There’s something beautifully nostalgic about a good coffee cake recipe. In this article, we’re diving into the comforting world of coffee cake—from my personal story to classic and creative variations like blueberry coffee cake, bisquick-style shortcuts, and even muffin-sized treats. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or just want something sweet next to your morning coffee, you’ll find all the steps, answers, and tips you need here.
Classic & Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup blueberries (optional)
- 1 box Bisquick (for shortcut version)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine with wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Optional: Fold in blueberries or use Bisquick instead of flour mix for shortcut version.
- Pour half the batter into the pan. Add a layer of cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Top with remaining batter and additional crumble if desired.
- Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
My Story & Why This Coffee Cake Recipe Matters
Coffee cake mornings in my North Carolina kitchen
Hi there, I’m Lilia Karine, and if you’ve landed here looking for a comforting coffee cake recipe, you’ve just stepped into my Appalachian kitchen. For me, coffee cake isn’t just about sweetness—it’s about memory. My very first coffee cake was a soft, cinnamon-dusted marvel made in a borrowed pan, scribbled from a neighbor’s “church cookbook.” I was fifteen and heartbroken, and baking that day felt like therapy wrapped in brown sugar.
That’s the magic of a real coffee cake recipe—it carries warmth and a touch of healing. It doesn’t scream for frosting. It doesn’t need fancy fillings. It’s honest and humble, and it pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or a rainy Sunday morning.
Over time, I’ve experimented with many versions: from a moist blueberry coffee cake recipe packed with juicy berries to a bisquick coffee cake recipe that saves time without skimping on flavor. I even tried a coffee cake muffin recipe last fall during a streak of back-to-school baking for my nephews. Each one brings something special.
And yes, despite the name, most coffee cakes don’t have coffee in them. It’s a pairing thing—but don’t worry, I’ll share how to make a coffee cake with actual coffee too. Stick with me, and by the end of this article, you’ll have not just one reliable recipe, but a whole collection of sweet ways to bake your mood.
I still remember how comforting that cinnamon swirl was in my first homemade cake—something very close to the Lady Linda coffee cake I now adore.
Over time, I even crafted a vegan coffee cake recipe that keeps the tenderness while making it totally dairy-free.
Classic & Blueberry Coffee Cake Variations
The perfect classic coffee cake recipe starts here
A true coffee cake recipe begins with a simple batter, a buttery crumb, and that unmistakable ribbon of cinnamon sugar. I’ve tested versions with sour cream, buttermilk, Greek yogurt—you name it—and my favorite remains a classic sour cream base. It keeps the texture tender and the flavor just rich enough to stand on its own.
Here’s what makes this version shine:
- Soft, fluffy crumb from creamed butter and sugar.
- A thick swirl of cinnamon-sugar in the center and on top.
- Just the right balance of vanilla and salt for depth.
If you’re into fruity twists like the blueberry version, you’d probably love my strawberry pound cake as well.
This coffee cake doesn’t demand a glaze, but if you want to drizzle one over, mix a little powdered sugar and milk. Let it set for 10 minutes before slicing.
Add a fruity twist: Blueberry coffee cake recipe
There’s something lovely about a blueberry coffee cake recipe in late summer or early fall when blueberries are still juicy but the mornings are cool. I add fresh or frozen berries to the batter, dust them lightly in flour so they don’t sink, and layer them over the cinnamon filling.
This version is slightly moister than the classic, thanks to the blueberry juices. Sometimes I throw in a touch of lemon zest in the batter to brighten everything up—it cuts through the richness and gives the cake a subtle sparkle.
You can even double the topping and bake this in a springform pan for a more dramatic presentation. I did that once for a baby shower, and not a crumb was left.
When I want to dress it up for guests, I sometimes serve it alongside a Chantilly cake for a soft, creamy contrast.
Quick & Portable Coffee Cake Versions
Easy comfort: Bisquick coffee cake recipe
Sometimes, simplicity saves the day—and that’s where the classic bisquick coffee cake recipe earns its stripes. I keep a box of Bisquick on hand exactly for mornings like these, when I want homemade taste without dragging out the mixer.
The base is incredibly forgiving. You combine Bisquick mix with eggs, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. The topping is just butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour, sprinkle, bake. Done.
What I love most about this version is how well it holds up. The cake stays soft for a couple of days and is super kid-friendly. My nephews request this more than any other because it reminds them of those cinnamon swirl snack bars—but fresher and way more satisfying.
If you’re a fan of quick-bake magic like this, you’ll probably enjoy my One-Bowl Buttermilk Brownies or this nostalgic Chocolate Snack Sheet Cake, which uses similar pantry shortcuts.
Coffee cake muffin recipe for grab-and-go mornings
Now let’s talk muffins. Turning your coffee cake recipe into individual muffins is the best move when mornings are chaotic. I bake these coffee cake muffins in paper liners with a heaping spoonful of cinnamon crumble on top of each. They puff up beautifully, and you get that golden, caramelized top in every bite.
The trick is filling the muffin tins almost to the top and layering in a small spoon of cinnamon filling midway through the batter. That swirl in the middle? Pure magic.
These freeze like a dream and reheat in 20 seconds. They’ve saved me on workdays and made me the hero of a few impromptu brunches.
Pair them with Mocha Chocolate Pudding Cake for a coffee-themed dessert bar or offer them alongside my Mini Chocolate Loaves for your next bake sale.
Unique Coffee Cake Twists + FAQ & Nutrition
How to make coffee cake with coffee for deep flavor
So, does coffee cake actually have coffee in it? Traditionally, no—but we’re not bound by tradition here. If you want a coffee cake recipe with coffee, I’ve got just the method.
Replace half of the liquid (milk or sour cream) in your batter with strong brewed coffee or espresso. The result? A cake that subtly hums with roasted flavor—less sweet, more grown-up, and absolutely perfect with a vanilla glaze or dark chocolate chips folded in.
I love doing this when I’m making mini loaves or muffin versions for adults. It’s also my go-to during colder months, paired with a hot pour-over and a blanket. If you want deeper flavor, try adding a glaze like I do on my chocolate cakes with espresso glaze.
Pro tip: Use instant espresso powder in the crumb topping for an extra layer of mocha warmth.
Calories in coffee cake and nutritional tips
If you’re wondering how many calories in a coffee cake, it depends on the style. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving (approx. 1/12 of an 8×8 pan):
| Type | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Classic Coffee Cake | 320 |
| Blueberry Coffee Cake | 340 |
| Bisquick Version | 290 |
| Coffee Muffin | 260 |
You can reduce calories by swapping butter for Greek yogurt or skipping the topping altogether, but let’s be honest—coffee cake is a treat. For fruit and chocolate fans, nothing pairs better than the richness of this with my decadent chocolate raspberry cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is coffee cake?
Coffee cake is a soft, sweet cake usually flavored with cinnamon and topped with a crumbly streusel. It’s meant to be eaten with coffee—not made from it (though some recipes include coffee for added flavor).
How to make coffee cake?
Start with a butter-based batter, add a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and finish with crumb topping. Bake until golden and let cool slightly before serving.
Does coffee cake have coffee in it?
Typically no—but you can add strong brewed coffee or espresso powder to the batter for deeper flavor.
How to make coffee cake with coffee?
Replace part of the liquid (milk or sour cream) with cooled brewed coffee. You can also add espresso powder to the crumble or glaze.
How to make cake with coffee?
Use coffee as a liquid ingredient in chocolate or spice cakes for complexity. It enhances cocoa and brings out warm flavors.
How many calories in a coffee cake?
Calories range from 260–340 per serving depending on ingredients and portion size.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving a classic slice, fruity blueberry bites, or the convenience of muffins, this coffee cake recipe collection has something to match your mood and your schedule. Baking has always been a way for me to ground myself—and if you’re reading this, I hope you’ll find your own comfort in these simple, beautiful recipes.
Bookmark this page, try one version (or all!), and don’t forget to explore more baked joy over at Easy Chocolate Cake. Your perfect morning just got sweeter.
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