Drake’s Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Alright, folks, if you’re anything like me, the mere mention of ’coffee cake’ brings a warm, cozy feeling-a kind of sweet anticipation that promises soft, crumbly bites paired perfectly with a steaming cup of joe. But not just any coffee cake will do. Today, we’re diving deep into Drake’s Coffee Cake recipe-a classic that’s beloved for its tender crumb, rich cinnamon swirl, and that irresistibly crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and will fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aromas imaginable.

Why Drake’s, you ask? Well, Drake’s is a brand that’s been synonymous with delicious snack cakes for generations. Their coffee cake is a fan favorite for good reason: it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spiced, soft and crunchy, simple and decadent. And I’m here to help you recreate that magic right in your own oven, from scratch!

Drake’s Coffee Cake Recipe

Imagine a cake that’s:

• Moist, tender, and buttery inside
• Laced with swirls of cinnamon and sugar that melt into every bite
• Crowned with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping that adds texture and a little crunch
• Perfectly sized for sharing (or not-no judgment here!)

This coffee cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a special breakfast, or craving a sweet snack to pair with your afternoon coffee, this cake hits the spot every time.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get baking, here’s what you’ll need to gather. Don’t worry; nothing too fancy or obscure here-just simple, pantry-friendly staples:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour – The backbone of our cake, providing structure
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning
• Baking powder – Leavens the cake for a light, airy texture
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness
• Butter (unsalted, softened) – The star of richness and moisture
• Eggs – Bind everything together and add moisture
• Whole milk – Keeps the crumb tender and moist
• Vanilla extract – A subtle flavor enhancer that rounds out the cake

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar – Adds a deep molasses flavor and moist texture
• Ground cinnamon – The warming spice that defines the swirl
• Butter (melted) – Binds the swirl together and makes it luscious

For The Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
• Chopped nuts (optional, like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch)

How To Make Drake’s Coffee Cake

Now, here’s the fun part! Follow these steps for a deliciously perfect coffee cake:

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

• In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale (about 3-4 minutes). This step is key for a light texture!

Step 4: Add Eggs And Vanilla

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry

• Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined-overmixing will toughen the cake.

Step 6: Prepare The Cinnamon Swirl

• Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly.

Step 7: Layering Time

• Pour half of the cake batter into your pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top. Then add the remaining batter, spreading gently to cover the swirl.

Step 8: Make The Streusel

• Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.

Step 9: Top The Cake

• Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter.

Step 10: Bake

• Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Now, this is where things get really interesting! Why does this cake turn out so perfectly?

• Flour: The gluten proteins in flour develop during mixing and provide the cake’s structure. But since we only mix until just combined, we prevent too much gluten from forming, keeping the cake tender.
• Butter: Butter doesn’t just add flavor; it coats the flour proteins, limiting gluten development and adding moisture. Creaming butter and sugar introduces air, which helps the cake rise and be fluffy.
• Eggs: They provide moisture and act as an emulsifier, blending fat and liquid to create a smooth batter.
• Baking Powder: A chemical leavener that releases carbon dioxide bubbles, making the cake rise.
• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon in the Swirl: Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramelized flavor due to its molasses content, while cinnamon brings warmth and depth.
• Cold Butter in Streusel: Cutting cold butter into flour creates tiny pockets of fat that melt during baking, creating a crisp, crumbly topping.

Understanding these little science tidbits helps you appreciate the magic happening in your oven!

Expert Tips

Here’s the secret sauce to mastering this cake:

• Don’t overmix your batter! Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears to keep the crumb tender. Overworking it makes gluten toughen.
• Use room temperature ingredients. Eggs and butter mix more easily, creating a smooth batter.
• Chill your butter for the streusel. Cold butter gives you that perfect crumbly topping.
• Add nuts for texture. Pecans or walnuts bring a wonderful crunch that contrasts the soft cake.
• Use fresh cinnamon. It makes a big difference in flavor intensity.
• Don’t skip the swirl. It’s the heart of this coffee cake!
• Let it cool before slicing. This allows the crumb to set, making cleaner cuts.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tasty ways to switch it up:

• Berry Coffee Cake: Fold fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for fruity bursts.
• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Substitute cinnamon sugar with a chocolate chip and brown sugar swirl.
• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adjusting milk slightly to get the right batter consistency.
• Maple Streusel: Add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the streusel mixture for a sweet, aromatic twist.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices to the batter for a fall-inspired cake.

Final Words

Making Drake’s Coffee Cake at home is more than just baking-it’s about creating moments. The scent of cinnamon, the soft crumb, the buttery crunch-it all comes together to deliver a slice of comfort and joy. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging in a quiet moment alone with your coffee, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite go-to.

FAQs

What Is Drake’s Coffee Cake?

Drake’s coffee cake is a type of cake produced by the Drake’s Cake company, known for its light, moist texture and cinnamon swirl. It is often sold in individually wrapped servings and is a popular snack or dessert item in the United States.

How Can I Make A Homemade Version Of Drake’s Coffee Cake?

To make a homemade version of Drake’s coffee cake, you’ll need ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, and cinnamon. The recipe typically includes a cinnamon streusel topping for that signature flavor.

What Is The Key Difference Between Drake’s Coffee Cake And Traditional Coffee Cake?

Drake’s coffee cake is distinct due to its packaged, snack-sized servings and its cinnamon-flavored filling and topping. Traditional coffee cake may come in larger, more formal servings and can have variations in toppings such as nuts or fruit.

Can I Substitute Ingredients In The Drake’s Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ingredients like using almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version, or replacing butter with vegetable oil. For a healthier version, you could also experiment with whole wheat flour or coconut sugar.

Is Drake’s Coffee Cake Recipe Difficult To Make?

No, making Drake’s coffee cake is relatively easy. The recipe involves mixing dry ingredients, creating a batter, and adding a cinnamon-sugar swirl. It doesn’t require any advanced baking techniques, just basic ingredients and patience while baking.

What Are The Main Ingredients In Drake’s Coffee Cake?

The primary ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, and cinnamon. The cake often has a cinnamon streusel topping, which is made with a mix of cinnamon, sugar, and butter.

How Long Does It Take To Make Drake’s Coffee Cake?

It generally takes around 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and another 30-40 minutes to bake the cake, depending on the recipe you’re following. The total time to make the coffee cake can range from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

Can I Freeze Drake’s Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Drake’s coffee cake. To do so, allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What Can I Serve With Drake’s Coffee Cake?

Drake’s coffee cake is often enjoyed with a hot beverage like coffee or tea. You can also pair it with fruit such as fresh berries, or even serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a dessert option.

Where Can I Find Drake’s Coffee Cake Recipe?

While Drake’s coffee cake is a commercially produced product, you can find similar homemade versions of the recipe online. Many food blogs and recipe websites offer their take on recreating the flavor of Drake’s coffee cake, often with slight variations.