There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake filling your home—and National Coffee Cake Day is the perfect excuse to indulge. Celebrated every year on April 7th, this delicious holiday honors the beloved pairing of moist, cinnamon-swirled cake and a hot cup of coffee. Whether you’re hosting brunch, welcoming guests, or just treating yourself, coffee cake is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
Unlike what the name suggests, traditional coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee. Instead, it’s designed to be enjoyed with coffee—featuring rich flavors, a tender crumb, and that irresistible buttery streusel topping.
Below is a tried-and-true recipe that delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the streusel topping:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (180g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
For the cinnamon layer:
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the cake batter:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups (450g) sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Method
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the streusel topping
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork to mash in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
3. Make the cinnamon layer
In another small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Begin the batter
In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed.
Add softened butter and beat on medium-low speed for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture resembles moist sand.
5. Add wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add to the dry mixture and beat until smooth. A few small lumps are okay.
6. Assemble the cake
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan
- Sprinkle the cinnamon layer evenly over the batter
- Carefully spread the remaining batter on top
- Finish with the streusel topping
7. Bake
Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve
Let the cake cool on a rack for about 1 hour before serving.
Storage Tips
This coffee cake can be made a day or two in advance. Simply remove it from the pan, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature.
A Sweet Reason to Celebrate
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home or hosting a springtime gathering, coffee cake is the perfect centerpiece. On National Coffee Cake Day, take a moment to slow down, savor a slice, and pair it with your favorite brew.
Thank you to Simply Recipies for this delicious recipe