Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe

Craving that iconic Starbucks coffee cake, rich with buttery crumbs and sweet cinnamon layers? You’re not alone. This famous treat has become a bakery staple, beloved for its moist texture and irresistible streusel topping. Skip the line at the café—this guide walks you through making a genuine Starbucks-style coffee cake at home, from ingredients to storage (and all the tricks in between).

What Makes Starbucks Coffee Cake Special?

Starbucks coffee cake features three layers: a soft, tender cake, a cinnamon swirl, and a classic crumbly streusel. Unlike some recipes, there’s no actual coffee in the cake itself: the name comes from its perfect pairing with your morning brew. Its texture lands somewhere between a fluffy sponge and a rich pound cake. The secret? A careful balance of cake flour, butter, and sour cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break things down for foolproof results.

For the Cinnamon Streusel:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

For the Cake:
– 2 ½ cups cake flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup milk, room temperature

Optional:
A dusting of powdered sugar for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by making the crumb layer. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together, so the cinnamon disperses evenly. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms large, moist crumbs. Set aside. Don’t overmix—the best streusel is chunky, not sandy.

2. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. A loaf pan works too, but baking time will increase.

3. Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape down the bowl.
Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until incorporated. The batter may look a bit curdled—this is fine.
Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Beat just until no streaks remain. Over-mixing can toughen your cake.

4. Assemble the Cake

Spread half the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel over the batter.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top and carefully spread it into an even layer.
Finish with the rest of the streusel, adding generous, thick crumbles.

5. Bake

Bake on the middle rack for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few dry crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway for even baking.

6. Cool and Serve

Cool the coffee cake in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Lift it out using the parchment overhang. Once fully cooled, slice into squares. If you’d like, sift powdered sugar over the top for a touch of sweetness and café-style flair.

What to Expect: Flavor and Texture

A first bite delivers a deep cinnamon warmth, underscored by a rich, buttery crumb. Crumb topping keeps its crunch, while the cake itself is delicate and perfectly moist. The layered construction ensures every mouthful features both tender cake and crispy streusel.

Enjoy this cake with a mug of drip coffee, a spiced latte, or a glass of milk. The flavors meld with milky, dark, or even spicy blends.

Proven Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake

A few careful touches separate a passable crumb cake from an unforgettable one:

Measure flour with care: Either spoon and level or weigh with a kitchen scale to prevent dense, dry cake.
Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream blend smoothly, creating consistent structure.
Don’t rush beating butter and sugar: Creaming thoroughly adds air, giving the cake its lightness.
Layer with intention: Even distribution ensures each slice gets both cake and cinnamon crumbs.
Avoid overmixing: Stir only until combined for a tender crumb.
Test for doneness: Use the toothpick trick, but check several spots since dense crumb layers can mislead.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to customize your homemade coffee cake? Consider these swaps and tweaks:

To Replace…	Try Using…	Notes
Cake flour	All-purpose flour	Remove 2 Tbsp per cup; add 2 Tbsp cornstarch for tenderness
Sour cream	Plain Greek yogurt	Offers similar richness & moisture
Brown sugar	Coconut sugar	Adds a caramel note to the streusel
Butter	Vegan butter or margarine	Go for plant-based if you prefer
Cinnamon	Add a pinch of nutmeg	For a spicy twist in the streusel

Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans with the topping for crunch, or try mini chocolate chips for a mocha spin.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Homemade coffee cake rarely lasts long, but here’s how to keep it fresh:

At room temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container. Enjoy within 2–3 days.
In the fridge: Store for up to one week; cold can dry cake, so consider reheating slices for 10–20 seconds.
In the freezer: Double-wrap individual slices (plastic plus foil) and store for up to three months. Defrost at room temp, then warm briefly in the microwave.

Pro tip: If you love a gooey topping, cover the cake when it’s slightly warm to help the crumb absorb some moisture. For crispy crumbs, cool completely before sealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there coffee in coffee cake?

Despite the name, traditional American coffee cake—including the Starbucks version—contains no actual coffee. “Coffee cake” refers to a style of cake meant to be enjoyed alongside coffee.

Which pan works best?

A 9×13-inch baking pan gives classic results: moist center, crispy top. For thicker slices or a round presentation, use a springform pan and bake a bit longer.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—simply use two 9×13-inch pans or a large sheet pan. Adjust bake time as needed and test for doneness.

How do I cut clean slices?

Allow the cake to cool completely, then use a long, sharp knife cleaned between cuts for neat edges.

Enjoy the Experience

Recreating Starbucks coffee cake lets you savor the signature flavor from your own kitchen—with your choice of ingredients, at a fraction of the cost. The appeal lies in its contrast of buttery cake and crunchy topping, with sweet cinnamon trailing throughout each bite.

Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat, this coffee cake invites lingering with your favorite hot drink. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly tradition.