If you’re a fan of sweet, buttery, cinnamon-spiced desserts, you’re going to fall in love with this coffee cake loaf recipe. This moist, tender loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break. It has a soft crumb, a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a buttery streusel topping that makes every bite irresistible.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making a coffee cake loaf – from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, and storage ideas. By the end, you’ll have the perfect go-to recipe for a homemade coffee cake loaf that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
What Is a Coffee Cake Loaf?
Despite its name, coffee cake loaf doesn’t usually contain coffee. The term “coffee cake” refers to a cake that’s meant to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Unlike frosted cakes, coffee cake loaf is less sweet and has a soft, crumbly texture with warm spices like cinnamon.
This recipe bakes the cake in a loaf pan rather than a square or round pan, which gives you a perfectly sliceable treat. It’s ideal for gifting, brunch tables, or enjoying throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Loaf
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients, easy steps, and no fancy equipment required.
- Perfect texture: Soft, fluffy crumb with a slight crunch from the streusel topping.
- Cozy flavors: Warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla make it taste like a hug in loaf form.
- Freezer-friendly: Make it ahead of time and freeze slices for a quick treat later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make the best homemade coffee cake loaf:
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Gives the loaf a nice rise.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Helps keep the crumb light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature is key for creaming.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature works best for smooth mixing.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Makes the loaf moist and rich.
- ¼ cup milk – Whole milk works best, but any milk will do.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar works.
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Warm and aromatic.
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Streusel
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In another bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Make the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Mix in sour cream until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
5. Assemble the Loaf
- Spread half the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the loaf.
6. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake Loaf
- Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can make the loaf dry. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures everything mixes evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the loaf dense instead of tender.
- Test for doneness: Check with a toothpick at 50 minutes. Ovens vary, so your loaf might need a little more or less time.
Variations to Try
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch to the streusel topping.
- Make it fruity: Swirl in blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples for a fresh twist.
- Chocolate version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle some on top.
- Glazed loaf: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake loaf is perfect on its own, but here are some ways to enjoy it even more:
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or latte for the ultimate breakfast treat.
- Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete brunch spread.
- Warm slices slightly in the microwave and serve with a pat of butter.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Why This Coffee Cake Loaf Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making a quick breakfast for the family, a cozy afternoon treat, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple enough for a weekday bake but special enough for holidays and gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This coffee cake loaf is everything you want in a sweet treat – moist, tender, and full of cinnamon flavor. With its buttery streusel topping and beautiful swirl, it’s as pretty as it is delicious. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.