This Coffee Cake Loaf recipe is my cozy weekend version of the classic bakery treat! Make it in one loaf pan and serve this cinnamon-swirled cake with coffee, sprinkled with crumble topping.
Who else loves a slice of soft, comforting cake in the morning? Like my favorite coffee shop treats, I set out to make my own version. For those unfamiliar, coffee cake loaf is basically a simpler, sliceable version of traditional coffee cake. I make this homemade recipe with tender batter swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked until golden and fragrant. WOW, it’s good. And so easy!
Ingredients in Coffee Cake Loaf
This ingredient list keeps everything pantry friendly and easy to repeat.
How to make Coffee Cake Loaf
This loaf comes together calmly and bakes without fuss.
1. Prepare the pan
Preheat the oven and grease a loaf pan fully, making sure corners get covered. A lined pan helps with easy lifting once baked.
2. Mix dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl until evenly combined. This keeps the loaf light and balanced.
3. Cream butter and sugars
Beat butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until soft and fluffy. This step builds a tender texture and smooth sweetness.
4. Add eggs and vanilla
Mix eggs in one at a time, then stir in vanilla. The batter should look creamy and well blended.
5. Add buttermilk and dry mix
Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the loaf dense.
6. Layer the batter
Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle a light cinnamon sugar layer if desired, then add remaining batter on top.
7. Bake steadily
Bake until the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the loaf cool slightly before removing.
8. Cool and slice
Rest the loaf on a rack so it sets fully before slicing. This helps keep clean slices.
How to serve Coffee Cake Loaf
Morning coffee pairs naturally with a thick slice while the loaf still feels warm. Afternoon tea works just as well, especially with a light spread of butter. Dessert plates fit nicely too when you add fresh fruit on the side.
Leftover slices keep well covered and taste great the next day. A quick warm up brings back that fresh baked softness without drying it out.
Recipe Tips
- Room temperature butter mixes more smoothly into the batter.
- Gentle mixing keeps the crumb soft and light.
- Check doneness near the end to avoid overbaking.
- Let the loaf cool slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
- Store covered to keep moisture locked in.
Coffee Cake Loaf
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
slices15
minutes45
minutesIngredients
2 cups all purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup butter
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the pan:
Preheat the oven and grease a loaf pan fully, making sure corners get covered. A lined pan helps with easy lifting once baked. - Mix dry ingredients:
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl until evenly combined. This keeps the loaf light and balanced. - Cream butter and sugars:
Beat butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until soft and fluffy. This step builds a tender texture and smooth sweetness. - Add eggs and vanilla:
Mix eggs in one at a time, then stir in vanilla. The batter should look creamy and well blended. - Add buttermilk and dry mix:
Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the loaf dense. - Layer the batter:
Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle a light cinnamon sugar layer if desired, then add remaining batter on top. - Bake steadily:
Bake until the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the loaf cool slightly before removing. - Cool and slice:
Rest the loaf on a rack so it sets fully before slicing. This helps keep clean slices.
