Food
Fact-checked

At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Coffee Cake?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A coffee cake is a rich, sweet form of cake or bread which is designed to be served at breakfast with the morning coffee. Coffee cake can also be eaten at other times of the day, of course. Many bakeries carry coffee cake if they stock other breakfast items like sweet muffins, and this baked good can also easily be made at home.

Several characteristics define a classic coffee cake. The first is the inclusion of yogurt, buttermilk, or sour cream in the batter for a distinctively tangy flavor. Usually the cake is left unfrosted and topped with streusel, a traditional German topping made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. Typically nuts are also included in the coffee cake and streusel topping, and sometimes various fruits may be added as well.

Nutmeg is often used to season a coffee cake.
Nutmeg is often used to season a coffee cake.

Depending on how much sugar is added, a coffee cake may be very sweet and tangy, or it may have a hint of savoriness. Many families pass down their coffee cake recipes, with specific adjustments to cater to the taste of the family. As a general rule, traditional coffee cakes are also very lightweight and crumbly, and they can be stored for up to two weeks in sealed containers.

Cloves are often used to season coffee cake.
Cloves are often used to season coffee cake.

For a basic coffee cake, sift together two cups of flour, one teaspoon each baking powder and baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat one and one quarter cups of sour cream or yogurt with a teaspoon of vanilla. In a third large bowl, cream four tablespoons of butter with one cup of sugar, and then beat in two eggs. For a more rich coffee cake, replace part of the sugar with brown sugar.

Coffee cake typically is eaten in the morning.
Coffee cake typically is eaten in the morning.

Add the flour mixture slowly to the butter mixture, alternating with the yogurt mixture. Stir the mixture very well to ensure that it is smooth and free of lumps, and then pour it into an oiled pan; square cake pans are best for coffee cake, since most people like to cut the cake out in squares once it has cooled. Before you slide the coffee cake into the oven, sprinkle it with a streusel mixture. For a basic streusel, mix one half cup flour, one half cup brown sugar, one half cup nuts, and up to two teaspoons of mixed spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with five tablespoons of melted butter to make a coarse crumbly mixture.

Yogurt can add a tangy flavor to coffee cake.
Yogurt can add a tangy flavor to coffee cake.

Bake the coffee cake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool fully before cutting it up. For variations on this basic recipe, you can add fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches to the batter, along with ingredients like nuts and chocolate. You can also use coffee flavoring in your coffee cake.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bookworm

Since yeast is not used in coffee cakes, it makes it quick and easy to prepare not long before it is consumed. It is a great way to treat your coworkers, bring it to work on a pot luck day or just enjoy for no particular reason on any day.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Nutmeg is often used to season a coffee cake.
      By: Thomas Francois
      Nutmeg is often used to season a coffee cake.
    • Cloves are often used to season coffee cake.
      By: bergamont
      Cloves are often used to season coffee cake.
    • Coffee cake typically is eaten in the morning.
      By: cobraphoto
      Coffee cake typically is eaten in the morning.
    • Yogurt can add a tangy flavor to coffee cake.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Yogurt can add a tangy flavor to coffee cake.
    • Coffee cake is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
      By: amenic181
      Coffee cake is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.