10+ Coffee Cake Recipes to Brighten Your Morning Gatherings

10+ Coffee Cake Recipes to Brighten Your Morning Gatherings

Coffee cake recipes are a popular treat you can enjoy any time of the day. These sweet cakes usually have a soft texture and a crumbly topping that pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

You might find lots of versions with flavors like cinnamon, nuts, or fruit. There’s something about that cozy combo, isn’t there?

Close-up view of a slice of coffee cake on a white marble countertop.

If you want a simple dessert or breakfast, coffee cake recipes are a great place to start. They’re easy to bake, and you can switch them up with different ingredients and toppings.


Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream or yogurt
  • Cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • Optional: nuts, fruit

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs and sour cream, then mix well.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  6. Pour batter into a greased pan.
  7. Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar topping.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let cool before serving.

1) Classic Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

Close-up of a sliced sour cream coffee cake with cinnamon swirl on a white marble countertop.

This classic sour cream coffee cake is soft and moist, thanks to the sour cream in the batter. The sweet cinnamon swirl running through the cake adds a warm, cozy flavor.

The buttery crumb topping gives a nice crunch. It’s perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

You can bake it in a square pan or a bundt pan—totally your call. It’s simple to make and great for sharing.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
  4. Combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda separately. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
  5. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar swirl, then add the rest of the batter.
  7. Top with crumb topping if you like, then bake for 40-45 minutes until golden.

2) Better Than Starbucks Coffee Cake with Brown Sugar Crumbs

Close-up of a coffee cake with brown sugar crumb topping on a white marble countertop.

This coffee cake comes with a crunchy brown sugar crumb topping. The inside stays soft and moist, with a sweet cinnamon flavor.

The crumb layer adds a great texture to every bite. You’ll only need simple ingredients like brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter.

It’s easy to mix and bake—ideal for a weekend treat. You can enjoy it warm or at room temp with your favorite coffee or tea.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, white sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
  4. Press half the crumb mixture into a greased pan.
  5. Bake the bottom layer for 10 minutes.
  6. Pour cake batter over the baked crust (use your favorite batter recipe here).
  7. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center sets.
  9. Cool before serving.

For more crumb topping tips, check out the Better Than Starbucks Iced Coffee Cake recipe.

3) New York Style Thick Crumble Coffee Cake

A close-up view of a thick slice of coffee cake with a crumb topping on a white marble surface.

This New York style coffee cake has a thick, crunchy crumb layer—sometimes just as big as the cake. The cake itself is soft and buttery, often with sour cream for extra moisture.

The crumble topping uses brown sugar and cinnamon for that classic sweet and spicy kick. It’s easy to slice into big squares, just right for sharing.

You get a nice balance between the tender cake and the crunchy crumbs on top. It’s pretty irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugars until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  6. Reserve half the crumb mix for topping.
  7. Press half the batter into a greased pan, sprinkle half the crumb topping.
  8. Add the rest of the batter, then top with the remaining crumbs.
  9. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Cool before slicing.

4) Moist & Buttery Butternut Bakery Coffee Cake

Close-up of a slice of moist and buttery butternut bakery coffee cake on a white marble countertop.

This coffee cake is moist and rich, but not too sweet. It’s got a thick, crunchy crumble topping and a buttery cake base that just melts in your mouth.

The recipe takes inspiration from New York-style coffee cakes, famous for their soft texture and extra crumble. Serve it for breakfast or a sweet snack with coffee.

It’s simple to make and always feels a little special. If you’re after a classic treat, this one’s a winner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the crumble:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
  4. Stir in sour cream, then slowly add the dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. For the crumble, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan, spread crumble on top, then add the rest of the batter.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.

See the original recipe at Moist & Buttery Coffee Cake – Butternut Bakery.

5) Lil’ Luna’s Best Coffee Cake for Breakfast

Close-up of a slice of coffee cake with crumbly topping on a white marble surface.

Lil’ Luna’s coffee cake makes a simple breakfast treat. It’s moist, soft, and the sweet crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch.

You can get it ready quickly, so it’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. It pairs well with coffee or tea, making breakfast feel a bit more special.

The recipe uses common ingredients you probably have at home. This coffee cake also works for brunch or dessert—honestly, it’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding dry mix and sour cream to wet mix, stirring gently.
  5. Pour half the batter into a greased pan.
  6. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans; sprinkle over batter.
  7. Add remaining batter on top.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Check out the full recipe at Lil’ Luna’s best coffee cake.

6) Pioneer Woman’s Easy Coffee Cake with Egg Whites

Close-up of a golden-brown coffee cake with crumbly topping on a white marble countertop.

This coffee cake uses egg whites for a light, fluffy texture. Start by beating the egg whites separately—this keeps the cake moist but airy.

Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the egg whites carefully to avoid a dense batter.

The batter includes milk for extra moisture. Bake at 350°F (175°C), and you’ll get a nice crumb topping from butter, sugar, and pecans.

Every bite has a sweet crunch. It’s a solid choice for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups flour, sifted
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to butter mixture.
  6. Fold in egg whites gently.
  7. Pour batter into greased pan.
  8. Sprinkle pecan topping evenly.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7) Cinnamon Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze

Close-up of a slice of cinnamon pecan streusel coffee cake with maple glaze on a white marble countertop.

This coffee cake just feels right on a chilly morning. You get a crunchy cinnamon pecan streusel layered on top, which adds a lovely texture.

The cake underneath stays soft and moist, balancing out the crunch. Maple glaze drizzled over the top brings a sweet finish that melts right into the streusel.

Every bite tastes rich, but not so heavy you regret it. The recipe is easy, but it feels a little special—perfect for breakfast or a snack.

You’ll notice the kitchen fills up with the cozy smell of cinnamon and maple as it bakes. Honestly, pair it with a hot cup of coffee and you’re set.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Streusel:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Maple Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square pan.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream.
  4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mix until combined.
  5. For the streusel, mix brown sugar, flour, pecans, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until you get a crumbly texture.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle on half the streusel. Add the rest of the batter, then top with the remaining streusel.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let it cool a bit. Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for the glaze, then drizzle over the warm cake.

If you want the full breakdown, check out this [Cinnamon Pecan Coffee

8) Sydney-Proof Buttery Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Close-up of a slice of buttery cinnamon coffee cake on a white marble countertop.

Sometimes you just want a simple, tasty coffee cake. This one’s buttery, with a warm cinnamon flavor that’s perfect alongside your morning coffee.

No need to be a pro baker here. The cake stays soft and moist, thanks to the easy steps.

There’s a cinnamon sugar ribbon in the middle, adding a sweet touch without going overboard. The crumbly topping brings a little crunch to every bite.

You can eat it fresh or save some for the next day. It really works for breakfast or a snack whenever you feel like it.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Add softened butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  4. Pour half the batter into a greased pan.
  5. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then sprinkle on top.
  6. Add the rest of the batter.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

If you want the step-by-step, here’s a simple coffee cake recipe.

9) Kitchen Project Lemon Vanilla Coffee Cake

Close-up of a slice of lemon vanilla coffee cake on a white marble countertop.

This coffee cake brings out bright lemon and vanilla flavors. Heavy cream mixed with lemon juice gives a nice tang, and vanilla just makes it smell amazing.

The cake turns out soft and moist—kind of perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Using cake flour keeps the texture light, but honestly, plain flour works if that’s all you have.

The balance of sugar and cream makes it rich without tipping into too sweet. You can eat it plain or add a quick lemon glaze for a little extra zing.

It’s easy to throw together and, if I’m honest, it disappears fast once you slice it up.

Ingredients

  • 175 g heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 100 g cake flour (or plain flour)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix heavy cream with lemon juice and vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl, combine sugar and cake flour.
  4. Add the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently.
  5. Pour batter into a greased pan.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let it cool before serving.

Want to see more? Here’s the Kitchen Project Lemon Vanilla Coffee Cake.

10) Allrecipes Top Rated Coffee Cake

Close-up of a slice of coffee cake on a white marble countertop with a neutral background.

Allrecipes has a bunch of coffee cake recipes, but this one keeps popping up as a favorite. It’s easy to follow and gives you a moist, tender cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl.

The buttery cake and cinnamon topping just work together, making it great for breakfast or a snack. You can prep it the night before and bake it in the morning.

If you want a homemade treat ready when you wake up, this one’s a solid choice. Lots of home cooks have tried it and stick with this recipe.

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ⅓ cup sour cream or yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cream the butter and both sugars together. Keep going until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

  3. Beat in the egg, then add sour cream and vanilla.

  4. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

  5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix—just combine until you don’t see dry flour.

  6. Pour half the batter into a greased pan.

  7. Sprinkle on half the cinnamon sugar. Toss in pecans here if you want.

  8. Spoon the rest of the batter over that, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top.

  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Stick a toothpick in—if it comes out clean, you’re good.

  10. Let it cool off before you slice and serve.

You’ll find all the details at Allrecipes’ Overnight Coffee Cake Recipe.

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