Coffee cakes are such versatile treats, and these coffee cake recipes are ones to bookmark for those times you need a cake to enjoy any time of the day!
Easy Coffee Cake Recipes
Coffee cakes are well-loved because of their simplicity, versatility, and, most importantly, their taste! And they almost always have a crumb topping, which is completely irresistible in my book.
These cakes are usually one-layer cakes or Bundt cakes, making preparation nice and simple. There may be some swirling or a topping, but these simple coffee cake recipes fall nicely into the quick and easy category.
What Is a Coffee Cake?
A coffee cake is usually a single-layer cake topped with a streusel topping. Most often, the topping is made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. That signature crumb topping means that coffee cakes aren’t frosted, although some may feature a simple glaze drizzled on top. Some coffee cakes are filled with a layer of streusel instead of or in addition to the topping.
These cakes are most common in the United States, although their origins go back many, many years to northern Europe.
Why Are They Called Coffee Cakes?
Coffee cakes aren’t made with coffee, although you may find some that are coffee-flavored. Instead, as the name implies, these are the types of cakes that are the perfect companion for your cup of coffee. But, don’t stop there! They’re also great for a sweet breakfast or brunch treat, a simple dessert, or just a snack. Think of them as anytime cakes!
Are Coffee Cakes and Crumb Cakes the Same Thing?
Generally speaking, yes! They are both cakes that feature a streusel or crumb topping. Some bakers differentiate the two by how much topping they have, with crumb cakes having a thicker topping.
Tips for Making Coffee Cake
Making a coffee cake doesn’t differ that much from making a regular cake. Every recipe varies, but here are some general tips to keep in mind.
- Measure accurately. This is always important in baking! I highly recommend using a digital kitchen scale to measure ingredients like flour and sugar by weight for the best results.
- Don’t over-mix. The cake batter should be mixed just until combined. A crumb topping should be mixed just until crumbs form.
- Use the right pan. Unless the recipe you’re using specifies otherwise, you’ll have the best results using a light-colored metal pan. Dark pans over-bake the edges, and non-metal pans conduct heat differently. Learn more: How to Choose Baking Pans
- Don’t over-bake. A cake left too long in the oven will be dry and dense. Check your recipe for what cues to use for checking doneness. And remember that the cake will continue baking for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven.
- More tips! I’ve got more cake-baking help with How to Soften Butter, The Creaming Method, and Baking Tips for Beginners.
Find your new favorite coffee cake recipe!
I hope you’ll be inspired to whip up one of these easy coffee cakes soon! Brew a cup of your favorite coffee and dig into a slice. Save some for a simple dessert. Or just grab a slice whenever you’re craving a sweet snack!
Favorite Coffee Cake Recipes
Whether you're looking for a classic crumb cake, a unique twist on the classic, or something completely new, you'll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth in this collection of coffee cake recipes. Enjoy!
If you enjoy coffee cake in its purer forms, then this Sour Cream Coffee Cake is for you! It's a simple cake topped with a buttery cinnamon topping. It's just the kind of cake you'll make again and again!
This is The Coffee Cake for lemon lovers! There's lots of lemon throughout this Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, making it a sweet and tart dream!
This Almond Crumb Cake keeps things simple with the flavor focus solidly on almonds. The result is a delightful cake with lovely flavor!
Simple flavors for the win with this Brown Sugar Pecan Coffee Cake! I love that I usually have everything on hand to make this whenever I need a simple treat.
Bananas and chocolate and nuts... oh, my! Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake has a lovely, subtle flavor and is a bit less dense than most coffee cakes.
Ever since I first shared this Pecan Pie Coffee Cake, it's been so popular. And for good reason! The cake itself is fairly simple, but then pecan pie filling is poured over the top. That's when the magic happens!
This Blueberry Coffee Cake is super simple to make and is jam-packed with blueberries. When fresh blueberries are available, this is one of my favorite ways to put them to delicious use. And if you're a big blueberry fan like I am, then check out this Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, too!
With just one simple batter, you'll make this vanilla cake as well as its chocolate swirl. My fellow chocolate lovers will adore this tasty Chocolate Swirl Coffee Cake!
Two desserts collide in this Peach Cobbler Coffee Cake! It features layers of peaches, cake, and crumb for a fantastic treat.
Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake keeps things simple with a chocolate chip-studded cake and a crumb topping with a hint of cinnamon. It's one of my favorite baking examples of less is more.
For something a little different, try these Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins. They have everything you love about traditional coffee cake but in individual sizes that are wonderfully portable.
Apples + caramel = deliciousness. That's certainly the case in this Caramel Apple Crumb Cake. The flavors make me think of fall, but I'll happily bake and enjoy this cake any time of year!
For something a little different, try this Banana Oatmeal Crumb Cake. It's like a magical hybrid of coffee cake and banana bread!
If you like a thick, buttery, cinnamon-y crumb topping, then you'll adore this Classic Crumb Cake! This is a good recipe to make if you're feeding a crowd.
3 Comments on “Simple Coffee Cakes to Enjoy Anytime of Day”
WOW what a delicious collection! All the cakes look just perfect with a cup of coffee!
No sabrÃa cual elegir. Todos lucen riquÃsimos y con una presentación de lujo
Amazing, All these delicious cakes are perfect to have with a cup of tea and especially when you guests are visiting your place. Great idea.