8×8 Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re anything like me, mornings aren’t complete without a cozy, comforting slice of something sweet and satisfying alongside your coffee. Enter the 8×8 coffee cake – a perfectly sized, moist, and tender cake baked in a small square pan, making it ideal for quick baking sessions and just the right amount of indulgence.

This cake is a classic breakfast treat and an absolute crowd-pleaser with its crumbly streusel topping and tender crumb beneath. Whether you’re baking for one, two, or a small gathering, the 8×8 format means no waste, just delicious bites. And don’t worry if you’re new to baking; this recipe breaks everything down in the most approachable, friendly way. Plus, I’m here to spill all the secrets and science behind every ingredient!

So, grab your apron and your favorite mug of coffee – let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen.

8×8 Coffee Cake Recipe

The magic of the 8×8 coffee cake lies in its simplicity paired with that irresistible crumb topping. It’s a cake that’s:

• Soft and buttery with a tender crumb
• Richly flavored with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon
• Topped with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar streusel
• Moist but never soggy – the balance is just right!

Perfectly sized for your trusty 8×8-inch square pan, this coffee cake is easy to portion, easy to bake, and downright delicious any time of day.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the lineup of stars you’ll need to create this delightful cake:

• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base that gives structure and shape.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and tenderness.
• Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Brings a deeper caramel flavor, especially in the streusel.
• Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp + 1 tsp): Adds warmth and that signature coffee cake spice.
• Butter (½ cup or 1 stick, softened): Provides richness and moisture.
• Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds structure.
• Milk (½ cup, whole or 2%): Keeps the crumb tender and moist.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Boosts all the other flavors with a lovely aromatic touch.

For The Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar (⅓ cup): For that sweet, caramelized crunch.
• All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): Gives the crumble structure.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses the topping with spice.
• Butter (3 tbsp, cold and diced): Creates those perfect clumps of streusel.

How To Make 8×8 Coffee Cake

Let’s get hands-on! Here’s a step-by-step guide that’s as friendly as your grandma’s kitchen instructions:

1. Preheat & prep: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and optionally, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy and pale – about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for a light texture.
4. Add egg & vanilla: Beat in the egg until smooth, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Slowly add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with milk in two batches, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined-overmixing = tough cake!
6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold diced butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry mix until it forms crumbly clusters.
7. Assemble: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel generously over the top.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
9. Cool and enjoy: Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing – patience makes it easier to serve without crumbling!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Ever wondered why baking is like a little kitchen chemistry experiment? Here’s a quick dive into the science behind some key ingredients:

• Baking powder: This magical leavening agent releases carbon dioxide bubbles when it reacts with moisture and heat. Those bubbles puff up the batter, making your cake rise and become fluffy.
• Butter: When creamed with sugar, butter traps air that helps create a light, tender crumb. The fat also coats the flour proteins, limiting gluten formation so the cake isn’t tough.
• Egg: Eggs add moisture, fat, and protein. The proteins help set the structure as the cake bakes, giving it stability without being dry.
• Flour: Contains gluten-forming proteins. Too much mixing activates gluten excessively, which can make cakes chewy or dense – so gentle mixing is key.
• Cinnamon: Beyond flavor, cinnamon contains essential oils and compounds with antioxidant properties, making your cake delicious and a little bit fancy in the health department!

Expert Tips

Want to bake this coffee cake like a pro? Here are some insider tricks I swear by:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, egg, and milk are at room temp. This helps them blend smoothly for a consistent batter.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing activates gluten and toughens the cake.
• Cold butter for streusel: Keep your butter cold when making the streusel to get those perfect clumps that bake into crunchy topping.
• Check doneness carefully: Ovens vary! Start checking your cake around 28 minutes, and test with a toothpick for a clean or slightly moist crumb.
• Let it cool: If you cut too soon, the cake can crumble or fall apart. Give it some time to set.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists to customize your coffee cake:

• Nutty streusel: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to your streusel for extra crunch.
• Fruit boost: Fold in fresh blueberries, diced apples, or raspberries into the batter before baking.
• Glaze finish: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine.
• Spiced up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger with the cinnamon for a warm spice blend.
• Cream cheese swirl: Drop dollops of sweetened cream cheese into the batter and swirl lightly before topping with streusel.

Final Words

This 8×8 coffee cake isn’t just a recipe – it’s your new morning ritual, your comforting companion for lazy weekends, and a little piece of homemade love to share with friends or savor alone. It’s approachable enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress any crowd.

Baking this cake is more than mixing ingredients – it’s about creating moments, filling your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and butter, and savoring every crumb with a steaming cup of coffee.

FAQs

What Is The Best Type Of Flour To Use For An 8×8 Coffee Cake?

For an 8×8 coffee cake, all-purpose flour works best as it provides a tender texture and structure. If you’re looking for a slightly denser cake, you can try using cake flour.

Can I Use A Different Pan Size For The 8×8 Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can use a 9×9 pan or a 7×7 pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. If using a larger pan, the cake will bake faster, while a smaller pan will require more time.

How Do I Prevent The Topping From Sinking Into The Cake Batter?

To prevent the topping from sinking, sprinkle it over the batter just before baking and avoid stirring it into the batter. You can also lightly pat the batter with a spoon to create a more even surface.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream For The Yogurt In The 8×8 Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, sour cream is a great substitute for yogurt in coffee cakes. It will provide the same tangy flavor and moisture, and the cake will still have a rich texture.

How Long Does The 8×8 Coffee Cake Need To Bake?

An 8×8 coffee cake typically bakes for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but be sure to check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I Make The Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

What Can I Add To The Batter To Make My 8×8 Coffee Cake More Flavorful?

You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor. Additionally, mixing in fruit like blueberries or apples or nuts like walnuts or pecans can add texture and taste.

Why Is My 8×8 Coffee Cake Too Dense?

A dense coffee cake could be caused by overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or not properly measuring your ingredients. Be sure to spoon flour into your measuring cup and gently mix the batter until combined.

How Can I Make The Coffee Cake Topping Crunchy?

To create a crunchy topping, combine butter, brown sugar, and flour to form a streusel mixture. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch.

Can I Make A Gluten-free 8×8 Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of the 8×8 coffee cake by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum, which will help maintain the cake’s structure.