Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake! It’s one of those wonderfully nostalgic baked goods that immediately conjures up images of cozy Sunday mornings, a steaming mug of coffee, and perhaps a good book or a warm conversation with loved ones. But it’s not just any cake – the Old Fashioned Coffee Cake is a timeless classic, bringing together tender crumb, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and that irresistible crumbly streusel topping that literally melts in your mouth.

What makes this cake special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors: soft, moist cake with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that contrasts beautifully with a subtle buttery undertone. You don’t even need coffee to enjoy it, but it pairs perfectly, like a dance partner made in heaven.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything-from the ingredient list to the science behind why this cake turns out so delicious, plus tips and variations to make it your own. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of old-fashioned goodness!

Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe stays true to its roots: simple, straightforward, and packed with flavor. The cake is moist, not too sweet, with a tender crumb and a streusel topping that’s got just the right crunch and cinnamon kick. Plus, that cinnamon swirl inside gives every bite a little surprise of spice and sweetness.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down the essentials:

• All-purpose flour – the backbone of your cake. Provides structure.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness, but not too much. Coffee cake is subtle, not cloying.
• Baking powder & baking soda – the magic leaveners that make your cake rise and get fluffy.
• Salt – balances and enhances all those sweet and buttery flavors.
• Ground cinnamon – star spice for that warm, comforting flavor.
• Butter – unsalted, softened; gives richness and moistness.
• Eggs – provide structure and help bind everything.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt – adds moisture, tang, and tenderness.
• Vanilla extract – a small but essential flavor booster.
• Brown sugar (for streusel) – lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
• Optional nuts (like chopped walnuts or pecans) – for crunch in the streusel.

How To Make Old Fashioned Coffee Cake

Alright, time for the fun part! Here’s the step-by-step breakdown, like I’m right there chatting you through it:

1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This evenly distributes everything for a perfect crumb.
3. Cream butter and sugar: Beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air that helps give the cake a tender, light texture.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. This adds richness and depth of flavor.
5. Combine sour cream and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream into the wet mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix or the cake will be tough!
6. Prepare streusel topping: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, flour, and softened butter. Toss in chopped nuts if you want. The mixture should be crumbly.
7. Assemble: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the streusel over it, then add the remaining batter, and finish with the rest of the streusel on top.
8. Bake: Pop it into the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and serve: Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a second and see what’s going on inside that cake:

• Butter and sugar creaming: This process traps air, making the cake light and fluffy. That’s why softened butter is key!
• Leavening agents (baking powder & baking soda): They release carbon dioxide bubbles when heated, helping the cake rise. Baking soda needs acid to activate – enter the sour cream! Without that acidic ingredient, your cake wouldn’t get as fluffy.
• Sour cream: It’s a secret hero. Adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang that cuts sweetness, balancing flavors and improving texture.
• Cinnamon and brown sugar: Cinnamon adds warmth and aroma, while brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor thanks to its molasses content.
• Eggs: They provide structure but also emulsify ingredients, creating a smooth batter and rich crumb.

Expert Tips

Here’s the inside scoop to elevate your coffee cake game:

• Use room temperature ingredients – they mix more evenly and produce better texture.
• Don’t overmix your batter – overworking gluten makes cakes dense and tough.
• Make the streusel chunky – varying sizes of crumbs add texture interest.
• Add a little extra cinnamon to the streusel for a stronger punch – some people like it more cinnamon-forward.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter cake but keep that tang.
• Use fresh cinnamon – ground cinnamon loses potency over time, fresh packs more flavor.
• Let the cake cool slightly but enjoy warm – the streusel is especially heavenly when slightly warm and crumbly.

Recipe Variations

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

• Fruit infusion: Add fresh blueberries, chopped apples, or pears to the batter.
• Nuts and seeds: Mix in toasted walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple vanilla or lemon glaze after baking for extra sweetness and shine.
• Spiced up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves alongside cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Coffee twist: Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for an even stronger coffee connection.
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs, and a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Final Words

There’s something undeniably comforting about baking an Old Fashioned Coffee Cake. It’s not just the flavors or the textures, but the experience-the smells filling your kitchen, the satisfying crumb in your mouth, and the shared moments over a warm slice and a cup of coffee. This cake is proof that sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. They warm hearts and taste buds alike.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In An Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Recipe?

An old fashioned coffee cake typically includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, cinnamon, and a crumb topping made of butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream In An Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with yogurt or buttermilk. These options will maintain the cake’s moisture and provide a similar tangy flavor.

How Can I Make An Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Dairy-free?

To make an old fashioned coffee cake dairy-free, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace milk with almond or oat milk.

Should I Use Salted Or Unsalted Butter In An Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Recipe?

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness and salt balance of the cake. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

Can I Make The Crumb Topping Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days before using it.

How Can I Make My Old Fashioned Coffee Cake More Moist?

To make your coffee cake more moist, try adding sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce to the batter. These ingredients help retain moisture and improve texture.

Can I Add Fruit To My Old Fashioned Coffee Cake?

Yes, adding fruits like blueberries, apples, or strawberries can enhance the flavor. If adding fresh fruit, be sure to lightly coat them in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

What Temperature Should The Oven Be For Baking An Old Fashioned Coffee Cake?

The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the cake evenly and allowing the crumb topping to crisp up.

Can I Freeze An Old Fashioned Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze an old fashioned coffee cake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it at room temperature and warm it up in the oven.

How Long Does An Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Take To Bake?

The baking time typically ranges from 40 to 50 minutes at 350°F, depending on the size of the cake and the oven. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.