There’s something magical about the way buttermilk transforms an ordinary coffee cake into something extraordinary. This tender crumb-topped beauty has been gracing American breakfast tables since the early 1900s and we can’t get enough of its perfectly balanced sweetness and subtle tang.
Buttermilk coffee cake strikes that perfect note between indulgent treat and comforting morning ritual. The buttermilk creates an incredibly moist texture while adding just enough acidity to brighten every bite. We love how the cinnamon streusel topping creates a delightful contrast with its buttery crunch against the cake’s soft interior.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply want to elevate your morning coffee routine this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time. We’ve perfected this classic to ensure you get that coveted tender crumb and irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with pure comfort.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to ensure our buttermilk coffee cake achieves that perfect balance of moisture and flavor. These simple pantry staples work together to create the tender crumb and rich taste that makes this recipe exceptional.
For the Coffee Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Success in making this delectable buttermilk coffee cake depends on having the right tools at our disposal. We recommend gathering these essential pieces of equipment before beginning to ensure a smooth baking process.
A stand mixer becomes our best friend when creating the perfect batter texture. This powerful tool efficiently combines our wet and dry ingredients while preventing overmixing that could result in a tough cake. For those without a stand mixer, a hand mixer will work adequately with a bit more patience.
Our pastry blender plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted crumbly streusel topping. This tool helps us blend cold butter into the dry ingredients for the perfect texture contrast. A pastry cutter serves as an excellent alternative when creating those signature crumbly pieces that make our coffee cake irresistible.
The pan selection significantly impacts our final result. An 8×8 light metal pan works perfectly for creating a square coffee cake with even browning and consistent texture. Those preferring a round presentation will find a 9 inch springform pan ideal for easy removal and elegant serving.
We find a small strainer or sifter optional but helpful for evenly distributing dry ingredients like flour and baking powder. This extra step ensures our cake maintains consistent texture throughout without any lumps that might affect the final crumb structure.
Measuring cups and spoons remain essential for accuracy in our recipe. Proper measurements guarantee the chemical reactions between our leavening agents work correctly to create that perfect rise and tender texture we desire in our finished coffee cake.
Instructions
These step-by-step instructions will guide you through creating our perfect buttermilk coffee cake from start to finish. We’ve organized each phase to ensure your cake turns out beautifully tender with that signature streusel topping.
Prep the Pan and Oven
We begin by preheating our oven to 350°F to ensure even baking temperature. Grease an 8-inch round or square pan thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking. A pie plate works wonderfully as an alternative if you prefer a different presentation.
Make the Streusel Topping
We combine ¼ cup butter with ¾ cup light brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture for 1 minute until the butter melts completely. Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ cup chopped pecans until evenly distributed. The mixture should have a crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.
Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter
We mix 1⅔ cups flour, ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon baking soda in a large bowl. Add ½ cup soft butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Pour in 1 cup buttermilk and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Assemble the Coffee Cake
We spread the prepared batter evenly into our greased pan using a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel topping uniformly over the entire surface of the batter. Press the topping gently into the batter to help it adhere during baking.
Bake the Coffee Cake
We place the assembled cake in our preheated oven and bake for 35-38 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Make the Glaze
We whisk together powdered sugar with milk or buttermilk in a small bowl. Continue whisking until we achieve a smooth consistency that drizzles easily from a spoon. Adjust the liquid amount to reach your preferred thickness.
Finish and Serve
We allow the coffee cake to cool slightly in the pan before drizzling with our prepared glaze. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Storage Instructions
We recommend several storage methods to keep your buttermilk coffee cake fresh and delicious for days or even months.
Room Temperature Storage
Store your finished coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain optimal freshness. Alternatively, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap for about 3 days of quality storage. This method works best when you plan to enjoy the cake within a few days of baking.
Short-Term Storage Options
For immediate consumption within 48 hours, we suggest wrapping the un-iced cake tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. This approach prevents the cake from drying out while preserving its tender crumb texture.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Extend your cake’s life by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow the frozen cake to thaw completely at room temperature for at least 8 hours. This thawing time ensures the cake returns to its original moist texture.
Reheating Instructions
Transform leftover slices into warm, fresh-tasting treats using your microwave. Heat individual slices at 50% power starting with 15 seconds then continue heating in 5-second increments until the cake reaches your desired warmth. This gentle reheating method prevents the cake from becoming tough or dry.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature | Container Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days | Room temp | Airtight container |
| Room Temperature | 3 days | Room temp | Plastic wrap |
| Short-term | 48 hours | Room temp | Plastic wrap or airtight |
| Freezer | 3 months | Frozen | Plastic wrap or airtight |
Proper storage maintains the cake’s signature moist texture and preserves the delicate balance of flavors that make this buttermilk coffee cake so irresistible.
Make-Ahead Tips
We understand that busy mornings call for convenient breakfast answers. Our buttermilk coffee cake offers excellent make ahead options that preserve its signature moistness and flavor.
Overnight Preparation Method
Prepare the entire coffee cake the evening before and refrigerate it overnight in the baking pan. Cover the assembled cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Bake it fresh the next morning for that irresistible bakery aroma filling your kitchen. This method delivers optimal texture since the buttermilk has time to fully hydrate the flour.
Streusel Advance Preparation
Make the cinnamon streusel topping up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Combine the butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt as directed. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Cold streusel actually creates better texture contrast when baked since it maintains distinct crumbly pieces.
Batter Components Strategy
Measure and combine all dry ingredients for the cake batter the night before. Store the flour mixture in a sealed container at room temperature. This streamlines morning preparation and ensures accurate measurements when time is limited. Keep wet ingredients like buttermilk and eggs ready in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
Complete Assembly Timeline
| Preparation Method | Storage Time | Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight assembled cake | Up to 12 hours refrigerated | Fresh baked morning texture |
| Prepared streusel | Up to 3 days refrigerated | Enhanced crumb definition |
| Mixed dry ingredients | Up to 24 hours room temperature | Consistent flavor distribution |
Store any leftover baked cake following our storage guidelines to maintain peak freshness throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
We find buttermilk coffee cake perfectly suited for breakfast or brunch gatherings where its sweet yet balanced flavor won’t overwhelm morning palates. The cake’s moist texture and subtle tang make it an ideal companion to freshly brewed coffee or tea during leisurely weekend mornings.
Our favorite serving approach involves cutting generous squares while the cake remains slightly warm from the oven. This timing allows the streusel topping to maintain its delightful crunch while the tender crumb releases its comforting aroma. We recommend plating individual portions on small dessert plates to showcase the beautiful layers of cake and topping.
For afternoon entertaining we serve this coffee cake at room temperature alongside hot beverages. The cake’s lightweight nature makes it perfect for casual snacking without feeling too heavy between meals. Guests appreciate how easily they can enjoy a slice while socializing or working.
During special occasions we elevate the presentation by dusting plates with powdered sugar before adding cake slices. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of additional glaze transforms each serving into an elegant dessert worthy of dinner parties.
We’ve discovered that pairing this cake with seasonal fruits creates delightful flavor combinations. Fresh berries in summer or sliced apples in fall complement the cinnamon notes beautifully. These additions provide color contrast and fresh brightness that balances the cake’s rich butter and brown sugar flavors.
Temperature flexibility makes this coffee cake exceptionally versatile for different serving scenarios. Morning hosts can serve it warm for maximum comfort appeal while afternoon gatherings benefit from room temperature presentation that highlights the cake’s tender texture and complex flavors.
Recipe Variations
We love how versatile buttermilk coffee cake can be with just a few simple ingredient swaps. These popular variations maintain the same moist texture and tangy buttermilk flavor while adding exciting new elements to suit different tastes.
Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake
Fresh blueberries transform our classic recipe into a burst of summer flavors. We gently fold 1 cup of fresh blueberries into the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. The sweet and fruity blueberries complement the tangy buttermilk perfectly while adding natural moisture to each bite. Our crunchy cinnamon streusel topping provides the ideal textural contrast against the tender berries. We recommend tossing the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in to help distribute them evenly throughout the cake.
Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Coffee Cake
Rich chocolate chips elevate this coffee cake into an indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth. We incorporate ¾ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for optimal distribution without weighing down the delicate crumb structure. The chocolate adds depth and richness while the buttermilk prevents the cake from becoming overly sweet. We can finish this variation with either our traditional streusel topping or a simple chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate and cream. The contrast between the tangy buttermilk base and sweet chocolate creates a perfectly balanced dessert.
Apple Cinnamon Buttermilk Coffee Cake
Diced apples and warm cinnamon spices create the ultimate comfort food version of our buttermilk coffee cake. We peel and dice 1 large apple into small ¼-inch pieces and toss them with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon before folding into the batter. The apples provide natural sweetness and moisture while the extra cinnamon enhances the warm spice profile. Our cinnamon streusel topping becomes even more aromatic with this variation, creating layers of apple and spice flavors in every forkful. We find that Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for their texture and balanced sweetness.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even experienced bakers encounter challenges when making buttermilk coffee cake. We’ve compiled answers to the most common issues that might arise during your baking journey.
Dry Cake Results
When your buttermilk coffee cake turns out dry, insufficient butter or overmixing typically causes this problem. We recommend increasing the fat content slightly or folding ingredients by hand instead of using a mixer. The buttermilk’s acidity should create natural moisture, so check that your buttermilk is fresh and at room temperature before mixing.
Dense Texture Issues
Incorrect leavening proportions often create a dense, heavy coffee cake. Too much or too little baking soda can disrupt the chemical reaction with buttermilk’s acidity. Always use fresh leavening agents and measure carefully using level spoons. Outdated baking powder loses its effectiveness and won’t provide proper lift.
Poor Rise Problems
Leavening agent proportions directly affect your cake’s rise. Excessive amounts cause over-rising followed by collapse, while insufficient quantities result in flat, dense cakes. The buttermilk’s acidity reacts with baking soda to enhance leavening naturally, so maintain the proper balance for optimal results.
Streusel Topping Difficulties
Soft streusel that mixes into the batter indicates warm butter or overmixing. Keep butter cold when creating the crumb topping and combine ingredients briefly. The streusel should maintain distinct pieces that won’t dissolve into the cake during baking.
Pan Sticking Prevention
Line your pan’s bottom with parchment paper and grease thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Allow the cake to cool enough for safe handling before unmolding, but avoid waiting until completely cold. Proper preparation prevents frustrating removal issues.
Storage Considerations
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature (airtight) | Up to 4 days | 68-72°F |
| Refrigerated | 3 days | 35-40°F |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months | 0°F |
Buttermilk coffee cake maintains its moisture for several days when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container. This natural preservation comes from the buttermilk’s fat content and the cake’s tender crumb structure.
Conclusion
We’ve shared everything you need to create an exceptional buttermilk coffee cake that’ll become your go-to breakfast treat. From the essential ingredients and proper techniques to storage tips and delicious variations this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time.
The beauty of this coffee cake lies in its simplicity and reliability. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply want to elevate your morning routine the tender crumb and cinnamon streusel topping never disappoint.
With our make-ahead tips and troubleshooting guidance you’re equipped to handle any baking challenge that comes your way. We’re confident this buttermilk coffee cake will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection and bring joy to countless breakfast tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes buttermilk coffee cake different from regular coffee cake?
Buttermilk coffee cake has a uniquely moist texture and subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly. The buttermilk’s acidity creates a tender crumb structure while adding depth to the overall taste. This American breakfast staple has been beloved since the early 1900s for its superior texture compared to regular coffee cake made with milk.
How long does buttermilk coffee cake stay fresh?
Store buttermilk coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap tightly with plastic wrap for 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months in airtight packaging. Un-iced cake stays fresh for 48 hours when properly wrapped.
Can I make buttermilk coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the entire cake the night before and refrigerate overnight for optimal texture. The streusel topping can be made 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also combine dry ingredients the night before to streamline morning preparation while maintaining freshness.
What equipment do I need to make buttermilk coffee cake?
Essential equipment includes a stand mixer (or hand mixer), pastry blender for streusel, and an 8×8 light metal pan or 9-inch springform pan. Optional tools include a small strainer for dry ingredients and accurate measuring cups. Proper equipment ensures perfect batter texture and optimal baking results.
How do I prevent my buttermilk coffee cake from being too dry?
Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dry texture. Measure ingredients accurately, especially buttermilk for moisture. Don’t overbake – check doneness at 35 minutes. Store properly in airtight containers to maintain moisture, and consider reheating individual slices at 50% microwave power to restore tenderness.
What are some popular variations of buttermilk coffee cake?
Popular variations include Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake with fresh berries, Chocolate Chip version with mini chocolate chips, and Apple Cinnamon with diced apples and warm spices. Each variation maintains the signature moist texture while adding exciting flavor elements to suit different preferences and occasions.
How should I serve buttermilk coffee cake?
Serve warm for breakfast or brunch to maintain the streusel’s crunch, or at room temperature for afternoon gatherings. Pair with coffee or tea, and consider adding whipped cream or dusting with powdered sugar for special occasions. Seasonal fruits make excellent accompaniments for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
Why didn’t my coffee cake rise properly?
Poor rise usually results from expired baking soda, overmixing the batter, or incorrect oven temperature. Check that your baking soda is fresh and active. Mix ingredients just until combined, and verify your oven temperature with a thermometer. Proper measuring of leavening agents is crucial for achieving the desired height and texture.
