Coffee Cake For A Crowd Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Alright, gather ’round coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts! There’s something magical about coffee cake-it’s that warm, crumbly, sweet slice of happiness that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of joe or an afternoon pick-me-up. But what if you have a whole bunch of friends, family, or colleagues craving this delicious treat? That’s where a Coffee Cake For A Crowd recipe becomes your new best friend.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this recipe is designed to deliver that classic, buttery, cinnamon-swirled goodness in generous portions. Imagine the smell wafting through your kitchen, the soft crumb, the crunchy streusel topping-oh yes, it’s as good as it sounds!

In this guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through everything you need, how to make it, what makes the ingredients work their magic, and some juicy tips and variations to customize your coffee cake masterpiece. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Coffee Cake For A Crowd Recipe

This recipe is all about scaling up the love. Instead of a tiny 8×8 pan or a single layer, we’re talking about a big, bold, multi-layer or sheet pan coffee cake that’s perfect for feeding a hungry group. Think:

• Moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth
• A generous swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout
• A crunchy, buttery streusel topping that’s pure heaven
• Optional glaze for that extra sweet finish (because why not?)

This coffee cake is foolproof, made from simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry, and easy enough for even novice bakers to conquer.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get to mixing and baking, here’s your lineup of all-star ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – the backbone of your cake structure
• Granulated sugar – sweetness and structure
• Baking powder – for that perfect rise and fluff
• Baking soda – works with acidic ingredients to lighten texture
• Salt – to balance flavors and enhance sweetness

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted butter – adds richness and moisture (room temperature is key!)
• Eggs – bind everything together and add richness
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender
• Vanilla extract – the aromatic backbone of all good baked goods
• Milk – to loosen the batter to the perfect consistency

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar – deep molasses flavor adds warmth
• Ground cinnamon – the star spice here, aromatic and cozy

Streusel Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cold butter – for that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Optional chopped nuts – walnuts or pecans add crunch and nuttiness

Optional Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or cream
• Vanilla extract or a splash of coffee for a flavor twist

How To Make Coffee Cake For A Crowd

Let’s break down the process into manageable, fun steps-like baking with a friend guiding your hand:

1. Preheat & Prep

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a large sheet pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish generously (or line with parchment).

2. Make The Streusel

   • Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts in a bowl.
   • Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
   • Set aside in the fridge to keep cold.

3. Mix The Dry Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt.

4. Cream Butter & Sugar

   • In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy-this can take a few minutes and is key for a tender cake.

5. Add Eggs & Flavor

   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

6. Incorporate Sour Cream & Milk

   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream/milk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently-overmixing means tough cake!

7. Assemble Layers

   • Pour half the batter into the pan, then sprinkle a thick layer of the cinnamon-sugar swirl (brown sugar + cinnamon).
   • Pour the remaining batter on top.
   • Finish by sprinkling the streusel evenly over the surface.

8. Bake

   • Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

9. Cool & Glaze

   • Let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
   • Drizzle glaze on top if desired, slice, and serve!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Oh, the science behind baking! Each ingredient in this coffee cake plays a starring role:

• Butter

  Adds flavor and moisture but also coats flour proteins to inhibit gluten formation, making the cake tender rather than chewy.

• Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt)

  The acidity reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and also adds moisture and a slight tang that balances sweetness beautifully.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda

  These leavening agents create gas bubbles that make your cake light and airy. Baking powder works on its own; baking soda needs acid to activate (hello, sour cream).

• Sugar

  Not just for sweetness! Sugar attracts and holds moisture, which helps keep the cake moist. Plus, it helps with browning during baking, creating that lovely golden crust.

• Eggs

  Provide structure and richness. The proteins coagulate with heat to give your cake stability, while the fats in the yolks add tenderness.

• Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Swirl

  Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor. Cinnamon provides warm, aromatic notes that are essential for that classic coffee cake vibe.

Expert Tips

Because every baker deserves to feel like a pro:

• Room Temperature Ingredients

  Make sure your butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temp-this helps them mix better and gives a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix

  Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing = gluten overdevelopment = tougher cake.

• Keep Streusel Cold

  Use cold butter in the streusel and chill it before baking to get that perfect crumbly topping.

• Use Fresh Spices

  Cinnamon loses potency over time. Fresh cinnamon makes a big difference.

• Test With A Toothpick

  Don’t overbake! Check at 40 minutes, and if the toothpick comes out clean, it’s done.

• Make Ahead

  Coffee cake actually tastes better the next day, so you can bake it a day before your event!

Recipe Variations

Ready to shake things up or cater to special tastes? Here are some fun twists:

• Fruit Add-In

  Toss in fresh blueberries, chopped apples, or raspberries into the batter for a fruity surprise.

• Nut-Free

  Skip the nuts in the streusel for allergy-friendly yum.

• Chocolate Chip Swirl

  Mix mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar swirl for a mocha twist.

• Gluten-Free

  Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum).

• Vegan Version

  Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), and non-dairy yogurt.

• Coffee Infusion

  Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter or glaze for a more intense coffee flavor.

Final Words

Making coffee cake for a crowd is really about sharing warmth and comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy café and your guests feel instantly at home. With its rich buttery flavor, tender crumb, and that irresistible cinnamon crunch, this coffee cake has a way of turning an ordinary gathering into a memorable event.

Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the fun variations, you’re armed with all the knowledge and tips to bake confidently and deliciously.

FAQs

What Is The Best Type Of Coffee Cake Recipe To Serve A Large Crowd?

The best coffee cake recipe for a crowd is one that uses a large baking pan or multiple pans, features simple ingredients, and includes a streusel topping for added texture. Recipes that can be prepared in advance and stored well are ideal to accommodate large groups.

How Do I Scale A Coffee Cake Recipe To Serve A Crowd?

To scale a coffee cake recipe, multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need while ensuring your baking pan is appropriately sized. Using sheet pans or multiple loaf pans helps bake larger quantities simultaneously without compromising baking time or texture.

What Pan Size Is Recommended For Making Coffee Cake For A Crowd?

For serving a crowd, large sheet pans (e.g., 9×13 inches or larger) or a half-sheet pan (approximately 18×13 inches) are recommended. These pans allow you to bake more cake at once while ensuring even cooking and easy portioning.

Can Coffee Cake For A Crowd Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, coffee cake for a crowd can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to keep it fresh. Reheating gently before serving helps restore the cake’s softness.

What Are Good Toppings Or Add-ins For A Large Batch Coffee Cake?

Popular toppings include cinnamon streusel, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), and crumb toppings made from butter, flour, and sugar. Add-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or diced apples can enhance flavor and variety for a large group.

How Do I Keep Coffee Cake Moist When Baking For A Crowd?

To maintain moisture in large batches, use ingredients like sour cream or yogurt in the batter, avoid overbaking, and cover the cake with foil if it browns too quickly. Proper storage in airtight containers also preserves moisture after baking.

Is It Better To Bake Multiple Smaller Coffee Cakes Or One Large One For A Crowd?

Both approaches work, but multiple smaller cakes bake more evenly and are easier to serve and transport. One large coffee cake can save time but requires careful attention to baking time and even heat distribution.

What Is A Simple Coffee Cake Recipe That Can Be Easily Doubled Or Tripled?

A basic vanilla coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping is a versatile option that doubles or triples well. This recipe typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, sour cream, and cinnamon, making scaling straightforward.

How Should I Store Leftover Coffee Cake After Serving A Large Crowd?

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Can I Make Coffee Cake Gluten-free Or Vegan For A Crowd?

Yes, gluten-free flour blends can replace regular flour in most coffee cake recipes, and vegan substitutes like plant-based milk, flax eggs, and vegan butter can be used. Be sure to test the recipe beforehand to ensure texture and flavor remain appealing for a large group.