Butter Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s just start with the truth: Butter Coffee Cake is what your soul craves when you want dessert disguised as breakfast, or breakfast pretending it’s not dessert. It’s buttery. It’s cinnamony. It’s tender in the middle, with a golden, crumbly top that feels like a warm blanket for your taste buds.

Now don’t let the ’coffee’ in the name fool you-there’s usually no coffee in the cake (though we’ll talk about a variation that adds it later!). The term ’coffee cake’ just means it’s perfectly designed to pair with a cup of coffee. And oh my goodness, is it ever. Think weekend brunch, rainy mornings, or even an indulgent weekday pick-me-up.

Let’s roll up those sleeves and bake something unforgettable.

Butter Coffee Cake Recipe

This version of the butter coffee cake is the real deal: rich, melt-in-your-mouth soft, with a gorgeous brown sugar cinnamon streusel that makes each bite a little celebration.

Here’s what we’re baking:

• A buttery yellow cake base that’s moist and tender but strong enough to hold all that crumb topping.
• A generous swirl of cinnamon sugar right in the center for that little ’oh wow’ moment.
• A streusel topping that’s crumbly, crisp, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
• Optional-but let’s be honest, irresistible-vanilla glaze drizzled over the top.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk pantry staples. This is one of those recipes where everything is probably already hanging out in your kitchen, just waiting to become something magical.

For The Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a protein boost!)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For The Streusel Topping

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Butter Coffee Cake

This cake is built in beautiful, cozy layers. Don’t rush-this is a bake to enjoy.

Preheat & Prep

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or line it with parchment if you’re fancy like that).

Make The Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Set it aside. Do not nibble on it. (Okay, one nibble.)

Make The Streusel

• Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Add the cold cubed butter.
• Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it’s crumbly, like wet sand with some chunkier bits.

Make The Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy-about 3-4 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time.
• Stir in the vanilla and sour cream until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Assemble The Layers

• Spread half the batter in your prepared pan.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly.
• Spoon and gently spread the remaining batter over it.
• Top generously with the streusel.

Bake!

• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (but a little crumb is fine!).
• Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Optional Glaze

• Whisk the glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Try not to eat it all before serving. Good luck.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a second. Here’s why each ingredient is pulling its weight.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create that soft, tender crumb. Room temp butter traps air during creaming = fluffier cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds fat and acid. That acid activates baking soda, making the cake rise higher and stay moist longer.
• Brown Sugar: Contains molasses, giving you moisture and a deeper, almost caramelized flavor in the swirl and topping.
• Cold Butter in Streusel: The key to that crumbly topping? Cold butter. It melts slowly in the oven, creating those perfect crunchy crumbs.
• Flour: Structure. But too much = dry cake, so measure properly (preferably by weight).

Expert Tips

Here’s the baker’s playbook for acing this recipe:

• Room temperature ingredients are key! Cold eggs or butter mess with the emulsion and texture.
• Don’t overmix once you add flour-it activates gluten and makes the cake tough.
• Use parchment for easy lifting if you want to present it on a tray (and not just eat it from the pan like an animal, which is also okay).
• Stash leftovers in an airtight container. Microwave for 10 seconds for fresh-from-the-oven vibes.
• Add the glaze only when cooled or it’ll melt right off and disappear into the cake.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Let’s jazz it up:

• Add chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts in the streusel? Yes please!
• Blueberry swirl: Drop a few blueberries into the cinnamon layer for fruity bursts.
• Espresso kick: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the batter or swirl for a subtle coffee twist.
• Chocolate chip upgrade: A handful of mini chips in the batter or streusel = kids’ favorite.
• Mini versions: Bake in muffin tins for cute little coffee cake cupcakes!

Final Words

This Butter Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe-it’s a comfort ritual. It’s the smell that fills your house on a slow Sunday. It’s that first bite that makes you close your eyes and sigh. It’s what you bring to brunch to instantly become everyone’s favorite person.

You don’t need fancy equipment. You don’t need to be a pastry chef. Just a wooden spoon, a good playlist, and a little love.

FAQs

What Is Butter Coffee Cake?

Butter coffee cake is a moist and flavorful cake, typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. It features a rich buttery texture with a slightly sweet flavor, often combined with cinnamon, nuts, and a crumbly streusel topping.

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Butter Coffee Cake?

The basic ingredients for a butter coffee cake include all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Optional ingredients can include cinnamon, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and sour cream for added moisture.

Can I Substitute The Butter With Margarine Or Oil In A Butter Coffee Cake Recipe?

While you can substitute butter with margarine or oil, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cake. Butter adds richness and flavor, so using margarine or oil might result in a less flavorful, less tender cake.

Do I Need To Use A Bundt Pan For Butter Coffee Cake?

No, a bundt pan is not required for butter coffee cake. You can bake it in a regular round or square cake pan. The bundt pan gives the cake a decorative shape, but it will taste just as good in a standard pan.

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

To make the streusel topping, mix together flour, sugar (white or brown), cinnamon, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture and flavor.

Can I Make A Butter Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make butter coffee cake ahead of time. Once it has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

How Do I Prevent My Butter Coffee Cake From Becoming Dry?

To prevent your butter coffee cake from drying out, make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the cake to be dense and dry. Additionally, using ingredients like sour cream or yogurt can add moisture to the cake.

Can I Add Fruit To My Butter Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples to your butter coffee cake. Just be sure to lightly toss the fruit in flour before adding it to the batter to prevent it from sinking to the bottom.

What Temperature Should The Oven Be For Baking Butter Coffee Cake?

Typically, butter coffee cake is baked at 350°F (175°C). However, always follow the specific recipe instructions for the best results, as baking times and temperatures can vary depending on the pan size and recipe specifics.

Can I Make Butter Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of butter coffee cake by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It’s recommended to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum for the right texture.