Few baked goods deliver comfort the way coffee cake recipes easy do. Soft, buttery crumbs, warm cinnamon layers, and a tender, moist texture make coffee cake a timeless treat. Whether you’re baking for brunch, hosting family, or craving a simple sweet snack, these coffee cake recipes easy offer the perfect solution no mixer, no fuss, just pure homemade goodness.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover the best coffee cake recipes, learn how to make a classic cinnamon coffee cake, and explore easy variations for any season. You’ll also get expert baking tips, topping ideas, and easy dessert recipes inspired by this bakery-style favorite.
Why Coffee Cake Recipes Are So Loved
Coffee cake remains a staple because:
- It’s soft and tender with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb
- It’s perfectly spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar
- It’s versatile—ideal for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or desserts
- It’s easy to make, even for beginners
- It feeds a crowd and works for holidays, potlucks, and weekend gatherings
Best of all, coffee cake recipes easy require simple pantry staples and come together quickly without complicated steps.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Coffee Cake Recipes

These ingredients give easy coffee cake recipes their iconic flavor and texture:
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder & baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Wet Ingredients
- Eggs
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Melted butter or oil
- Vanilla extract
Classic Cinnamon Swirl Layer
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Optional walnuts or pecans
Crumble Topping (Streusel)
- Flour
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Optional oats for added texture
How to Make a Simple Coffee Cake (Step-by-Step)

These steps guarantee a soft, moist cinnamon coffee cake perfect for anyone looking for coffee cake recipes easy:
1. Prepare the Batter
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
Combine gently to avoid overmixing.
2. Make the Cinnamon Layer
Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Assemble
Spread half the batter, add the cinnamon layer, then the remaining batter.
Top with streusel.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes.
5. Cool & Glaze
Drizzle a light vanilla glaze once cooled.
Popular Types of Easy Coffee Cake Recipes

1. Classic Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Traditional and bakery-style.
2. Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Ultra moist and tender.
3. Blueberry Coffee Cake
Bright, fruity, and perfect for spring.
4. Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Cozy and ideal for fall.
5. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Kid-approved and delicious with coffee.
Easy Dessert Recipes Similar to Coffee Cake
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Coffee Cake Recipes Easy: Classic, Moist & Beginner-Friendly Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- Soft, buttery, and full of warm cinnamon, this easy coffee cake recipe is perfect for beginners and ready in under an hour no mixer required!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup melted butter or neutral oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Streusel: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup cold butter, 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9 pan.
- Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, add cinnamon swirl, then top with remaining batter.
- Combine streusel ingredients and crumble over the top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan before drizzling with optional glaze and slicing.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter this helps keep the texture light and moist.
- For variation, add 1 cup of blueberries, diced apples, or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
If you enjoy these flavors, try:
- Cinnamon crumb muffins
- Streusel-topped banana bread
- Cinnamon roll cake
- Apple crumble bars
- Blueberry crumb cake
All highlight the warm, cinnamon-filled goodness found in coffee cake recipes easy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake
- Don’t overmix
- Use room-temperature ingredients
- Add extra cinnamon for stronger flavor
- Line your pan with parchment
- Double the streusel for more crunch
Storage & Freezing
Fridge: 4–5 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat: 10–15 seconds in the microwave
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Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Cake Recipes Easy
1. What makes coffee cake recipes easy for beginners?
Coffee cake recipes easy rely on simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cinnamon, and sour cream and require no complicated techniques. Most versions just need mixing, layering, and baking, making them perfect for beginner bakers.
2. Can I make coffee cake without sour cream?
Yes! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or even buttermilk. These keep the cake moist and tender while still working perfectly in easy coffee cake recipes.
3. Why is my coffee cake dry?
Dry coffee cake usually comes from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Stick to the recommended bake time, check early with a toothpick, and mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep your cinnamon coffee cake moist.
4. Can I add fruit to coffee cake recipes?
Absolutely. Many of the best coffee cake recipes include fruit like blueberries, apples, raspberries, or peaches. Fold them into the batter or scatter them between layers for extra flavor and moisture.
Conclusion
Coffee cake recipes easy bring comfort, flavor, and simplicity to any kitchen. Whether you stick with classic cinnamon or add fruit, these bakes are perfect for brunch, dessert, or snacking. With just a few steps and simple ingredients, coffee cake recipes easy are the kind you’ll return to again and again. Warm, soft, and always satisfying, they’re a timeless treat that anyone can master.
