Name: Coffee Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-497727H55M56S
Total time: PT-497727H55M56S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup butter, almost melted; 2 eggs at room temperature; ¼ cup milk; 2 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; 6 tbsp butter; 1 cup icing sugar; 1 tbsp hot water + 2 tsp instant coffee granules; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you adore coffee-infused treats that bring cozy warmth to your kitchen, then this Coffee Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. It’s a beautifully tender cake with just the right hint of coffee flavor that wakes up your taste buds, paired with a luxuriously smooth coffee buttercream that makes every bite a celebration. Whether you're brewing a cup for yourself or impressing friends at brunch, this recipe brings that comforting coffee shop feeling right into your home, complete with melt-in-your-mouth richness and balanced sweetness.

Ingredients You'll Need

A slice of two-layer cake is on a white plate with a peach-colored rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a moist, dark brown cake with a soft texture. The top layer consists of light beige cream piped in decorative swirls. There are small pieces of dark brown chocolate shavings scattered on the cream. In the background, the rest of the cake with the same two layers is on a white plate, slightly blurred. A woman's hand is holding a utensil next to the plate with the slice. The overall setting is bright with a striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Coffee Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful selection of quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the soft crumb of the cake and the luscious texture of the buttercream frosting, ensuring every component melts together in perfect harmony.

1 cup flour: The base for the cake providing structure and softness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a light, airy rise so it’s fluffy and tender.
½ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor for depth.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with browning.
¾ cup butter (almost melted): Delivers richness and tenderness to the cake.
2 eggs at room temperature: Acts as a binder and adds to the cake’s moist texture.
¼ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth while ensuring the crumb stays soft.
2 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water: Infuses an unmistakable coffee flavor without overpowering.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors with a warm, familiar touch.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the coffee notes.
6 tablespoon butter (for buttercream): Whipped to creamy perfection for the frosting’s richness.
1 cup icing sugar: Creates a silky sweetness in the buttercream.
1 tablespoon hot water + 2 teaspoon instant coffee granules (for buttercream): Deepens coffee flavor in the frosting.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream): Adds complexity to the buttercream's flavor.
¼ teaspoon salt (for buttercream): Brightens the sweet, creamy frosting.

How to Make Coffee Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose either an 8-inch pan for a thinner cake or a 6-inch pan if you want a higher, more substantial cake. Butter and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure your cake comes out smoothly after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these aside allows us to incorporate the dry ingredients gradually later, which helps avoid overmixing and keeps the cake's crumb tender and soft.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Beat the butter until it’s soft and creamy, around 2 to 3 minutes. Then add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar and continue beating for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and light. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the cake its lovely texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well for about a minute after each addition. This slow incorporation ensures the eggs blend seamlessly with the butter mixture. Once done, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance all the flavors.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Liquids

Sift half of your flour mixture into the wet ingredients and fold it in gently. Then add the dissolved coffee and milk, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Beat everything just until it comes together, taking care not to overmix to keep your cake tender.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and place it in the oven. If you are using an 8-inch pan, start checking the cake around 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean when done. If using a 6-inch pan, expect it to take about 12 to 15 minutes longer due to the thicker batter.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn it out onto a plate and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This resting time ensures the cake firms up slightly, ready for its beautiful coffee buttercream topping.

Step 8: Make the Coffee Buttercream

Whip the butter on its own until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar at a low speed so it combines without a mess. Mix your hot water and coffee granules, then add this coffee mixture along with vanilla and salt to the buttercream. Beat everything well until creamy, silky, and perfectly spreadable.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Only frost your cake once it is at room temperature to avoid melting or sliding frosting. Spread the coffee buttercream evenly for that classic look and flavor that completes this delicious coffee cake experience.

How to Serve Coffee Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe

A single-layer round chocolate cake sits on a white plate with a smooth and dark brown base. Around the edge of the cake is a ring of light beige frosting shaped in soft ruffled swirls. The center of the cake is topped with thin, uneven shavings of dark chocolate that add texture. The cake is placed on a colorful striped cloth with green, red, pink, and navy lines, on a white marbled surface. In the background is a white mug with dark blue circular flower-like patterns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch that balances the cake’s softness. You can also dust the top with a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or instant coffee granules to visually emphasize its coffee essence.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe pairs exceptionally well with a hot cup of your favorite brew, of course! For a little something extra, consider a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your enjoyment to dessert-level brilliance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering slices of the cake with fresh strawberries or banana slices for a stunning coffee cake parfait. Or cut into rustic squares and serve alongside your morning meeting spread—guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your coffee cake stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days to maintain maximum freshness. If your kitchen feels warm, refrigerate the cake tightly covered to protect the buttercream from melting or drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to three months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then frost just before serving.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Avoid overheating so you don’t lose the buttery texture of the cake or alter the flavor of the coffee buttercream.

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?

Instant coffee is recommended because it dissolves easily, giving you a smooth, intense coffee flavor without adding extra liquid that might change the cake’s texture. If you must use brewed coffee, make sure it’s very concentrated and reduce the milk slightly.

What if I don’t want to frost the cake immediately?

You can bake the cake ahead and keep it wrapped at room temperature for a day before frosting. For the best texture, always frost right before serving or within 24 hours.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. The texture might shift slightly but the coffee flavor will still shine through beautifully.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The classic toothpick test is your best friend here. Insert a clean toothpick into the center of the cake, if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, doubling the ingredients works well, especially if you want a bigger celebration cake. Just be mindful of your pan size and adjust baking time accordingly—larger cakes often take longer to bake.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe is truly a delightful way to add a little warmth and sweetness to your day. Its simple ingredients come together to create a treat that’s both comforting and impressive, perfect for sharing—or savoring solo with a cup of coffee. I hope you enjoy baking and, more importantly, eating this cozy cake as much as I do!