Table of Contents

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

This was my favorite recipe when I was younger and I’d ask my mom to make it for my birthday because it was that good. Since then, we have made a few modifications but it is now a family favorite that gets made every month. 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 or Breakfast Potato Casserole.

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Simple. The recipe comes together in 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients that most people 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 tender and sweet cake has the perfect butter, cinnamon, and sugar crumb topping, making it so tasty.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just enter your email and we’ll send it to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Ingredients for homemade coffee cake on counter.
  • 2 large eggs – We find that eggs at room temperature and lightly beaten will help them incorporate best with the other ingredients
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or an equal amount of applesauce or melted coconut oil
  • cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Measure the flour correctly for the best texture. Gluten-free baking flour also works well in this recipe.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1¼ cups light brown sugar This adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel to the cinnamon mixture; dark brown sugar can also be used.
  • 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, melted – Adds flavor and moisture and helps bind the cinnamon mixture to the cake.
  • optional fruit – fold about 1½ cups of blueberries or chopped apples into the batter; increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if needed.
  • optional crunchy topping – We sometimes like to add sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the top of the cake to give it a delightful crunch.
  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 eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    • Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Pour half the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
  3. STREUSEL. In a medium bowl, combine packed brown sugar and cinnamon and mix.
    • Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the 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.
  • While this cake is often served alongside coffee or tea, hence its name, we like to serve it with other favorite warm drinks like hot chocolate & apple cider.
  • Our favorite way to more easily spread the thick batter over the cinnamon sugar layer is to first drop dollops evenly across the surface, then gently spread each dollop using a silicone spatula.
  • For an easy variation, we fold about 1½ cups of blueberries, chopped strabwerries or chopped apples into the batter. Depending on your oven, you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
  • If you want to double or triple the recipe, we recommend baking each batch in its own 9×13 pan.
The best coffee cake recipe cut and served on a white plate.
4.99 from 2552 votes

Coffee Cake Recipe

With a quick prep, this crowd-favorite homemade coffee cake recipe 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°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
  • In a medium bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the flour 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 spread 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, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, and serve warm.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.
  • While this cake is often served alongside coffee or tea, hence its name, I like to serve it with other favorite warm drinks like hot chocolate & apple cider.
  • To more easily spread the thick batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, first drop dollops evenly across the surface, then gently spread each dollop using a silicone spatula.
  • For an easy variation, fold about 1½ cups of blueberries or chopped apples into the batter. Depending on your oven, you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
  • If you want to double or triple the recipe, we recommend baking each batch in its own 9×13 pan.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or wrapped with plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat. Small portions can be heated in the microwave for 10-second increments until warm. To heat in the oven, remove any plastic wrap, then wrap in aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat for 6-8 minutes or until warm.

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.

How to store coffee cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or wrapped with plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to reheat coffee cake?

Small portions can be heated in the microwave for 10-second increments until warm. To heat in the oven, remove any plastic wrap, then wrap in aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat for 6-8 minutes or until warm.

This recipe was originally published September 2011.

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!

Get my cookbook!

My cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes with videos, tips & more!

4.99 from 2552 votes (1,783 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




1,792 Comments

  1. Lisa says:

    4 stars
    Flavor is yummy but texture was off. Not sure what I did wrong. It didn’t rise much. Was oretty flat and not fluffy. Had to sub some apple sauce (1/2 c) for butter. My baking pwder may have been old. We liked the flavor but husband said he prefers crumbly topping. Ours was buttery hardened with the butter. Will try again. Any tips welcomed.

  2. Laurel says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is tried and true in my house! We love it.

  3. Gail says:

    5 stars
    This is a very delicious coffee cake and simple to make! Will add to my favorites! I did not change one thing! Thank you!

  4. Dee says:

    5 stars
    This is a favorite recipe. I love a great coffeecake and this is a great one to make!

  5. Carol says:

    5 stars
    This is my go to for every holiday breakfast. The buttery flavor mixed with cinnamon is the best. I use to buy a special “coffee cake” for the holidays but no more since I tried this rich buttery cinnamon recipe!!! So quick and easy to make.

  6. Carissa says:

    5 stars
    My kids live this coffee cake. I like to make it as jumbo muffins for a grab and go breakfast.

  7. Gail Denlinger says:

    I just made your coffee cake and it is delicious! Several who happened to be here enjoyed it also!
    I’m trying to find how to rate it so I can be entered in your giveaway but can’t find where to rate it!
    Thanks for all the great recipes! Your family looks so happy and fun!
    God bless you!

  8. Lynn Cronk says:

    CORRECTION: Although we love your scone recipe, my previous comment was supposed to be for this Coffee Cake. I also vary this recipe by adding a little fruit & nuts.
    Very good and very easy!

  9. Lynn Cronk says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a must in my house. They are so easy to make and you can add different fruit & nuts to make different variations. They are all SO good!
    We don’t have to worry about leftovers, there never is any!
    We LOVE these scones!

  10. Susana Zinn says:

    5 stars
    Easy delicious moist cake. I made it with almond milk. Will make it again for sure!