Coffee Crumb Cake: Soft, Buttery, and Loaded with Crumble

The Perfect Morning Treat That Feels Like a Hug

If breakfast had a favorite child, it would be coffee crumb cake. Soft, buttery cake on the bottom. A thick layer of cinnamon-brown sugar crumble on top. And the best part? That crunchy-tender contrast with every bite. Whether you eat it with your morning coffee, as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or just because you need something warm and cozy—it always delivers.

This homemade version gives you that bakery-style crumb topping with a tender vanilla base that stays moist for days (if it even lasts that long). Bonus: it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the Cake: 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt, 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping: ¾ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ cup unsalted butter (melted), pinch of salt

Optional Glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk, splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• In a separate bowl, make the crumb topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until large crumbs form.
• Sprinkle the crumb mixture generously over the top of the cake batter, pressing some chunks together for bigger crumbles.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
• Optional: whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a simple glaze, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Slice into squares and serve with your favorite coffee, tea, or warm milk.

Optional Add-Ons & Variations

Cinnamon swirl: Add a layer of cinnamon-sugar between two layers of batter for a hidden swirl.
Blueberry burst: Add ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before baking.
Vanilla almond glaze: Swap vanilla extract with almond in the glaze for extra warmth.
Streusel overload: Double the crumb topping for a cake-to-crumb ratio that’s absolutely unhinged—in the best way.

Final Thoughts

Coffee crumb cake isn’t just a snack—it’s a soft, sweet, cinnamon-kissed moment of joy. It’s that “home bakery” smell filling the kitchen. That cozy bite with a crackly top and moist, tender crumb underneath. Whether you enjoy it on a rainy morning or bake it just to flex, this classic treat never misses.