What Is Coffee Cake and How Do You Make It?

A tender, perfectly spiced slice of coffee cake and a steaming cup of joe make a natural pair. The enticing aroma, ribbons of cinnamon filling, and hallmark crumb topping make it a treat at breakfast or as a midday indulgence. Coffee cakes are synonymous with casual gatherings that don't require the fuss of frosted, labor-intensive cakes. Made with just a few pantry staples, coffee cake is a deliciously easy way to start the day. Let's take a closer look at the origins of this classic snack cake and how easy it is to make at home.

What Is Coffee Cake?

Coffee cake, or kaffekuchen, is a single layer cake with a sweet, cinnamon-infused flavor and streusel top made from flour, butter, and sugar. Streusel can also be layered inside of the cake like a filling. Fruit variations are prevalent, with blueberry being the most common. Nuts and additional spices are often added to create deeper flavor and texture. Both yeast and baking powder can be used to give lift to coffee cakes, with some versions presented as a braided ring or lattice-style.

Get the recipe: Old Fashioned Coffee Cake with Cinnamon-Streusel Topping

Where Does It Come From?

Coffee cakes became popular soon after coffee was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. German, Dutch, and Scandinavian communities began to pair spiced sweet breads with the new drink. A ritual called kaffeeklatsch emerged, where people would gather for caffeine, sugar, and neighborhood gossip. These communities continued their coffeehouse traditions when they emigrated to America.

As coffee plantations grew in size and number, the product became more affordable and coffee cakes became a treat for Americans both wealthy and working-class. By the late 1800's, several coffee cake recipes made their way into American cookbooks, boosting the popularity of the humble dessert even higher.

Does Coffee Cake Have Coffee in It?

While some early versions of the dessert did contain coffee, the snack cake is meant to be an accompaniment to, not a cakeful of coffee. Most have simple cinnamon fillings, with some variations using chocolate, nuts, fruit, and cream cheese to complement the delicate flavor of the cake.

How To Make Coffee Cake

Coffee cake uses basic pantry ingredients like flour, brown sugar, and baking powder to create magic. Many recipes call for milk or sour cream to maximize moisture and to create a perfectly tender crumb. No need to frost or glaze — the buttery streusel topping acts as delicious baked-in decoration. Simply combine cake ingredients, then top with the streusel crumbs for a delightfully crisp layer. Coffee cakes are budget-friendly, totally customizable, and great for making ahead. Learn how to make your own luscious, shareable snack cake with these tasty recipes:

Almond Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Enjoy a tart, nutty experience with every bite of this delectable coffee cake.

Mulberry Kuchen (Cake)

A burst of berry flavor makes this traditional cake worth a try.

Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake

This top-rated recipe from Chef John is a perfectly classic coffee cake.