Costco Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, Costco’s coffee cake – it’s basically the stuff of legends! If you’ve ever wandered down the bakery aisle in Costco and spotted that enormous, perfectly swirled, cinnamon-sugar-dusted coffee cake, you know exactly what I’m talking about. That tender crumb, the crispy cinnamon swirl, and the crumbly streusel topping create an irresistible combo that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert (hey, no judgment here).

If you’re here, you probably want to know the secret behind this bakery masterpiece. Good news! I’m going to break down the recipe for you, step-by-step, so you can recreate that exact moist, flavorful, cinnamon-packed magic right in your own kitchen. And trust me, once you nail this recipe, Costco coffee cake will never be just a store treat – it’ll be your new go-to comfort food.

Ready? Let’s jump into the delicious details!

Costco Coffee Cake Recipe

This coffee cake recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. The hallmark characteristics:

• A tender, buttery cake base that’s fluffy but substantial
• A generous, rich cinnamon-sugar swirl that gives you those perfect bites of sweet and spicy
• A crumbly, slightly crunchy streusel topping that adds texture and contrast
• Moist enough to keep fresh for days but best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee (duh!)

No fancy equipment needed, just a mixing bowl, a loaf or round pan, and some love. This cake can double as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a casual dessert after dinner. Seriously versatile.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s get down to what you’ll need to make this happen. Here’s your full ingredient lineup:

For The Cake Batter

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and the tender crumb
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps with browning
• Baking powder – Leavens the cake, giving it rise and fluffiness
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness
• Unsalted butter (room temp) – Adds richness and moisture
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Keeps the cake moist and tender
• Vanilla extract – For that warm, inviting aroma and flavor
• Milk – Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter

For The Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

• Brown sugar – Adds deep caramel notes
• Ground cinnamon – The star spice of the swirl
• Butter (melted) – Helps bind the swirl ingredients and adds richness

For The Streusel Topping

• Flour – Forms the crumb base
• Brown sugar – Sweetens and deepens the topping
• Ground cinnamon – Adds spice and warmth
• Cold butter (cut into small pieces) – Creates that signature crumbly texture

How To Make Costco Coffee Cake

Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s the step-by-step process broken down for you:

1. Prep Your Oven And Pan

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix The Dry Ingredients For The Cake Batter

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

3. Cream The Butter And Eggs

   In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet And Dry

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined – no overmixing! You want a smooth batter but avoid toughening the cake.

5. Prepare The Cinnamon Swirl

   In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the sugar is moistened.

6. Layer The Batter And Swirl

   Pour half of the cake batter into your pan and smooth it out. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through. Pour the remaining batter on top, smooth it, and swirl the rest of the cinnamon mixture.

7. Make The Streusel Topping

   Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly and sandy.

8. Sprinkle streusel generously over the top of the cake.

9. Bake!

   Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

10. Cool And Enjoy

    Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. It’s amazing warm with coffee or tea!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Why does this coffee cake taste so right? Let’s nerd out for a sec and look at some of the ingredient science magic happening here:

• Butter and sour cream – Butter adds fat, which keeps the cake moist and tender, while sour cream (or yogurt) adds acidity that reacts with baking powder to create lift and also breaks down gluten for a softer crumb.
• Baking powder – This is a leavening agent that produces carbon dioxide bubbles in the batter. Those bubbles expand in the oven heat, making the cake rise and feel light.
• Brown sugar in the swirl and topping – Unlike granulated sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, giving the swirl and topping a deep, caramel-like flavor and moist texture.
• Cold butter in streusel – Cold butter cut into flour creates little pockets of fat that bake into flaky, crumbly bits, giving that classic streusel crunch.

Understanding these little roles helps you tweak the recipe or troubleshoot if your cake doesn’t turn out perfect the first time.

Expert Tips

Wanna make sure your Costco coffee cake turns out just like the bakery version? Here are some pro tips:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temp for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
• Swirl with intention: Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture gently but thoroughly for the best marbling effect.
• Use cold butter for streusel: It’s key for that crumbly topping texture.
• Check your oven temp: An oven thermometer can help. If your oven runs hot, the cake might brown too quickly on top while staying raw inside.
• Let it cool a bit before slicing: The cake sets better and won’t crumble apart.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here’s how you can tweak this classic recipe:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans in the swirl or streusel add crunch and richness.
• Cream cheese layer: For a luscious surprise, spread a sweetened cream cheese layer between the two batter layers before adding the swirl.
• Fruit additions: Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
• Use different spices: Try cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice in the swirl or streusel for a seasonal flavor boost.

Final Words

Making this Costco coffee cake at home is like capturing a little slice of bakery magic with your own hands. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to impress guests but easy enough to whip up on a lazy weekend morning. Plus, you get the joy of knowing exactly what’s in it – no mystery preservatives or additives.

If you follow the recipe and tips here, you’ll have a golden, aromatic, cinnamon-swirled masterpiece that disappears fast (fair warning!). Whether you savor it warm with coffee, pack it for work, or share it at brunch, it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For The Costco Coffee Cake Recipe?

The key ingredients for Costco coffee cake include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. You’ll also need a crumb topping made with flour, butter, and more cinnamon and sugar.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For Costco Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, or gluten-free flour if you need to make it gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.

Is There A Way To Make Costco Coffee Cake Dairy-free?

Yes, to make the Costco coffee cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy yogurt or a plant-based sour cream instead of regular sour cream.

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

To make the crumb topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the cake batter before baking.

Can I Add Nuts To The Costco Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the cake batter or the crumb topping for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to toast the nuts beforehand for an enhanced flavor.

Can I Make Costco Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake ahead of time. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

How Do I Store Leftover Costco Coffee Cake?

Store leftover Costco coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Make Costco Coffee Cake Without Sour Cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will give a similar tangy flavor and help with moisture in the cake.

What Type Of Pan Should I Use For The Costco Coffee Cake?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal for making Costco-style coffee cake. This size ensures that the cake has enough room to rise and bake evenly.

How Do I Know When The Costco Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

The coffee cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with only a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly touched.