Coffee Crumb Cake Easy Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, the glorious aroma of freshly baked coffee crumb cake! If you’re anything like me, the mere thought of a moist, tender cake topped with that irresistibly crunchy, buttery crumb makes your taste buds tingle and your morning coffee moment infinitely better. Coffee crumb cake is the ultimate comfort food-part cake, part coffee break, all heart. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a special treat with your afternoon cup, or a delightful dessert that never feels too heavy.

What makes coffee crumb cake so special is that wonderful contrast: the soft, lightly sweetened cake underneath, infused with subtle hints of cinnamon or vanilla, and the crumb topping, which is a crisp, buttery, cinnamon-speckled delight that practically melts in your mouth. Plus, this recipe is easy enough for even the busiest bakers-no intimidating steps or fancy gadgets needed!

So, if you’re ready to bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen with a simple, foolproof recipe, let’s jump right in.

Coffee Crumb Cake Easy Recipe

This recipe is a no-fuss, easy-to-follow guide that will have you baking a moist coffee crumb cake from scratch without breaking a sweat. The best part? The crumb topping is so buttery and cinnamon-rich, you’ll want to sprinkle it on everything! It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients Needed

Gathering the right ingredients is like assembling the perfect team – each player has an important role to play. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour (about 2 cups): The backbone of your cake structure.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetness that balances perfectly.
• Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances flavors.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds moisture and richness.
• Eggs (2 large): The glue that binds and gives body.
• Milk (3/4 cup, whole or 2%): Adds moisture for tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): For that comforting warm aroma.
• Ground cinnamon (optional, 1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and depth.

For The Crumb Topping

• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms that crumbly texture.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moistness and caramel notes.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Essential for that classic crumb topping spice.
• Butter (1/3 cup, cold and cubed): The secret to those perfect crumbs!

How To Make Coffee Crumb Cake Easy

Ready to bake? Here’s the step-by-step to crumb cake heaven:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the crumb topping: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix the dry ingredients for the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy-about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender, airy cake.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently just until combined-overmixing means tough cake!
7. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top evenly.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely-or eat it warm for ultimate comfort!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a bit about why these ingredients matter so much:

• Flour: The gluten proteins in flour develop when mixed with liquids, creating a structure that traps air bubbles-this gives your cake that tender yet sturdy crumb.
• Butter: The fat coats flour particles, limiting gluten formation and keeping the cake moist and tender. Cold butter in the crumb topping is key to creating those irresistible chunks rather than a paste.
• Eggs: Eggs add moisture and protein, helping to bind ingredients together. The beaten eggs trap air, aiding in the rise and lightness of the cake.
• Baking powder: This is a leavening agent. When combined with moisture and heat, it releases carbon dioxide bubbles that make the cake fluffy.
• Sugar: Sweetens and also retains moisture, extending the cake’s shelf life.
• Cinnamon: Not just for flavor, cinnamon adds warmth and can enhance perceived sweetness without extra sugar.
• Brown sugar: Contains molasses, which attracts moisture and adds a lovely chewiness to the crumb topping.

Expert Tips

Here’s where the pros spill their secrets for the best coffee crumb cake ever:

• Don’t overmix your batter! Stir until just combined to avoid a dense, tough cake.
• Use cold butter for the crumb topping. Warm butter will melt into the flour and sugar, losing that signature crumbly texture.
• Let the cake cool a bit before slicing. This lets the crumb topping set and prevents it from crumbling everywhere.
• Experiment with cinnamon levels. If you’re a fan of spice, add a bit more to the batter or crumb topping.
• For a richer cake, substitute half the milk with sour cream or yogurt. This adds tang and tenderness.
• Use a light-colored pan so you can monitor browning; dark pans cook faster and can overbrown the crust.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up or make this cake your own? Here are some tasty twists:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumb topping add crunch and nuttiness.
• Swirl in some coffee: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to the batter for a subtle coffee kick.
• Fruit burst: Fold fresh blueberries or chopped apples into the batter before baking.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or coffee icing on top after baking for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed ’egg’ (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, set for 5 minutes).

Final Words

I don’t know about you, but after making this coffee crumb cake, I find myself savoring each bite a little more slowly, soaking up the warm, comforting flavors with a hot cup of coffee or tea nearby. It’s the kind of recipe that not only fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas but also your heart with joy because it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to enjoy the pleasures of homemade baking without any fuss. And once you try it, you’ll understand why coffee crumb cake has a permanent spot in the dessert hall of fame.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For An Easy Coffee Crumb Cake Recipe?

To make an easy coffee crumb cake, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and a bit of milk. For the crumb topping, you’ll use flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.

How Do I Make The Crumb Topping For A Coffee Crumb Cake?

To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set it aside before topping the cake batter.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Milk In The Coffee Crumb Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or even buttermilk. The taste and texture may vary slightly depending on the type of milk used, but it will still work well in the recipe.

What Can I Use Instead Of Sour Cream In A Coffee Crumb Cake?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or a combination of milk and lemon juice as a substitute. Each will give the cake a moist texture and slightly different flavor.

How Long Should I Bake The Coffee Crumb Cake?

Typically, you should bake the coffee crumb cake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time can vary depending on the size of the pan used.

Can I Make Coffee Crumb Cake Without A Mixer?

Yes, you can absolutely make coffee crumb cake by hand. Simply use a whisk for mixing dry ingredients, and a spoon or spatula for combining wet ingredients and folding the batter. The crumb topping can be mixed with your hands.

How Can I Make The Cake More Flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter. Additionally, using high-quality vanilla extract and a bit of instant coffee in the cake can elevate the flavor profile.

Can I Freeze Coffee Crumb Cake?

Yes, you can freeze coffee crumb cake. After it cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Can I Use A Different Topping Instead Of The Crumb Topping?

Yes, if you prefer, you can top the cake with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even a drizzle of glaze for added sweetness. A streusel topping can also be an alternative.

Is Coffee Crumb Cake The Same As A Coffee Cake?

Yes, coffee crumb cake is often referred to as a type of coffee cake. While the terms can be used interchangeably, ’coffee cake’ typically refers to any cake served with coffee, and the ’crumb’ part highlights the crumbly topping often found in this cake.