Coffee Recipe Cake: 4 Delicious Coffee Cakes You Need to Try

If you’re a coffee lover and a baking enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! There’s nothing better than a rich, flavorful coffee recipe cake that combines the deep, aromatic notes of coffee with the comforting sweetness of cake. Whether you’re looking for a classic coffee walnut cake, a chocolate mocha indulgence, a tiramisu-inspired delight, or a cinnamon streusel coffee cake perfect for brunch, we’ve got you covered.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll share four must-try coffee cake recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and pair perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee. Keep reading to discover the best coffee cake recipes and learn how to bake them like a pro.

What is a Coffee Recipe Cake?

A coffee recipe cake is a cake that either contains brewed coffee, espresso, or coffee extract to enhance the flavor or is meant to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Some coffee cakes, like the classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake, don’t contain coffee but are designed to complement your morning brew. Others, like the mocha chocolate coffee cake and tiramisu cake, incorporate coffee directly into the batter or filling for an irresistible coffee flavor.

4 Best Coffee Recipe Cakes to Bake at Home

1. Classic Coffee and Walnut Cake

This classic coffee cake recipe is a staple for any coffee lover. The combination of strong brewed coffee and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful balance of flavor and texture. A smooth coffee buttercream frosting takes this cake to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts

For the Coffee Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in vanilla and coffee, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
7. Let cool, then frost with coffee buttercream.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra coffee kick, add 1 tsp of espresso powder to the batter.

2. Mocha Chocolate Coffee Cake

If you love the combination of chocolate and coffee, this mocha coffee cake recipe is for you. The deep espresso flavor enhances the chocolate, creating a rich and indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Mocha Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp espresso or strong coffee

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, coffee, milk, oil, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
6. For the ganache, heat cream until warm, pour over chopped chocolate, add espresso, and stir until smooth.
7. Let cake cool, then pour mocha ganache over the top.

💡 Pro Tip: Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch!

3. Tiramisu Coffee Cake

This coffee-flavored cake is inspired by the famous Italian tiramisu dessert. It features layers of sponge cake soaked in espresso and topped with mascarpone frosting for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup strong brewed espresso

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp espresso
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter, eggs, milk, and espresso until smooth.
4. Pour batter into pans and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Let cakes cool, then brush with extra espresso.
6. Whip mascarpone, cream, powdered sugar, and espresso until fluffy.
7. Layer cake with frosting and dust with cocoa powder.

💡 Pro Tip: Chill before serving for the best flavor.

4. Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

This old-fashioned coffee cake recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch. The crumbly cinnamon streusel topping adds a delicious crunch to the soft, buttery cake.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
4. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into the pan and sprinkle streusel on top.
6. Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve warm with a drizzle of coffee glaze!

Final Thoughts: Which Coffee Recipe Cake Will You Try First?

Now that you have four amazing coffee cake recipes, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re craving a rich mocha cake, a classic coffee walnut cake, a tiramisu-style treat, or a warm cinnamon coffee cake, these recipes will satisfy your coffee cravings.

☕ Pair your coffee cake with a freshly brewed cup of your favorite coffee or tea for the ultimate experience.