5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Let’s be honest: coffee cake doesn’t always get the glory it deserves. It’s usually tucked into the corner of a brunch table, quietly collecting crumbs while flashier pastries steal the spotlight. But not this one. This is the Beyoncé of coffee cakes. It’s got:

• A perfectly balanced cinnamon-sugar swirl.
• A buttery, tender crumb that holds together like a dream.
• A streusel topping that deserves its own fan club.
• And no – there’s no actual coffee in the cake (though it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of it!).

This is the kind of cake that makes neighbors “just happen to stop by”. It’s the secret weapon you bring to baby showers, book clubs, or to win over your in-laws. One bite and they’ll be asking you for the recipe – or at least to bring it to every future event forever.

5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s what you’re getting with this recipe:

• Serves: 10-12 generous slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: Just over an hour (including some cooling time)

It’s a classic, no-frills, soul-satisfying cake that relies on simple pantry ingredients and a little technique. No need for fancy mixers or complicated equipment – just a bowl, a whisk, and some love.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break this down into 3 easy sections, so you’re not running back and forth between ingredients like a distracted squirrel.

For The Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream (trust me – the magic lies here!)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For The Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark works!)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Add-ins

• Chopped walnuts or pecans (about 1/2 cup)
• Mini chocolate chips (yes, we went there)
• A dusting of powdered sugar on top (because why not?)

How To Make 5 Star Coffee Cake

Ready to turn your kitchen into a cinnamon-scented sanctuary? Let’s do it step-by-step.

Preheat And Prep

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 9-inch springform pan if you want that bakery-style height.
• Lightly flour the pan to prevent sticking.

Make The Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
• Mix in vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined (don’t overmix – we want it tender, not tough).

Prepare The Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar.

Layer The Cake

• Spread half the batter into your prepared pan.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar swirl evenly across the top.
• Spoon the remaining batter on top and spread gently with a spatula.

Make The Streusel

• In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly – think coarse sand with a few pea-sized chunks.

Top It Off And Bake

• Sprinkle the streusel generously over the batter.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool slightly before serving (if you can wait!).

Ingredient Science Spotlight

You know I love a good geek-out moment, so let’s talk why each ingredient matters:

• Sour cream: Adds richness and fat while tenderizing the crumb. It also gives a slight tang that balances the sweetness like a pro.
• Baking soda + baking powder: These leavening agents work together to create rise and fluffiness. The sour cream activates the baking soda.
• Brown sugar in the topping: Contains molasses, which adds depth and moisture. Streusel with just white sugar? Flat. Streusel with brown sugar? Iconic.
• Cold butter in streusel: Keeps the topping crumbly instead of melting into the cake. Room temp butter = streusel soup. No thank you.

Expert Tips

Want to level-up your game and make your coffee cake bakery-tier? Here are the tricks of the trade:

• Room Temp Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter = lumpy batter. Let them come to room temp for best results.
• Use a Metal Pan: Glass retains heat and can overbake your edges. A light-colored metal pan bakes more evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: The moment your flour disappears, put the whisk down. Overworking the gluten leads to a dense cake.
• Double the Streusel: No one in the history of ever has said ’There”s too much crumble on this coffee cake”.
• Freeze for Later: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat: microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Recipe Variations

You can totally take this basic masterpiece and give it your own twist. Here’s how:

• Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
• Apple Cinnamon: Fold in 1 cup of peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith works best).
• Maple Streusel: Replace brown sugar with maple sugar and add a drizzle of maple glaze on top.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace sour cream with pumpkin purée and add 1 tsp pumpkin spice.
• Cream Cheese Layer: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the center for a cheesecake-meets-coffee-cake situation.

Final Words

This coffee cake is more than just a recipe – it’s a ritual. It’s what you bring to Sunday morning breakfasts, what you bake when you need a little comfort, and what makes your house smell like happiness. It’s unfussy, full of charm, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or someone who still confuses baking powder with baking soda (been there!), this recipe is totally achievable.

FAQs

What Makes A Coffee Cake Recipe A ’5 Star’ Recipe?

A ’5 star’ coffee cake recipe typically refers to a recipe that is highly rated by users for its taste, texture, and ease of preparation. It often includes high-quality ingredients, such as real butter, fresh spices, and a balanced blend of flavors like cinnamon, nuts, and a moist crumb.

What Ingredients Are Needed For A 5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe?

Common ingredients for a 5 star coffee cake include flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, sour cream or yogurt, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nuts (like walnuts or pecans). Some recipes may also call for a streusel topping or a glaze for added flavor.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour In A 5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. However, the results may vary, so it’s important to follow specific guidelines for substitutions to maintain the cake’s integrity.

Can I Make A 5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, most coffee cake recipes can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge overnight, or bake it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Simply reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How Do I Prevent My Coffee Cake From Becoming Dry?

To prevent dryness, ensure you don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense texture. Adding sour cream or yogurt helps maintain moisture, and baking the cake just until a toothpick comes out clean ensures it stays tender. Also, make sure to store the cake properly to retain moisture.

What Can I Substitute For Sour Cream In A 5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even crème fraîche as a substitute. These alternatives provide the same tangy flavor and moisture that sour cream adds to the cake.

How Do I Make A Streusel Topping For Coffee Cake?

A streusel topping is made by combining ingredients like flour, sugar (usually brown sugar), cinnamon, and cold butter, then crumbling it together until it forms a coarse, sandy texture. You can add nuts, oats, or other flavorings to customize the topping.

What Type Of Pan Should I Use For A 5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe?

For a traditional coffee cake, a 9-inch round or square pan is typically used. If your recipe calls for a bundt cake style, a bundt pan is recommended. The type of pan used will affect the texture and appearance of the cake, so it’s important to follow the specific instructions.

Can I Make A 5 Star Coffee Cake Recipe Without Nuts?

Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have allergies or prefer not to include them. You can substitute with other ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or extra cinnamon, depending on your preference.

How Long Should I Bake A 5 Star Coffee Cake?

The baking time typically ranges from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the size and type of pan used. The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.