Aug 31 2026
RestaurantsKeys CafeCoffee Cake Recipe

Coffee Cake Recipe

Inspired by Keys Cafe
Time1h 15m
Serves9

Make Coffee Cake Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Cake Batter

Glaze (optional)

Method

Cake Batter

  1. 1

    Prep oven and pan

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

  2. 2

    Combine dry ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly distributed.

  3. 3

    Cream butter and sugar

    In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

  4. 4

    Add eggs and flavor

    Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl and add 1 tsp vanilla extract.

  5. 5

    Incorporate dry and wet

    With the mixer on low speed, add the dry flour mixture in three additions alternately with 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt) and 1/4 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.

  6. 6

    Transfer to pan

    Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Streusel Topping

  1. 7

    Make streusel

    In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Add 4 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.

  2. 8

    Add nuts (optional)

    Fold in 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans if using. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter in the pan, gently pressing some into the surface so it adheres.

Baking and Finishing

  1. 9

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding streusel clusters) comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If the streusel browns too quickly, tent the pan loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

  2. 10

    Cool

    Remove the pan from the oven and set on a wire rack. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then use the parchment overhang or a knife to loosen the edges and lift the cake out to finish cooling on the rack. Cool at least 30 minutes before glazing.

  3. 11

    Prepare optional glaze

    If using the glaze, whisk together 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk or cream, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add more milk a few drops at a time if too thick.

  4. 12

    Glaze and serve

    Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake with a spoon or fork. Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes, then slice into squares and serve. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.

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