Biscuit Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s just admit it-we all need more cozy moments in our lives. And nothing says cozy like a warm slice of coffee cake fresh out of the oven, with crumbly cinnamon streusel, drizzles of icing, and that buttery aroma that fills the whole house. But what if we could make it even easier-and dare I say-quicker? Welcome to the world of Biscuit Coffee Cake!

Now, I know what you might be thinking: Biscuit? Like, Southern biscuits? In a coffee cake? YES. And it’s amazing. We’re talking about a rustic, rich, crumbly cake that uses refrigerated biscuit dough as a shortcut, but still feels 100% homemade. It’s a beautiful mashup of tender biscuits and sweet cinnamon crumble. The best part? It comes together in a flash-no fancy mixers, no long proofing time, just pure comfort food magic.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Biscuit Coffee Cake Recipe

This little gem of a recipe is one of those ’wow, I can’t believe it’s that simple’ types. It uses premade biscuit dough (yes, from a can-no shame!) layered with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture, and baked until golden brown and bubbling with deliciousness.

Whether you’re making it for brunch, a lazy weekend treat, or a surprise coffee companion for your neighbor, it never fails to impress.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s do a quick pantry check! You’ll be thrilled to know you probably already have most of these on hand:

For The Cake

• 1 can (16 oz) of refrigerated biscuit dough (the flaky kind works great!)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For The Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark-your choice!)
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

For The Glaze (because Yes, We Need Glaze)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
• A drop of vanilla extract (just a drop makes a difference!)

How To Make Biscuit Coffee Cake

Now the fun part! Here’s how to bring this cinnamon-swirled dream to life:

Preheat & Prep

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let it preheat while you gather your ingredients.
• Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar). A cast iron skillet works beautifully too if you’re feeling rustic.

Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar

• In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
• Add vanilla extract and melted butter and mix until you have a grainy, aromatic mixture.

Cut & Coat Biscuits

• Pop open that biscuit can (brace yourself for the pop!).
• Cut each biscuit into quarters-yep, just slice them up into bite-sized pieces.
• Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar-butter mixture until well coated.

Layer It Up

• Pour the coated biscuit pieces into your greased dish. Spread them out into a fairly even layer, but don’t overthink it-rustic is the vibe.

Make Your Crumble

• In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt.
• Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into a crumbly texture. It should resemble wet sand with clumps-aka perfect streusel.

Sprinkle Generously

• Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the biscuits.
• Optional: Toss on some chopped nuts for texture and flavor.

Bake!

• Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is cooked through (a toothpick should come out clean).
• Let it cool for about 10 minutes-if you can resist.

Glaze & Serve

• Mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Drizzle over the slightly cooled cake.
• Slice, serve, and cue the happy sighs.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a second (in the best way). Here’s what makes each component tick:

• Biscuit Dough: High in fat and low in sugar compared to traditional cake batter. That fat (usually shortening or butter) creates layers and a tender crumb. When baked with sugary fillings, it creates a delightful sweet-savory contrast.
• Brown Sugar in the Crumble: Contains molasses, which adds a richer, deeper sweetness and helps the crumble caramelize into crunchy perfection.
• Cold Butter in the Crumble: Cold is key! It melts slowly as it bakes, forming those heavenly streusel pockets.
• Powdered Sugar in the Glaze: It’s ultra-fine and dissolves quickly in milk, creating that perfect drippy, glossy finish we all love.

Expert Tips

Want to take your biscuit coffee cake from great to legendary? Try these:

• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the top: golden brown is good, too dark means dry.
• Use Buttermilk Biscuits – They have that slight tang which balances out the sweetness.
• Add Texture – A handful of rolled oats or chopped nuts in the crumble adds crunch.
• Double the Glaze – If you’re a sweet tooth, no judgment. Pour on a second drizzle after cutting the first slice.
• Go Seasonal – Add chopped apples in fall, blueberries in spring, or pumpkin spice for an autumn twist.

Recipe Variations

Let’s get creative! This base is incredibly versatile:

• Apple Cinnamon Biscuit Cake: Add diced apples to the mix before baking.
• Peach Cobbler Style: Toss in sliced fresh or canned peaches with a hint of nutmeg.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl: Add spoonfuls of Nutella between the layers.
• Maple Walnut: Replace vanilla with maple extract and stir walnuts into the crumble.
• Lemon Blueberry: Use lemon zest in the glaze and fresh blueberries in the base.

Honestly, once you’ve nailed the core, the sky’s the limit.

Final Words

Making this biscuit coffee cake feels like a little love letter to yourself or to whoever you’re baking it for. It’s fast, comforting, and a little nostalgic-all wrapped in cinnamon sugar and buttery goodness.

You don’t need to be a pastry chef. You don’t need hours of free time. All you need is a few simple ingredients, a warm oven, and maybe a hot mug of coffee to go with your freshly baked masterpiece.

FAQs

What Is A Biscuit Coffee Cake?

A biscuit coffee cake is a hybrid dessert that combines the tender, flaky texture of biscuits with the rich, sweet flavor of a traditional coffee cake. It typically includes layers of biscuit dough, a cinnamon-sugar filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, making it a deliciously easy version of the classic coffee cake.

Can I Make Biscuit Coffee Cake Without Using A Biscuit Mix?

Yes, you can make biscuit coffee cake without using a pre-made biscuit mix. By preparing your own biscuit dough using flour, baking powder, butter, and milk, you can create a homemade base for your cake. This allows for more control over flavor and texture, but requires an extra step.

What Ingredients Do I Need For Biscuit Coffee Cake?

The basic ingredients for a biscuit coffee cake include flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, milk (or buttermilk for extra tang), cinnamon, and eggs. You may also need additional ingredients like brown sugar for the streusel topping, and vanilla extract for added flavor.

Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough For Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough as a shortcut when making a biscuit coffee cake. Simply thaw the dough according to package instructions and proceed with layering it in the cake pan, adding your cinnamon-sugar filling and streusel topping.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For Biscuit Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor. Sprinkle the streusel over the biscuit dough before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Can I Add Fruit To My Biscuit Coffee Cake?

Yes, adding fruit is a great way to enhance the flavor of your biscuit coffee cake. Fresh berries, sliced apples, or even pears work well. Simply layer the fruit between the biscuit dough layers or scatter them on top before baking for added sweetness and moisture.

How Do I Store Leftover Biscuit Coffee Cake?

To store leftover biscuit coffee cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the coffee cake, ensuring it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.

Can I Make Biscuit Coffee Cake In Advance?

Yes, biscuit coffee cake can be made in advance. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. When ready to serve, simply reheat the cake in the oven at a low temperature for 10-15 minutes to bring back its freshness.

What’s The Best Way To Serve Biscuit Coffee Cake?

Biscuit coffee cake is best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it as a breakfast treat, brunch option, or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, and you can top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze for extra indulgence.

Can I Make Biscuit Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of biscuit coffee cake by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum for the best texture. Additionally, check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.