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With a quick prep, this crowd-favorite coffee cake recipe is a delicious go-to for any breakfast, brunch, or celebration!

Slice of coffee cake on 4 white stacked plates.

How to Make Coffee Cake

One of our FAVORITE things to make for a breakfast or brunch get-together is coffee cake! It’s quick, buttery, and so cinnamon-y that everyone loves it.

We first had this recipe when we were younger, but it was so good, we knew it had to become a go-to and it has. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for any occasion (even Khloe Kardashian agrees!)

We love to serve it with other breakfast casseroles and bakes like our: Sausage Breakfast Casserole, Breakfast Potato Casserole and Cinnamon Roll Cake.

Why We Love IT!

  • Simple. The recipe comes together in no time and uses simple ingredients that most usually have on hand.
  • Event Perfection. Whether it’s for an Easter Brunch, Christmas Breakfast, baby shower or bridal shower, this coffee cake recipe is perfect for any occasion.
  • Delicious. This moist and sweet cake has the perfect flavors of butter, cinnamon and sugar make it so tasty.
Coffee cake brown sugar topping mixed together in bowl.
  • PREP TIME: 15 MINS
  • COOK TIME: 45 MINS

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs – room temperature and lightly beaten will help bind them together best with the other ingredients
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or use an equal amount of applesauce or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil
  • cups milk adds moisture and helps to activate the baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – rounds out the overall flavor
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake, measure the flour correctly for the best texture. 
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and tenderness to the crumb
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder – helps the cake rise to a fluffy texture
  • ½ teaspoon salt balances out the sweetness of the cake
  • 1¼ cups light brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel to the cinnamon mixture
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon easily adjust the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg, allspice, or Pumpkin Pie Spice to the cinnamon sugar streusel
  • ¼-⅓ cup unsalted butter – adds flavor and moisture and helps bind the cinnamon mixture to the cake
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How to Make Coffee Cake

  1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. BATTER. In a large mixing bowl, mix 2 eggs, 1 cup oil, 1¼ cups milk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla.
    • In a medium bowl, blend 3 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
    • Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  3. STREUSEL. In a medium bowl, combine 1¼ cups packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon and mix well.
    • Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top of the batter in the pan. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
    • Drizzle ¼-⅓ cup melted butter over the top, using more or less as desired.
  4. BAKE. Bake for 35–40 minutes and serve warm.
4.99 from 2538 votes

Coffee Cake Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
With a quick prep, this crowd-favorite homemade coffee cake is a delicious go-to for any breakfast, brunch, or celebration!
Servings: 15
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 55 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼-⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla together.
  • In a medium bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon and mix well.
  • Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top of the batter. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
  • Drizzle the melted butter over the top, using more or less as desired.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes and serve warm.

Video

Notes

Make ahead of time. This cake can be baked several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 264kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 32mg, Sodium: 101mg, Potassium: 175mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 161IU, Vitamin C: 0.02mg, Calcium: 88mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

  • Using a spoon or spatula to mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients can help with the density. If you’re really worried, add an extra egg or a little bit more milk to thin it out and make it easier to pour. 
  • Fruit. Fold blueberries, diced peaches, or chopped apples into the batter. Note the liquid from the fruit may cause the cake to have a more moist texture and need to be baked longer.
  • Chips + nuts. Fold some mini chocolate chips or cinnamon chips into the batter. Add sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the top of the cake to give it a delightful crunch.
  • Drizzle a glaze over the top. Make a glaze by mixing ½ cup confectioners sugar with 1 tablespoon milk. Mix until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.
  • Store this easy coffee cake recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter.
  • Warm in microwave for 10-second increments until warm. To heat in the oven, remove any plastic wrap then wrap in aluminum foil. Preheat oven to 350°F and heat for 6-8 minutes or until warm.

MORE COFFEE CAKES TO TRY:

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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4.99 from 2538 votes (1,783 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




1,761 Comments

  1. patricia mulray says:

    Great recipe, but do i have to grease pan?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Didn’t mention that, but I like to a little 🙂 I hope you like it!

  2. Kristyn says:

    5 stars
    Cake’s in the oven, I’m excited to see how it turns out! 🙂
    Also! We have the same first name spelled the same way! This is the first time I’ve seen it the exact same way as my own. This cake was meant to be!! ????

    1. Kristyn says:

      5 stars
      Oh my god this is SO good!!

    2. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yay!! So, glad you liked it 🙂 And, I agree…haven’t seen it spelled the same way too often! Meant to be 🙂

  3. Rebecca Ramirez says:

    Hi I just made the batter and it’s a very dough like texture and idk why … is this suppose to be like this … I’m confused

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      How did it turn out? It is that way. I hope it turned out & that you like it 🙂

  4. Christie B says:

    Is it all-purpose flour or self-rising?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I use all-purpose 🙂

  5. Jennifer says:

    Are you sure that it’s a cup of oil? Sure sound like a lot of liquid for only 3 cups of flour.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yes 🙂 I promise it all comes together & is really good!

  6. Emily says:

    5 stars
    Hello!
    This recipe is delicious, I’ve already made it once before and I’m making it again this weekend. I just wanted to ask if the batter or the topping could be made ahead of time (as in a day and a half before) or would that not be good?

    Thanks!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I personally haven’t made it that far in advance. I’m thinking it should be ok 🙂 I’m glad you like it!

  7. Marissa says:

    Can we use olive oil?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I personally haven’t tried, so I can’t say if it turns out the same. I would think it should be ok, though 🙂

      1. Hina says:

        I used extra-light tasting olive oil from Costco and it was fine.

      2. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Oh good to hear! Thanks for letting us know.

  8. Cora Robinson says:

    5 stars
    I made this recipe yesterday and put in 2 round cake pans. I sent one to my daughter and my phone has been ringing all day with compliments on this coffee cake. It is awesome and so moist that i have to moan with each bite. Definately a keeper.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I love hearing that!! I am so glad you both liked it! Thank you!

  9. Lee says:

    5 stars
    Hi when I saw your quick coffee cake recipe I knew I would try it and take to a ladies get together where it would suit all tastes. It’s truly easy to make and I love it. It’s definitely a favorite recipe. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Awe, thank you so much for letting me know!! That is why I love it too!

  10. Britt Kelly says:

    5 stars
    I made the quick coffee cake, and it was delicious. The batter was thick, and I questioned it at the time. However, it turned out great. I was wondering if this recipe would work if it was put together the night before, and baked in the morning.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      It should be ok 🙂 I haven’t made it the night before, but don’t see why it couldn’t be. Thank you so much for letting me know. I am so glad you liked it!