Coffee Cake With Icing Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Let’s just set the scene, shall we?

You’re curled up on a chilly morning, blanket draped over your legs, a hot mug of coffee in one hand, and in the other-a perfectly moist, cinnamon-swirled slice of coffee cake, topped with a delicate drizzle of vanilla icing that melts just slightly into the crumbly streusel topping. Are you with me? Now imagine making that exact coffee cake yourself. That’s what we’re doing today.

Coffee cake with icing isn’t just a recipe-it’s a ritual, a mood, a moment. It’s that comforting hybrid of cake and pastry that isn’t too sweet, yet satisfies every dessert-loving cell in your body. And here’s a fun twist: there’s no coffee in coffee cake (unless you’re feeling adventurous). It’s called coffee cake because it pairs beautifully with your favorite brew.

Coffee Cake With Icing Recipe: The Cozy Classic You’ll Keep Coming Back To

This recipe gives you that:

• Buttery, soft cake interior
• Sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl in the middle
• Crumbly, golden streusel topping
• And the pièce de résistance-a luscious, creamy icing that trickles down every edge

⏰ Total Time: ~1 Hour

‍ Skill Level: Beginner To Intermediate

️ Serves: 8-10

Ingredients Needed

For The Cake

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt – trust me, this is magic)

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For The Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For The Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk (or cream, for extra richness)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Coffee Cake With Icing (Step-by-Step)

Let’s break it down in a way that makes you feel like I’m right there with you in your kitchen.

Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9-inch square or round baking dish (or line it with parchment for easy removal).

Make The Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy-this usually takes 2-3 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture (begin and end with flour). Mix until just combined.

Layer It Up

• Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter and gently spread it out to cover the swirl.

Add The Streusel

• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
• Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry cutter until it forms coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle the streusel generously over the top.

Bake!

• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before icing.

Drizzle The Icing

• Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Drizzle over the cooled cake (not hot, or it’ll melt and disappear!).

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a little, shall we? Here’s what makes this cake truly sing:

• Sour Cream: This is the moisture magician. It not only makes the crumb rich and tender but also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar in the Swirl & Streusel: The molasses in brown sugar gives a deeper, caramelized flavor and a bit of chewiness to that swirl.
• Cold Butter in Streusel: Cold butter = crumbly topping. When baked, those little cold butter bits melt and create tiny crispy craters of deliciousness.
• Vanilla Extract: It’s a background player, but essential. It rounds out the flavor, bringing warmth and sweetness without overpowering.

‍ Expert Tips (From One Baker To Another)

You ready for some game-changers? Let’s level up your coffee cake game.

• Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream aren’t fridge-cold. This helps everything mix evenly and gives the best texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the flour goes in, mix gently. Overmixing leads to a dense, tough cake.
• Double the Icing: If you’re like me and believe icing should never be “just a drizzle”, double that part of the recipe. You won’t regret it.
• Toothpick Trick: Want to avoid sinking streusel? Let the batter rest in the pan for 5 minutes before adding the topping.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This cake stays amazing for 2-3 days. Reheat a slice in the microwave for 15 seconds = instant happiness.

Recipe Variations (Play With Your Food!)

Let your creative side loose! Coffee cake is the perfect canvas for experimenting.

• Add Fruit: Swirl in blueberries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
• Maple Glaze: Swap the milk in the icing for pure maple syrup-trust me on this one.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Sub out 1/2 cup of sour cream for 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice to the batter.
• Mini Muffin Coffee Cakes: Use a muffin tin for adorable, individual versions-great for brunch spreads!

Final Words: Why You’ll Love This Recipe Forever

There’s something timeless about coffee cake. It feels like a hug from a friend, a memory of a grandparent’s kitchen, or a pause in the middle of a crazy day. The rich, buttery base paired with cinnamon warmth and that sugary drizzle? Pure bliss.

But what makes this recipe special is its balance-moist but not greasy, sweet but not overwhelming, classic but customizable.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Coffee Cake With Icing?

To make a coffee cake with icing, you will need ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, eggs, sour cream or yogurt, vanilla extract, and milk for the cake. For the icing, you’ll typically need powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk or cream.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with yogurt, buttermilk, or even milk with a bit of lemon juice to achieve a similar texture and tanginess in your coffee cake.

How Do I Make The Icing For A Coffee Cake?

To make the icing, melt some butter and whisk it together with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk or cream until smooth and drizzle-able. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar depending on your preference.

Can I Make Coffee Cake With Icing Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can bake the coffee cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. The icing can be made and refrigerated separately. Simply reheat the cake before serving, and drizzle the icing on top just before serving.

What Can I Add To My Coffee Cake To Give It More Flavor?

You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for an extra flavor boost. Adding fresh fruit like blueberries or chopped apples or even nuts like walnuts or pecans can give your coffee cake more texture and flavor.

How Do I Ensure My Coffee Cake Is Moist?

To ensure your coffee cake is moist, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Additionally, using ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk helps retain moisture.

Can I Freeze Coffee Cake With Icing?

Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake, but it’s best to freeze the cake and icing separately. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake and top it with fresh icing.

What Is The Best Way To Store Coffee Cake With Icing?

Store the coffee cake with icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake to preserve freshness, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Can I Make The Cake Without The Icing?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake without the icing if you prefer a less sweet option or if you plan to serve it with a different topping, such as a fruit compote or whipped cream.

What Type Of Pan Is Best For Making Coffee Cake?

A 9-inch round or square baking pan works well for coffee cake, but you can also use a Bundt pan for a more decorative presentation. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you use a different pan size.