Curiously, coffee cake contains zero coffee itself.

My sleuthing on the internet points to origins inGerman yeasted cakes, but its not entirely clear.

A common theme of coffee cakes is the incorporation of streusel.

A coffee cake on blue plate

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

The cake batter includes sour cream, which not only adds richness but also helps maintain a tender crumb.

Theres a cinnamon stripe through the center of the cake and a blanket of crumble over the top.

The texture improves and moisture remains.

Overhead of a coffee cake in baking pan

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

It also freezes well!

The double layer helps prevent it from drying out in the freezer.

The cake, even half-frozen, is still delicious.

A slice of coffee cake on a plate with a fork off to the side

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

How to Adapt This Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is easily adaptable to include other spices.

This cake is great served as it is.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake on a plate with a cup of coffee off to the side

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Use a fork to mash the butter into the mixture until completely combined and crumbly.

In another small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Set side, as well.

Strusel toppings resting in a bowl waiting to be mixed

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Using the paddle attachment for your stand mixer, stir on low to combine.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla until combined.

Add the mixture to the dry ingredients.

Strusel topping mixed together in a bowl

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Beat the batter on medium speed until you get a smooth batter.

A few small lumps are totally fine.

Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.

Cinnamon and sugar in a bowl with a spoon

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar layer over the top of the batter in an even layer.

Top with the crumble mixture.

Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Strusel topping in a bowl to the left and a cinnamon and sugar mixture to the right

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Cool on a rack for 1 hour (or until the cake comes to room temperature) before serving.

you’ve got the option to make this cake a day or two in advance.

Remove the cake from the pan and cover with plastic wrap.

Crumbly butter and flour mixture in a bowl

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Keep it on the counter at room temperature.

To freeze the cake, wrap it in plastic, followed by foil.

What did you think of the recipe?

Cake batter in mixing bowl being stirred with a spatula

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Let us know with a rating and review!

Cake batter with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled over the top in a baking dish

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Cake batter in pan being topped with an extra layer of batter

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Cake batter partially covered in crumb topping

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe