I remember the first time I tried Starbucks’ famous coffee cake—the crumbly streusel topping and moist, cinnamon-infused layers were absolutely irresistible. But what if you could bring that delightful treat into your own kitchen?
With this copycat recipe, you don’t have to wait for your next coffee run. I’ll guide you through each step to recreate that perfect balance of sweetness and spice right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Directions
Recreating Starbucks’ beloved coffee cake at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to craft a moist, flavorful cake with a crunchy streusel topping.
Prepare the Streusel Topping
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Cut in the Butter: Add 1/4 cup cold cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set Aside: Let the streusel topping rest while you prepare the cake batter. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a perfect crunch.
Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Add 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Incorporate Streusel: Gently fold half of the prepared streusel topping into the batter, reserving the remaining half for topping after baking.
Assemble and Bake
- Layer the Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add Remaining Streusel: Sprinkle the reserved streusel topping evenly over the batter, creating a beautiful, crumbly layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and makes slicing easier.
Tools and Equipment
To master this Starbucks Coffee Cake copycat recipe, I rely on the following tools and equipment:
- Mixing Bowls
I use a set of medium and large bowls for combining ingredients separately.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Whisk
A whisk helps me thoroughly blend the dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer
I use an electric or hand mixer to achieve a smooth and well-combined batter.
- Spatula
A flexible spatula is essential for folding ingredients and transferring batter to the pan.
- Pastry Blender or Two Butter Knives
These tools help me cut the cold butter into the streusel topping evenly.
- 9×13-Inch Baking Pan
This size provides ample space for the batter and streusel to bake uniformly.
- Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray
I line the baking pan with parchment paper or use cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cooling Rack
A cooling rack allows the cake to cool completely and maintain its moist texture.
Having these tools on hand makes the baking process smooth and ensures a delicious, restaurant-quality coffee cake every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
I love having a delicious coffee cake ready for any occasion. Here’s how you can prepare this Starbucks copycat recipe ahead of time, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.
Preparing in Advance
- Bake the Cake: Follow the recipe to bake your coffee cake. Allow it to cool completely on a cooling rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Wrap Properly: Once cooled, tightly wrap the entire cake with plastic wrap. This helps retain moisture and keeps the cake fresh.
- Store at Room Temperature: Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, making it perfect for gatherings or daily treats.
Refrigeration for Extended Freshness
- Refrigerate the Wrapped Cake: If you need to store the cake for longer, keep it in the refrigerator. The plastic wrap will keep it from drying out.
- Storage Duration: In the refrigerator, the coffee cake remains fresh for up to one week. This is ideal if you’re planning ahead for the week or hosting an event in advance.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
- Prepare for Freezing: After the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double wrapping prevents freezer burn and preserves the cake’s texture.
- Label and Freeze: Write the date and contents on the foil wrap. Freeze the cake for up to 3 months without losing its delightful flavor.
- Thawing the Cake: When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. For a quicker option, leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Refreshing Before Serving
- Reheat for Freshness: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove all wrapping and place the cake on a baking sheet. Heat it in the oven for about 15 minutes to bring back its warm, fresh-baked aroma.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the warmed cake and serve it with your favorite coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Starbucks-inspired coffee cake is perfectly baked and slightly cooled, it’s time to elevate your experience with some delightful serving ideas. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy this moist, crumbly masterpiece:
- Classic Morning Pairing: Serve a generous slice alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or your favorite morning beverage. The coffee complements the cake’s subtle sweetness and cinnamon notes beautifully.
- Ice Cream Indulgence: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy contrast enhances the cake’s rich flavors, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
- Berry Delight: Add a handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, on the side. The vibrant fruit adds a refreshing tartness that balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over each serving. The added crunch and nutty flavor bring an extra layer of texture and depth to every bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free twist, serve the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. These additions enhance the cake’s flavors without overpowering its delicate structure.
- Seasonal Touch: Incorporate seasonal elements, such as a sprinkle of pumpkin spice in the fall or a light dusting of powdered sugar in the winter. These touches make the cake feel special and festive for any occasion.
- Breakfast Boost: Pair the coffee cake with a side of scrambled eggs or yogurt parfait for a complete and satisfying breakfast. This combination provides a balanced meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Each of these serving suggestions is designed to enhance the flavors and textures of your homemade coffee cake, making every slice a memorable experience. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, your copycat Starbucks coffee cake is sure to impress.
Storage Instructions
Storing your homemade Starbucks Coffee Cake properly ensures it stays moist and flavorful. Here’s how I keep my coffee cake fresh:
Storage Methods
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Steps to Store
- Cool Completely
- Allow the coffee cake to cool completely on a cooling rack. This prevents condensation, which can make the cake soggy.
- Wrap Properly
- For room temperature storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- If refrigerating, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- For freezing, wrap the cake in plastic wrap first, then in a layer of aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
- Choose Storage Location
- Room Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the main compartment, not the door, to ensure a consistent temperature.
- Freezer: Place in the freezer section, ensuring it remains flat to avoid cracking.
- Thawing and Refreshing
- Refrigerated Cake: Remove from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Frozen Cake: Transfer the wrapped cake to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. For a quicker option, unwrap and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
- Reheating: To restore the fresh-baked aroma, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Serving Suggestions After Storage
- Enjoy a slice with a fresh cup of coffee.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Add fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the flavors.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Starbucks Coffee Cake copycat recipe at its best, whether you’re indulging in a slice today or saving it for a special occasion later.
Conclusion
Baking this Starbucks Coffee Cake copycat recipe was so rewarding There’s nothing like enjoying a homemade version of a beloved treat I hope you have as much fun making it as I did savoring each bite Whether you share it with loved ones or enjoy it on your own this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen Happy baking!
