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4.6 from 63 votes

Coffee Cake Loaf

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By: Joanna Cismaru 50 Comments

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pin for coffee cake bread.

Here’s my easiest and most delicious Coffee Cake recipe. In loaf format, this Coffee Cake couldn’t get any simpler to make. With swirls of cinnamon sugar throughout, this Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast or brunches with a hot cup of coffee.

slices of freshly baked coffee cake bread on a cooling rack.

The Best And Easiest Coffee Cake Recipe

I love a good coffee cake slice for breakfast with my coffee, it’s one of my favorite things to look forward to. I have made many coffee cakes in my time, but I have to say that this is the best one I’ve made and tried. I know that’s saying a lot but here’s why.

  • Really easy and quick to prep and make the batter. 10 minutes is really all you need to get this in the oven.
  • Fluffy crumb and tender but still firm enough to cut into slices.
  • Swirls of cinnamon sugar throughout without making it overly sweet.
  • It rises beautifully in the oven and stays fresh for 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
  • Great on its own or with icing.

Ingredient Notes

  • Cinnamon Sugar – Brown sugar and cinnamon to layer throughout the coffee cake.
  • Sugar – I love using just granulated sugar because it’s easier to find, plus it’s what most of us have in our pantry. You can use superfine sugar because it dissolves better when mixing with the butter and eggs.
  • Flour – You need all-purpose flour, it’s what works best in this cake. You can substitute with self-rising flour, but you will need to cut down on the baking powder in the recipe. Self-rising flour is just all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt added to it.
  • Eggs – This is a must in all cakes, eggs are what make the cake light, fluffy and tender.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda – They are both leavening agents used in baking which allows the cake to rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Buttermilk – I love using buttermilk when baking a cake. The acidic milk when combined with baking soda is what helps add a lightness and tenderness to this luscious coffee cake.
  • Vanilla extract – This is an ingredient that is added to most baked goods and that is because vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the recipe. Without it this cake will taste flat and bland.

Step By Step Instructions

process shots showing how to make coffee cake bread batter.
  1. Prep the ingredients and oven: Always prep your ingredients first. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a loaf pan with cooking spray or grease it with butter. In a bowl whisk the brown sugar with the cinnamon together until combined.
  2. Make the batter: Prep the dry ingredients first by combining the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Set aside. In another bowl cream the butter with the granulated sugar until light in color and well combined. Add the eggs in one at a time and mix until light and fluffy. Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract and flour mixture to the egg mixture and mix until well incorporated and smooth. Note: the batter is a bit thicker than a regular cake batter. If your batter is too thick, add a bit more buttermilk, or if it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.
  3. Assemble the coffee cake: Pour ⅓ of the batter in the prepared bread pan and sprinkle with ⅓ of the brown sugar mixture, repeat with remaining batter and sprinkle remaining brown sugar mixture over the top. You should end up with 3 layers of batter and 3 layers of cinnamon sugar.
  4. Bake and cool: Transfer the loaf pan to the oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean inserted in the center of the loaf. Cool in the loaf pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
side by side pics of coffee cake bread before and after baking.

How To Make Icing For Coffee Cake

I prefer my coffee cake plain or drizzled with caramel sauce. Sometimes, I even like a bit of icing. To make your own icing it’s pretty simple.

All you need is 1 cup of icing sugar and 2 to 3 tbsp of milk. Simply whisk them together until smooth then drizzle over the top of your cooled coffee cake.

freshly baked coffee cake bread on a cooling rack.

FAQs And Expert Tips

  • Once your cake is cut in slices, make sure to cover it airtight immediately because it can dry out quickly. I like to use a cake plate covered with a dome, or simply wrap it with plastic wrap.
  • Use eggs that are at room temperature because they mix better with the batter and rise more easily.
  • Use fresh baking powder in order to ensure your cake rises nicely. To test if baking powder is still good, spoon 1/2 teaspoon in a bowl and pour 1/4 cup of boiling water over it. Right away it should bubble up violently. If it does, it’s still good. If it doesn’t, discard it and open a new tin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is It Called Coffee Cake?

Coffee Cake is a traditional pound cake layered with cinnamon sugar and it’s called coffee because it’s the perfect complement to a cup of coffee.

Does Coffee Cake Have Coffee In It?

No! Coffee cakes rarely contain coffee, they are usually simple and one-flavored cakes with a simple icing or streusel topping.

Who Invented Coffee Cakes?

Coffee cakes are thought to have originated in Germany and they were more like sweet breads rather than cakes.

overhead shot of coffee cake bread with a few slices on a cooling rack.

Leftovers

This coffee cake will last up to 3 days at room temperature, covered airtight or with plastic wrap. Stored in the fridge, it will last up to 1 week.

Freezing

You can also freeze this coffee cake. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, place it in a ziploc bag and store it in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.

two slices of coffee cake bread on a white plate with a cup of coffee.

More Cake Recipes To Try:

  • Cherry Sheet Cake
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • Christmas Fruit Cake
  • Red Velour Cake
  • Starbucks Lemon Loaf (Copycat)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

slices of freshly baked coffee cake bread on a cooling rack.
Print
4.64 from 63 votes

Coffee Cake Loaf

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 1 hour
Total 1 hour 10 minutes
Rate Recipe
Here's my easiest and most delicious Coffee Cake recipe. In loaf format, this coffee cake couldn't get any simpler to make. With swirls of cinnamon sugar throughout, this Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast or brunches with a hot cup of coffee.
10

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup butter (unsalted, softened)
  • ¾ cup sugar (granulated)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Prep the ingredients and oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a loaf pan with cooking spray or grease it with butter. In a bowl whisk the brown sugar with the cinnamon together until combined.
  • Make the batter: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Set aside. In another bowl cream the butter with the granulated sugar until light in color and well combined. Add the eggs in one at a time and mix until light and fluffy. Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract and flour mixture to the egg mixture and mix until well incorporated and smooth. Note: the batter is a bit thicker than a regular cake batter. If your batter is too thick, add a bit more buttermilk, or if it's too thin, add a bit more flour.
  • Assemble the coffee cake: Pour ⅓ of the batter in the prepared bread pan and sprinkle with ⅓ of the brown sugar mixture, repeat with remaining batter and sprinkle remaining brown sugar mixture over the top. You should end up with 3 layers of batter and 3 layers of cinnamon sugar.
  • Bake and cool: Transfer the loaf pan to the oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean inserted in the center of the loaf. Cool in the loaf pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Equipment

  • KitchenAid Hand Mixer
  • 9x5x3-inch Loaf Pan
  • Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3 piece)
  • Keep Calm And Bake On Spatula

Notes

  1. Once your cake is cut in slices, make sure to cover it airtight immediately because it can dry out quickly. I like to use a cake plate covered with a dome, or simply wrap it with plastic wrap.
  2. Use eggs that are at room temperature because they mix better with the batter and rise more easily.
  3. Use fresh baking powder in order to ensure your cake rises nicely. To test if baking powder is still good, spoon 1/2 teaspoon in a bowl and pour 1/4 cup of boiling water over it. Right away it should bubble up violently. If it does, it’s still good. If it doesn’t, discard it and open a new tin.
  4. This coffee cake will last up to 3 days at room temperature, covered airtight or with plastic wrap. Stored in the fridge, it will last up to 1 week.
  5. You can also freeze this coffee cake. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, place it in a ziploc bag and store it in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 263kcal (13%)Carbohydrates: 47g (16%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 6g (9%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Cholesterol: 48mg (16%)Sodium: 227mg (10%)Potassium: 207mg (6%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 27g (30%)Vitamin A: 229IU (5%)Calcium: 104mg (10%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

slices of freshly baked coffee cake bread on a cooling rack.

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Originally shared Dec, 2012.

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Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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50 Comments
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Kitty
Kitty
Posted: 10 months ago

Hi Jo, I just made this and it tastes like pure baking powder/baking Soda. Can I check that 1 tablespoon of powder and 1 teaspoon of soda is correct? Thank you!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kitty
Posted: 10 months ago

That is correct. It’s possible your baking powder and soda are old, newer fresher products leave no smell or after taste. It’s also possible that they weren’t mixed in properly into the batter and you got a clump of it when you tasted the cake.

0
Reply
Sherry
Sherry
Posted: 1 year ago

Why did my coffee cake sink in the middle?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Sherry
Posted: 1 year ago

There are three main reasons for this: 1. the oven door has been opened before the cake has set, 2. the cake didn’t go in the oven as soon as the mixture was ready or 3. there’s too much raising agent.

0
Reply
Michelle
Michelle
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Delicious and easy recipe! I was craving coffee cake and this was so quick! I was happily eating my coffee cake slices 3 hours later! I did make a slight change… I put instant coffee into the buttermilk and the brown sugar swirl. It adds a slight coffee flavor which was exactly what I wanted.

0
Reply
Carmen P
Carmen P
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
10 stars! Another great hit. Everyone loved this loaf. Can’t go wrong with Jo’s recipes.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Carmen P
Posted: 1 year ago

Thank you, Carmen! 😘

0
Reply
Cathie
Cathie
Posted: 2 years ago

Can I use oat milk instead?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Cathie
Posted: 2 years ago

I haven’t tried it, but I think it should be fine. But keep in mind that buttermilk helps make the cake more tender and lighter.

0
Reply
Kath
Kath
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
It is in the oven now and the house smells Delish ! I knew when to add the vanilla but did notice that step is not in the instructions. A new baker might be confused.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kath
Posted: 2 years ago

You’re going to love it! Thanks for that, recipe’s been fixed.

0
Reply
Martine
Martine
Posted: 2 years ago

Ce gâteau est vraiment appétissant ! je voudrais bien un morceau avec mon café. Merci de partager cette recette et pour les conseils. Bonne journée.

0
Reply
Jessica
Jessica
Posted: 2 years ago

Can I use regular milk?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Jessica
Posted: 2 years ago

Yes of course!

0
Reply
Sandra
Sandra
Posted: 3 years ago

Amazing recipe! Is it possible to add coffee to the ingredients? Or do you have another similar recipe with coffee inside?

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  Sandra
Posted: 3 years ago

You can! “Coffee cake” is named such because it’s a treat to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee. You can use 3/4 cup buttermilk and 1/4 cup strong brew.

0
Reply
Karol
Karol
Posted: 4 years ago

I didn’t see the caramel sauce recipe. Maybe I’m overlooking it 😏

0
Reply
Rachel Blume
Rachel Blume
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
I’m out of baking powder…can I double up the baking soda? Thanks!

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  Rachel Blume
Posted: 4 years ago

You might end up with a very distinct baking soda flavor, I would stick to 1 tsp of each.

0
Reply
Cheryl Shoaf
Cheryl Shoaf
Posted: 5 years ago

How can I incorporate bananas?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Cheryl Shoaf
Posted: 5 years ago

Check this recipe out, for an idea on how to incorporate bananas. http://www.jocooks.com/recipes/banana-chocolate-chip-coffee-cake/

0
Reply
Wafaa
Wafaa
Posted: 6 years ago

Hello Jo, I don’t have buttermilk where I live can you please tell me if I can substitute with something else ??
Thx so much Wafaa

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Wafaa
Posted: 6 years ago

Oh no problem, just use some plain yogurt instead.

0
Reply
Margueriten
Margueriten
Reply to  Wafaa
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
put a splash of white vinegar in your milk and let it sit a few min

0
Reply
Brenda
Brenda
Reply to  Wafaa
Posted: 4 years ago

How to make buttermilk, its a ways to store an I am disabled not able to walk far.

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  Brenda
Posted: 4 years ago

Add a tablespoon of either white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk.

0
Reply
pauline morris
pauline morris
Posted: 6 years ago

5 stars
I JUST MADE THIS AND IT IS THE BEST!!!!!! I BAKED IT FOR 45 MIN, and we had icecream with it, sooo good!!!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  pauline morris
Posted: 6 years ago

Glad you liked this Pauline!

0
Reply
Harry
Harry
Posted: 7 years ago

5 stars
Hi Jo I substituted the butter with a 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter it came out awesome very delicious. Tastes as great as it looks Jo another great recipe.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Harry
Posted: 7 years ago

My pleasure, glad you liked it!

1
Reply
LoraineMac
LoraineMac
Reply to  Harry
Posted: 7 years ago

5 stars
I am sorry but Have I missed something ? The recipe for ‘coffee cake bread’ has no coffee in the ingredients ?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  LoraineMac
Posted: 7 years ago

No you didn’t miss anything, coffee cake is usually cake served alongside with coffee or tea. 🙂

0
Reply
Andy
Andy
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 5 years ago

5 stars
Your respectful reply commands respect 🙂

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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