Brown Butter Coffee Crumb Cake
This Brown Butter Coffee Crumb Cake is the ultimate soft and fluffy coffee cake, featuring a warm cinnamon swirl filling and topped with my mom’s famous crumb topping for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, this cozy and indulgent cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour
Cinnamon
Baking powder
Salt
Baking soda
Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
Milk of choice
Powdered sugar
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Coffee Crumb Cake:
Soft and Fluffy Texture: This coffee cake is incredibly light, moist, and tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Rich Brown Butter Flavor: The nutty, caramelized depth of brown butter enhances the flavor, adding a buttery richness to the cake and crumb topping.
Warm Cinnamon Swirl Filling: A cozy and comforting cinnamon swirl runs through the cake, adding a delicious spiced flavor in every slice.
My Mom’s Famous Crumb Topping: This cake is topped with a thick, buttery, and perfectly crunchy crumb topping that makes it completely irresistible.
Finished with a Vanilla Glaze: The sweet vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, balancing the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a coffee break, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
Pairs Perfectly with Coffee or Tea: The warm, buttery, and spiced flavors of this cake make it the ultimate pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Small Batch Friendly: You can easily adjust the recipe to make a smaller or larger batch depending on your needs.
No Mixer Required: This recipe is simple to make with just a bowl and whisk—no fancy equipment needed!
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake stores well and can be made in advance, making it a great option for brunch gatherings or meal prep.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Coffee Crumb Cake:
General Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, butter, and sour cream (or yogurt) are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly and create a soft, fluffy texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients just until combined to prevent overdeveloping gluten, which can make the cake dense instead of tender.
Measure the Flour Correctly: Use the spoon and level method to avoid packing too much flour into the measuring cup, which can make the cake dry.
Brown the Butter Properly: Cook the butter until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, then let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter and crumb topping to enhance the flavor.
Layer the Cinnamon Swirl Evenly: When spreading the cinnamon swirl filling, make sure to distribute it evenly across the batter so every bite has a delicious cinnamon flavor.
Tips for Baking in Different Pans
For a 9” Tall Springform Pan:
Bake at 350°F for 90-95 minutes.
Check at the 1-hour mark for browning; if the top is getting too dark, tent with foil to prevent over-browning.
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before removing the springform sides.
For a 9x13” Baking Pan:
Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
The cake should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
This option is great for serving a crowd and results in a thinner cake with the same soft, fluffy texture.
Tips for the Crumb Topping & Vanilla Glaze
Chill the Crumb Topping: After mixing the crumb topping, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the cake. This helps create bigger, crunchier crumbs.
Don’t Press the Crumb Topping Down: Lightly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the batter instead of pressing it in, so it stays light and crisp while baking.
Let the Cake Cool Before Adding Glaze: Allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling with the vanilla glaze so it doesn’t melt into the crumb topping.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired drizzling consistency.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead Option: You can make the crumb topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before using.
Freezer-Friendly: The baked cake (without glaze) can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back the fresh-from-the-oven texture.
How to Store Brown Butter Coffee Crumb Cake:
Room Temperature (Best for Short-Term Storage): Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigerating to prevent the crumb topping from becoming too soft.
Refrigerator (Best for Longer Freshness): Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving for the best texture.
Freezer (Best for Long-Term Storage):
Whole Cake: Wrap the fully cooled cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Individual Slices: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for easy grab-and-go servings.
Thawing Instructions: Let the cake or slices thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating for Freshness:
Microwave: Warm slices for 15-20 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore texture and crisp up the crumb topping.
If frozen, let the cake thaw before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips:
The crumb topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
You can also bake the cake 1-2 days in advance and store it at room temperature; just add the vanilla glaze fresh before serving for the best flavor.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this coffee cake without a springform pan?
A: Yes! You can bake it in a 9x13” baking pan at 350°F for 40-45 minutes instead of using a 9” tall springform pan. The cake will be slightly thinner but just as delicious.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from over-browning?
A: If baking in a 9” tall springform pan, check for browning at the 1-hour mark. If the top is getting too dark, tent it loosely with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If baking in a springform pan, this should take 90-95 minutes, while a 9x13” pan takes 40-45 minutes.
Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake 1-2 days in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. Add the vanilla glaze just before serving for the best texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Warm slices before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze this coffee cake?
A: Yes! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Why use brown butter in the cake?
A: Brown butter enhances the rich, nutty, and caramel-like flavor, making this coffee cake even more indulgent. It also adds depth to the crumb topping for extra buttery goodness.
Q: Can I make the crumb topping in advance?
A: Yes! The crumb topping can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using.
Q: Do I have to use a vanilla glaze?
A: No, the glaze is optional, but it adds a sweet and creamy finish that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and brown butter flavors.
Check out my other cake recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this brown butter coffee crumb cake. Happy baking!
