Baked

Breakfast Coffee Cake

Name: Breakfast Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup brown sugar

By Clara Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Baked

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made a breakfast coffee cake from scratch. It was a slow Sunday morning, and the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from the oven was like a warm hug. Since then, I've perfected my recipe, and it's become a staple in our household for both lazy weekends and busy weekdays.

The beauty of this breakfast coffee cake lies in its simplicity and versatility. It's a straightforward recipe that requires minimal effort but yields a satisfying and delicious result. Whether you're a fan of sweet treats or savory delights, this coffee cake can be tailored to your taste preferences.

What I love most about this recipe is that it's perfect for those who are new to baking. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets. Plus, the end result is a beautifully golden-brown coffee cake that's sure to impress your family and friends.

In this recipe, we'll explore the basics of making a delicious breakfast coffee cake, from preparing the ingredients to baking it to perfection. We'll also discuss some helpful tips and variations to make this recipe your own.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast recipe, you're in the right place. Let's get started and make a mouth-watering breakfast coffee cake that will become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This breakfast coffee cake recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort.
It's perfect for slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts.
The recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
The coffee cake is delicious and satisfying, making it a great way to start your day.
It's a perfect recipe for beginners, with easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great breakfast coffee cake lies in the combination of ingredients and the technique used to prepare it. The mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs provides a solid foundation, while the addition of butter and milk adds moisture and flavor. The use of baking powder as a leavening agent helps the coffee cake to rise, giving it a light and fluffy texture.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the temperature and baking time. By baking the coffee cake at a moderate temperature, we can ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't burn on the outside. The result is a beautifully golden-brown coffee cake that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The resting time is also crucial in this recipe. Allowing the coffee cake to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors to meld together, and the texture to set. This makes it easier to slice and serve, and it also helps to prevent the coffee cake from becoming too crumbly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious breakfast coffee cake, you'll need a few basic ingredients. The key players in this recipe are flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk. You'll also need some baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract to add flavor and texture. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, as they will affect the final result.

When shopping for ingredients, try to choose fresh and organic options whenever possible. This will not only ensure that your coffee cake tastes great, but it will also be better for you and the environment.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour provides a solid foundation for the coffee cake. Make sure to sift it before using to ensure it's well aerated and evenly mixed.
1 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds sweetness and tenderness to the coffee cake. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but keep in mind that it will affect the overall flavor and texture.
2 large eggsEggs provide moisture, richness, and structure to the coffee cake. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softenedUnsalted butter adds flavor and moisture to the coffee cake. Make sure to soften it before using to ensure it mixes evenly with the other ingredients.
1 cup whole milkWhole milk adds moisture and tenderness to the coffee cake. You can substitute it with other types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, if you prefer.
2 tsp baking powderBaking powder helps the coffee cake to rise and gives it a light and fluffy texture. Make sure to use fresh baking powder for the best results.
1/2 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavor of the coffee cake and helps to balance the sweetness. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1 tsp vanilla extractVanilla extract adds flavor and aroma to the coffee cake. Make sure to use high-quality vanilla extract for the best results.
1 cup chopped walnutsChopped walnuts add texture and flavor to the coffee cake. You can substitute them with other types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, if you prefer.
1/2 cup brown sugarBrown sugar adds sweetness and richness to the coffee cake. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but keep in mind that it will affect the overall flavor and texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlWhiskRubber spatula9x13 inch baking dishInstant-read thermometerOven

How to Make Breakfast Coffee Cake

1
Preheat your oven to 350 F. Make sure to use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Make sure to sift the flour before using to ensure it's well aerated and evenly mixed.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, softened butter, and whole milk. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
4
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5
Fold in the chopped walnuts and brown sugar. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
6
Pour the batter into a 9x13 inch baking dish and smooth the top. Make sure to grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the coffee cake from sticking.
7
Bake the coffee cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check the coffee cake every 5 minutes after the 30-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
8
Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will help the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the coffee cake. It should be at least 190 F in the center.
10
Slice the coffee cake and serve warm. You can top it with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, as they will affect the final result.
Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough coffee cake.
Use a variety of nuts and spices to add texture and flavor to the coffee cake.
Let the coffee cake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.
Experiment with different types of milk and flavorings to create unique and delicious variations.
Consider making a double batch of the coffee cake and freezing it for later use. Simply thaw and reheat as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense and tough coffee cake.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the final result.
Not checking the internal temperature of the coffee cake, which can lead to undercooking or overcooking.
Not letting the coffee cake rest before serving, which can affect the texture and flavor.
Not using the correct oven temperature, which can lead to undercooking or overcooking.
Not greasing the baking dish, which can cause the coffee cake to stick and be difficult to remove.

Variations and Substitutions

Add different types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, to create a unique flavor and texture.
Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the coffee cake a warm and spicy flavor.
Use a variety of spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to create a unique and delicious flavor.
Add a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit to create a sweet and indulgent coffee cake.
Make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What to Serve With Breakfast Coffee Cake

This breakfast coffee cake is perfect for serving with a variety of toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. You can also serve it with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.

Consider serving the coffee cake at a brunch or breakfast gathering, where it can be enjoyed by a crowd. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze them for later use. Simply thaw and reheat as needed.

Serve with a side of scrambled eggs and baconTop with maple syrup and whipped creamAdd a handful of fresh fruit, such as blueberries or strawberriesServe with a dollop of yogurt or sour creamPair with a hot cup of coffee or teaServe at a brunch or breakfast gathering

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This breakfast coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.

You can also freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature overnight or reheat it in the oven or microwave.

When reheating the coffee cake, make sure to use a low temperature and a short cooking time to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the oven at 300 F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Make sure to check the coffee cake regularly when reheating to ensure it doesn't overcook. You can also add a splash of milk or water to the coffee cake to help keep it moist and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time and store it at room temperature or freeze it for later use. Simply thaw and reheat as needed.

Can I use different types of milk?

Yes, you can use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version. Simply substitute the whole milk with your preferred milk alternative.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done?

You can check the coffee cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the coffee cake is done. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 190 F.

Can I add different types of nuts or spices?

Yes, you can add different types of nuts or spices to create a unique flavor and texture. Simply substitute the chopped walnuts with your preferred nut or spice.

How do I store the coffee cake?

You can store the coffee cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Simply adjust the ratio of flours and add xanthan gum as needed to help with texture and structure.

Can I make this coffee cake in a different size pan?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake in a different size pan, such as a 9x9 inch or 11x7 inch pan. Simply adjust the baking time and temperature as needed to ensure the coffee cake is cooked through and golden brown.

How do I reheat the coffee cake?

You can reheat the coffee cake in the oven at 300 F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and heat until warmed through.

The Full Recipe

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