![Southern Living Christmas Morning Coffee Cake on a platter to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/VfHf-oz2dWAM9Q-Zdvs_weSKtk8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Christmas-morning-coffee-cake--3X2-1759-682e2c83abc34fa3b230df104a91a28f.jpg)
Will Dickey, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
A good coffee cake recipe is like an old friend—you'll be happy to meet up again and again. Not only is it a way to start the day or perk up the afternoon with a little sweetness, but it's also a reason to sit down for coffee and conversation with a friend. While everyone has their favorite coffee cake recipe, there are so many different ways to make and flavor them and plenty of reasons to try something new.
Easier than a layer cake, but more special than a loaf of quick bread, coffee cake always feels like a treat, no matter what time of day you're enjoying it. These delicious recipes are impressive enough for entertaining but also work as a homey, everyday snack, an easy breakfast, or a quick dessert. At any rate, coffee cake is good to have on hand because Southerners always like a little something sweet, and you never know who might drop in. Ahead, discover our best coffee cake recipes.
Coffee Cake Muffins
![Coffee Cake Muffins](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/cjZTFoy1PW6FRKmlOaL5eZVkCGY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL-SEO-BATCH-24_Coffee-Cake-muffin_13377_preview-87280f5d790a4e049578e8c8977a957a.jpeg)
Enjoy the flavors of coffee cake in single serving sizes, no cutting required. To make these even more decadent, add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
![Southern Living Sour Cream Coffee Cake sliced on plates to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/dNBiCx0TBhDi8fCeW4Y0BBIQOi8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sour_Cream_Coffee_Cake_018-47a826b5d4c449209e5e900a6c273a2f.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This coffee cake doesn't hold back on streusel: The buttery pecan and cinnamon mixture is present both on top and inside of the cake. The butter in the streusel is browned, which adds to the overall warmth of the cake.
Orange-Roll Coffee Cake
![Southern Living Orange Roll Coffee Cake sliced on a plate to serve with a cup of coffee](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4P15t4kkN7ABxK-zSzzAvi4OaZQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27647_IK_coffeec_32322-1-39e9a3fbaea94e0e8ddd6cbac5e9ecfa.jpg)
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Start brewing a pot of coffee. This recipe is the perfect mix of two classic Southern recipes: orange rolls and coffee cake, which you can find at most Southern cafes. As the name suggests, orange juice and zest are a staple ingredient in this breakfast treat, giving it a lively citrusy taste.
Pumpkin-Pecan Coffee Cake
![Pumpkin-Pecan Coffee Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sykdjjJ6XmJt_TmKVbh9hDMahhM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27221-SR-QuickBread_0520_1x1-c56811cb063a4d02910aa70a3357d6f7.jpg)
If you love pumpkin bread, you'll be a fan of this coffee cake. Pumpkin keeps the cake moist and a rich brown sugar-spiced topping adds a nice textural contrast.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
![Cinnamon Coffee Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/pzC8lM1G_DVfBxUt5-dThhlMUJ0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cinnamon_coffee_cake_150_0_0-1-bfca00c8e81241f5b9fc5a218c7aa97d.jpg)
A ribbon of brown sugar and pecans runs through this streusel-topped beauty. Make this for a potluck or bake sale and watch it disappear.
Sock It To Me Cake
![Sock It To Me Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/uGT8yz_4ZiXMkd-qdO-rzgYncsw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sock-It-To-Me-Cake-01-de66b8ba2e0f4a93bf8cbfbb6b664907.jpg)
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
Popular in the 1960s and '70s, this classic cake is delightful with a cup of coffee or tea. Typically it is made with a boxed cake mix, but our version uses pantry staples for a fresher, homemade taste.
Party Coffee Cake
![Southern Living Party Coffee Cake in a baking dish cut and ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Osny3B7aDWZd0kgw608iX_9ujMU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27549_-cake-RHSweets_573-4efdaa056c634fdda9d3acecae97b5b1.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
We don't need an excuse to make coffee cake, but this recipe is designed for sharing and celebrating. Flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, it's baked in a 13- by 9-inch pan, so it's easy to travel with too.
Christmas Morning Coffee Cake
![Southern Living Christmas Morning Coffee Cake on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VfHf-oz2dWAM9Q-Zdvs_weSKtk8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Christmas-morning-coffee-cake--3X2-1759-682e2c83abc34fa3b230df104a91a28f.jpg)
Will Dickey, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
As the name suggests, this cake is an ideal treat to make ahead of Christmas morning. Filled with spices, dried cherries, and pistachios, it's just as delicious on any other morning of the year.