Easy Overnight Coffee Cake Recipe
If you love waking up to something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, this Easy Overnight Coffee Cake is about to become your new breakfast obsession. It’s a tender, buttery cake layered with a cinnamon crumble topping that practically melts in your mouth. The best part is how effortlessly it comes together the night before, so you wake up to the sweet aroma of a freshly baked treat without any rush. Whether you pair it with your morning coffee or enjoy it as a cozy afternoon snack, this coffee cake fills your kitchen with all the happiness you want on any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for ingredients that are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich butter to the tangy buttermilk, these ingredients come together to create a moist, tender crumb that holds up to the generous cinnamon topping beautifully.
- Soft butter: Using very soft, preferably salted butter ensures your cake is rich and tender, with a perfectly balanced flavor.
- White sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a light texture when creamed with butter.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake’s structure, keeping it soft but sturdy enough for that crumb topping.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently for a fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Works with buttermilk to create tenderness and a slight tang.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance and balance the sweetness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to every bite.
- Cinnamon crumb topping ingredients: Butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt combine into a large, buttery crumb that bakes into a delectably crunchy topping.
How to Make Easy Overnight Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by generously spraying an 8-inch round baking pan with baking spray and lining its bottom with parchment paper. Spray the paper lightly so the cake releases effortlessly after baking. Don’t forget to tear a sheet of heavy-duty foil big enough to wrap the pan once the cake is in the oven, which helps prevent over-browning during the bake.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a microwave-safe bowl, cream together the very soft butter and sugar thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Then, add the egg and mix well. Sprinkle in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt, folding them through gently. Alternate folding in the flour and buttermilk in thirds, starting and finishing with flour, mixing until just combined for a tender crumb. Finally, stir in vanilla extract for that comforting aroma.
Step 3: Chill Overnight
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, covering it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and ensures the batter sets perfectly, making the cake incredibly moist and tender when baked the next day.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping
Wash out your mixing bowl and partially melt the stick of butter in the microwave just until half is melted—this creates crumbly but moist topping. Stir in the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until large crumbs form. Cover and chill this crumble topping in the fridge overnight as well for convenience and the best texture.
Step 5: Bake and Add Topping
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350˚F. Bake the cake base for 25 minutes. When it’s partially baked, carefully sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the cake, mounding it slightly in the center for that irresistible crunch. Wrap the outside of your pan with foil to protect the edges, then bake for another 10 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a dinner plate so the crumb topping faces down. Finally, flip it out again so the topping is beautifully on top. Let it cool at least 15 minutes before slicing to let everything set just right. For a little extra something, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.
How to Serve Easy Overnight Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Keep it classic with a light dusting of powdered sugar to highlight the golden crumb topping, or pour a vanilla bean glaze for a silky, sweet finish that accentuates the cinnamon flavors beautifully. Fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream can add a lovely burst of color and freshness too.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of black coffee or a creamy latte, enhancing the cake’s comforting cinnamon notes. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into small squares for a delightful finger food option at gatherings. Or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat that everyone will rave about. You can even layer slices with fresh fruit and mascarpone to create a coffee cake parfait for something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the leftover coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it and bring to room temperature before serving to maintain moistness.
Freezing
You can freeze the coffee cake whole or in slices. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the crumb topping intact and the cake moist.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds for a cozy warm treat or warm a larger portion in a preheated 325˚F oven until heated through. This helps to revive the crumb topping’s crispness and the cake’s tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I make this coffee cake without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works well to give the cake that gentle tang and softness.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the batter overnight?
Yes, chilling the batter overnight not only enhances the flavor but also helps the cake set properly, resulting in a moist and tender crumb. It also makes your morning much easier with most of the work done!
Can I use regular butter instead of salted butter?
You certainly can. Just make sure to add a little extra salt (about an additional ⅛ teaspoon) to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors nicely.
How do I prevent the crumb topping from clumping too much?
When mixing the topping, use a fork to gently break the mixture into large crumbs. If it clumps after chilling, simply crumble it by hand before sprinkling on the cake to ensure even distribution and a perfect crunch.
Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is meant for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or other binding agents to maintain the texture of the cake and topping.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Overnight Coffee Cake is truly a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for anyone who loves a fuss-free, delicious breakfast or snack ready to go right when you wake up. It’s simple to prepare, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers big on flavor and texture. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it!
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Easy Overnight Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: Overnight refrigeration + 1 hour baking and cooling
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy overnight coffee cake recipe features a tender, moist batter infused with vanilla and buttermilk, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping. The cake is refrigerated overnight for convenience and baked fresh in the morning, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Finished with an optional vanilla bean drizzle, this coffee cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and spiced flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 5 tablespoons very soft salted butter
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Crumb Topping
- 4 ounces (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (a pinch)
Optional Vanilla Bean Drizzle
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or half and half
- ½ vanilla bean pod scraped or ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray an 8-inch round baking pan generously with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper as well. Set the pan aside. Tear a piece of heavy-duty foil large enough to wrap around the outside of the pan and set aside until baking.
- Make the Batter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar with a spatula until the sugar is fully incorporated. Add the egg and mix well. Sprinkle the baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the mixture and stir to combine. Add about one-third of the flour and stir until nearly incorporated. Then add half of the buttermilk and stir until mostly combined. Repeat by adding flour and buttermilk alternatively, finishing with flour. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight to develop flavor and ease morning baking.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: Wash the mixing bowl. Place butter in the bowl and microwave on high for 25-30 seconds until partially melted (about half melted). Add the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to the butter and stir with a fork until large crumbs form. Cover and refrigerate overnight alongside the cake batter.
- Bake the Cake: The next morning, preheat oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Bake the cake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven carefully, and sprinkle the crumb topping over the surface using your hands. Break up any large clumps to evenly distribute and mound slightly in the center. Wrap the outside of the pan with the prepared foil to prevent over-browning on the edges.
- Finish Baking: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: After 10 minutes, invert the cake onto a large dinner plate and then invert again onto a cooling rack with the crumb side facing up. Allow it to cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla bean icing for an elegant finishing touch.
- Prepare the Vanilla Bean Drizzle (Optional): In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk or half and half. Stir with a fork until smooth. Add more milk a few drops at a time to achieve a thick, drizzle-able consistency. Stir in vanilla bean seeds scraped from half a vanilla pod or vanilla bean paste. Drizzle over the cooled coffee cake.
Notes
- Using salted butter in the cake batter adds a nice balance to the sweet topping.
- Partial melting of the butter for the crumb topping helps create a crunchy texture.
- Refrigerating both the batter and topping overnight enhances the flavors and simplifies morning preparation.
- Wrapping the pan with foil during the second bake prevents the edges from becoming too dark while the center finishes baking.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute buttermilk with a vegan alternative and use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Vanilla bean drizzle is optional but adds a beautiful flavor and presentation.
- The cake is best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: coffee cake, overnight coffee cake, cinnamon crumb cake, breakfast cake, easy coffee cake, vanilla coffee cake
