structure without weighing it down.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and turns the cake moist and golden when baked.
- Unsalted butter, softened: For that irresistible richness and soft, tender texture.
- Sour cream: The secret ingredient for extra-moist crumb and a subtle tang.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add fluffiness.
- Baking powder: Lifts the cake and helps create that perfect rise.
- Baking soda: Works with the sour cream to make the crumb ultra-tender.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and intensify the flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Brings cozy warmth and depth.
- Brown sugar: Essential for a caramel-like swirl throughout each bite.
- Ground cinnamon: A must-have for that signature coffee cake aroma and flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a little crunch and earthy finish, or leave them out if you prefer nut-free.
How to Make Best Easy Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan; it’s a small detail that ensures your coffee cake slides out beautifully after baking with no sticking or torn edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead of time spreads out the leavening and salt, setting you up for a cake that’s evenly risen and perfectly seasoned in every bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This process adds air to the batter, setting up the light, melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave from the Best Easy Coffee Cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat the eggs into your butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, blend in the sour cream and vanilla. You’ll notice the batter turning extra creamy with that subtle, delicious tang shining through.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix gently—just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry streaks.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nuts if you’re using them. This mixture is the star swirl, infusing sweet warmth and texture into every layer of your Best Easy Coffee Cake.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl
Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle over half of your cinnamon sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter, smoothing it out carefully, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Take a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl through the batter to create those signature coffee cake ribbons.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Allow your Best Easy Coffee Cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes—it’ll slice easier, and the flavors have time to settle.
How to Serve Best Easy Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar gives this cake bakery-style beauty with zero effort. For an extra-special touch, add a spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze—just be sure to serve it slightly warm for maximum cozy vibes.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with the Best Easy Coffee Cake than a mug of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a full brunch spread, add some fresh fruit, a bowl of Greek yogurt, or even soft scrambled eggs on the side. It’s equally at home with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet afternoon treat!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Bake the batter in muffin tins for adorable single-serve coffee cake cupcakes, or use a bundt pan for a more dramatic look. You can also top the finished cake with extra chopped nuts or a light glaze, and serve it on your prettiest cake stand for true wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the cake has cooled completely, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days—perfect for grab-and-go snacking or those unexpected guests.
Freezing
This cake is as freezer-friendly as it is irresistible. Slice the cooled cake and wrap pieces individually, or freeze the whole cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw on the counter before serving.
Reheating
To refresh that bakery-fresh flavor, warm slices for a few seconds in the microwave or pop them into a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. The warmth revives the cinnamon aroma and gives you that just-baked magic!
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works beautifully and keeps the cake moist and tender. Just use the same amount as you would sour cream for a slight tang and lovely texture.
Is the Best Easy Coffee Cake actually made with coffee?
Nope! The term “coffee cake” refers to a cake meant for enjoying with coffee. This beloved recipe is rich with cinnamon and brown sugar, but contains no coffee in the batter itself.
Can I make this cake nut-free?
Definitely. The chopped nuts are totally optional—feel free to leave them out or swap in chocolate chips or dried fruit for an equally tasty twist.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The top will also be deeply golden and slightly springy.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon sugar?
Use a butter knife or skewer, and gently make figure-eight patterns through the batter. Don’t overdo it—two or three simple passes are enough to create those beautiful, distinct ribbons in your Best Easy Coffee Cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a homemade cake that comes together with just a few ingredients and a swirl of cinnamon magic. If you’re craving something easy that always gets rave reviews, the Best Easy Coffee Cake is a treat you absolutely need to try. Pour yourself some coffee, slice a piece, and savor every cozy, cinnamon-swirled bite—you’ll see why this one’s earned its name!
Print
Best Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Easy Coffee Cake recipe is a delightful and simple treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a moist crumb and a sweet cinnamon swirl, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla.
- Combine Batter: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts if using.
- Layer and Bake: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mix, add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Swirl gently with a knife. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.
- Experiment with different toppings like chocolate chips or fresh berries for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
