There’s a quiet kind of peace that comes when a pot of Coffee Cake simmers slowly in the oven, filling the home with cozy scents of cinnamon and sugar. The golden brown crust promises comfort, a warmth that welcomes all and nourishes the soul. This is not just a dessert; it’s a hug on a plate, a simple pleasure that brings loved ones together around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter over warm slices.

A Gentle Recipe for Body & Soul

Coffee Cake holds a special place in many hearts and homes. It’s the kind of dish that feels familiar, like a handwritten recipe passed down through generations. Enjoying a piece of Coffee Cake does more than simply satisfy the sweet tooth; it nourishes the spirit, offering moments of calm amidst the busyness of life. Each bite is a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the flavors crafted with intention.

Think of this recipe as a way to cultivate that nurturing feeling in your own kitchen. As you take the time to gather your ingredients and prepare this delightful dish, embrace the mindful moments. Let your senses awaken to the soft sounds of flour being poured and the gentle whisking of batter. You are creating not only food but memories that will linger long after the last crumb has been enjoyed.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Coffee Cake

“Cooking is a quiet way of caring for yourself and the ones you love.”

As we embark on this calming journey of preparing Coffee Cake together, allow yourself to engage fully with each step. This is a beautiful opportunity to connect with your surroundings, to let the aromas fill your senses, and to find joy in the act of creating something wonderful.

Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need for Coffee Cake

Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather the ingredients quietly and intentionally. The element of gathering brings a sense of purpose and excitement. Here is what you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
• 3 Tablespoons softened butter
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon (for crumb topping)
• ¼ cup butter, cubed
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
• 2½ teaspoons milk (for drizzle)

Take a moment to appreciate each ingredient, noticing its texture and color. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible their vibrant qualities contribute to the healing energy of your dish.

Step-by-Step How to Prepare Coffee Cake

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move forward with a gentle, step-by-step approach to creating this lovely Coffee Cake.

1. Heat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. The heat will gradually warm up the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal, then grease the dish lightly. This small act of care will allow the cake to slide out beautifully once baked.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, softly whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until they feel well integrated. The gentle movement of your hand carries calming energy into the mix.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, blend the melted butter, egg, and buttermilk together. Each ingredient is crucial in developing the cake’s rich texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything feels balanced and combined, taking care not to overmix. This is the moment to breathe as you stir, embracing the calm rhythm of creation.
6. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared dish. Let it settle down peacefully, forming a lovely base for the layers to come.

Streusel Filling

Now, let’s prepare the streusel filling to add depth and sweetness to our cake.

7. Create the Streusel Layer: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. With your fingertips, gently work in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This tactile process is a beautiful way to feel the ingredients come together.
8. Add the Streusel: Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the first layer of cake batter, allowing the sweet aroma to waft gently into the air.

Crumb Topping

9. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In yet another small bowl, combine the remaining flour, cinnamon, salt, and cubed butter to create the crumb topping. Use your fingers again to mix this until crumbly.
10. Finish Layering: Pour the second half of the cake batter over the streusel layer, then sprinkle the remaining crumb topping on the very top. Don’t rush; this layer will create a beautiful textural contrast once baked.

Drizzle Topping

11. Create a Simple Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. This drizzle will provide a lovely finish and a touch of sweetness.
12. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and allow it to bake for 30-35 minutes. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with comforting scents a gentle reminder of the warmth you are inviting into your home.

How to Serve Coffee Cake with Intention

When the time comes to serve your Coffee Cake, take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Slice it delicately, and let the pieces rest on a beautiful plate. The golden crust and crumbly topping are a visual delight, inviting everyone to come to the table.

Consider serving it slightly warm, allowing the steam to rise and mingle with the air. Perhaps place a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint beside it, creating a cheerful and inviting presentation. As you gather loved ones around, share thoughts and stories while enjoying these warm slices.

How to Store Coffee Cake the Right Way

If there happens to be any leftover Coffee Cake, which is often a rare occurrence, it is essential to store it correctly to keep the flavors intact. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

When stored properly, the flavors may deepen with rest, inviting you to rediscover the cake in the days that follow. It can be refrigerated for up to a week, or it can be frozen for longer preservation. Just remember to thaw it gently before enjoying it once more.

Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips

In caring for your cooking journey, here are a few gentle tips from Mama Lila:

1. Ingredient Alternatives: If you do not have buttermilk on hand, consider using regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding to your mixture.
2. Healing Properties: Cinnamon is not only flavorful but also has incredible health benefits. It aids digestion and can help manage blood sugar levels. Let its warmth work its magic in your dish.
3. Experiment Gently: Feel free to swap out the streusel ingredients with nuts or fresh fruit like blueberries for a delicious twist. Seasonal variations can bring new life to this classic recipe.
4. Embrace Imperfection: Should your first attempt not turn out perfect, embrace it wholeheartedly. Cooking is a practice of patience and learning, where each experience can bring joy.

Discover More Nourishing Recipes

Head over to our Recipe Trends page and uncover a world of fresh, plant-forward ideas that fit right into your daily routine. From vibrant seasonal flavors to calming, wholesome dishes, each recipe is designed to spark inspiration and bring a sense of balance to your kitchen. Find comfort, joy, and connection in every meal while exploring what’s trending right now.

Peaceful Variations to Explore

As you become more comfortable with this Coffee Cake, consider exploring variations to suit your taste or the season. For a hint of zest, add grated lemon or orange peel to the batter for a refreshing surprise.

In autumn, incorporating small chunks of apples or ripe pears can create a soothing fall version, reminiscent of warm cider and brisk air. If you prefer a touch of decadence, pair the cake with cream cheese frosting instead of the drizzle for a richer experience.

Coffee Cake

A delightful Coffee Cake filled with comforting scents of cinnamon and sugar, perfect for sharing with loved ones over warm slices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 9 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
• 3 Tablespoons softened butter

Streusel Filling

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter, cubed
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Crumb Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter, cubed

Drizzle Topping

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2½ teaspoons milk

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, egg, and buttermilk together.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined.
6. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared dish.

Streusel Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Work in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the first layer of cake batter.

Crumb Topping

1. Combine the remaining flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter to create the crumb topping.
2. Pour the second half of the cake batter over the streusel layer and sprinkle the remaining crumb topping on top.

Drizzle Topping

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.

Baking

1. Bake the cake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

Serving

1. Slice and serve warm, potentially adding fresh berries or mint for extra presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g

Notes

Store leftovers properly by wrapping tightly or using an airtight container. Cake can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

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Common Questions About Coffee Cake

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it often tastes even more comforting the next day as the flavors blend and develop more depth.

What can I serve with Coffee Cake?
It pairs beautifully with fresh coffee or herbal tea. A little dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate the experience.

Is it possible to freeze Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Freezing is a wonderful option to ensure you can enjoy this comforting dish whenever you wish. Simply thaw gently at room temperature when you are ready to enjoy.

How can I ensure my cake stays moist?
Avoiding overmixing and storing it right after cooling will help maintain the moisture. Enjoying it within a few days ensures you savor its freshly baked taste.

Can I size down the recipe?
Society is filled with various sizes of dishware. Adjusting the ingredients proportionately can easily work for your specific needs; just monitor the baking time accordingly.

Final Reflection or Closing Note

As you reflect upon the process of creating this Coffee Cake, hold onto the warmth that has filled your kitchen. Each ingredient was chosen with care, and each step was performed with intention.

I hope this Coffee Cake brings you the same peace and warmth it brings to my home each time I cook it. May it serve as a gentle reminder of the comfort that food can provide nurturing both body and spirit.