I grew up just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains embrace every sunrise. My grandma never measured a thing, yet her Coffee Cake always turned out perfect. Today, I blend those memories with my classical training and modern twist. This easy Coffee Cake recipe layers a cinnamon swirl beneath a tender crumb and finishes with a silky powdered sugar glaze for coffee cake fans. You’ll preheat your oven to 350°F, mix flour, brown sugar, and a hint of potato starch, swirl in cinnamon, then bake 35 minutes. Finally, drizzle a brown sugar glaze or try a Dessert Oreo crumble on top. Enjoy fresh from the oven.
Table of Contents
The Story & Inspiration Behind Coffee Cake
A Personal Memory
When I was ten, I stood on a milk crate beside my grandma in Indiana. She stirred an impossibly large pot of noodles, and on the stove’s edge sat a freshly baked Coffee Cake, steam curling like morning fog. Even then, I sensed how important rituals in the kitchen could be. Later, after construction shifts and drumming tours, I enrolled in culinary school in Chicago. Still, I never forgot that Coffee Cake’s comfort. Every whisk, every fold, reminded me of Grandma’s flour-dusted hands. Now, as I teach in my renovated barn, I share that same warmth. Whether you’re learning Coffee Cake recipes easy or mastering how to make glazed coffee cake, those cozy memories follow you.
Why This Recipe Matters
This Coffee Cake recipe bridges past and present. It honors Grandma’s intuition while embracing techniques I learned in Michelin-starred kitchens. You’ll find the crumb tender, thanks to sour cream and a touch of potato starch. The cinnamon swirl offers nostalgic comfort, and the powdered sugar glaze for coffee cake adds just enough sweetness. Plus, you can customize with brown sugar glaze for coffee cake or use chopped Dessert Oreo for a playful twist. Whether you crave a weekend brunch centerpiece or a freshly baked coffee cake for afternoon tea, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple, reliable, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients & Instructions
Coffee Cake Bliss: Irresistible Glazed Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with a layer of brown sugar and cinnamon, then top with remaining batter. Smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes, then drizzle with glaze. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
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Ingredients You Need for Coffee Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, room temperature | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk or cream | 2–3 tbsp |
| Potato starch (optional) | 2 tbsp |
| Dessert Oreo pieces (optional) | ½ cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Coffee Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and potato starch in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl.
- Spread half the batter in pan. Sprinkle cinnamon mixture. Top with remaining batter.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm coffee cake glaze.
- For a dessert twist, sprinkle crushed Dessert Oreo or brush with brown sugar glaze for coffee cake.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Smart Swaps & Variations
You can make this Coffee Cake gluten-free by swapping flour for a 1:1 blend, adding extra potato starch. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist. To lighten the loaf, replace half the sour cream with applesauce. For low-carb fans, try almond flour and sweeten with erythritol. If you love how to make glazed coffee cake, experiment with honey glaze or maple syrup. For extra crunch, fold in chopped nuts or add a layer of chopped Dessert Oreo between batters.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve your freshly baked Coffee Cake warm with a cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, top slices with fresh berries or whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds. You can freeze individual slices; wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge. Pack slices in lunchboxes or enjoy as an afternoon treat—this recipe fits every occasion.
Health Benefits of Coffee Cake
This Coffee Cake delivers more than just comfort. It provides protein from eggs and Greek yogurt, which help maintain muscle health and keep you full longer. The addition of potato starch adds resistant starch, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Cinnamon offers antioxidants and may support blood sugar balance. By choosing a brown sugar glaze for coffee cake or a light powdered sugar drizzle, you control added sugars. You can also add flaxseed or chia for extra fiber and omega-3s. When paired with fresh fruit and a balanced breakfast, this coffee cake recipes easy fits into a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned baker, this Coffee Cake recipe brings joy to every kitchen. It honors the warmth of homemade treats and the discipline I learned in professional kitchens. You’ll love the tender crumb, warming cinnamon swirl, and versatile coffee cake glaze options. Plus, it adapts beautifully—from low-carb twists to Dessert Oreo toppings. So gather your ingredients, trust your instincts, and let the aroma fill your home. With each slice, you’ll taste both tradition and innovation. Enjoy sharing this Coffee Cake with family and friends—you’ve got a cozy masterpiece ready to serve.
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FAQs About Coffee Cake
Q1: Can I make this Coffee Cake gluten-free?
Yes. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and add 1–2 tablespoons of potato starch for structure. Follow the recipe as written.
Q2: How do I store leftover Coffee Cake?
Store cooled slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate up to five days or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic.
Q3: What’s the difference between coffee cake glaze and powdered sugar glaze?
A coffee cake glaze often uses brown sugar and butter for a richer flavor, while a powdered sugar glaze combines powdered sugar with milk or cream for a lighter, sweeter finish.
Q4: Can I add fruit or nuts to this Coffee Cake?
Absolutely. Fold in fresh berries, chopped apples, or toasted nuts before baking. These additions create new textures and flavors, making your coffee cake recipes even more versatile.
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