The Best Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipes: Moist, Flavorful, and Irresistible

There is something deeply comforting about a slice of freshly baked buttermilk coffee cake. Soft, tender crumb, sweet cinnamon streusel, and a touch of buttermilk tang … this is what the Muffin Dreams are made of. 

Whether you’re savoring it with a hot mug of coffee or serving it at brunch, this recipe hits the right notes when it comes to flavor and texture. 

In this blog post, you’ll find out how to do that and create the perfect buttermilk coffee cake as well as with delicious variations including apple, banana, and pecan varieties–every single one of them is so moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible!

Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Buttermilk coffee cake is the perfect brunch treat if you're looking for something soft, tasty, and crowd-pleasing. This version has a rich cinnamon streusel, a nutty crumble, and a delicate, buttery cake.

The key?

You get a delicate tang and long-lasting moisture with buttermilk coffee cake, which makes it ideal for eating fresh or warm with your morning brew.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8

What Makes Buttermilk Coffee Cake Special?

Buttermilk's tangy moisture keeps the crumb soft and fresh.

A crunchy, fragrant contrast is produced by the cinnamon streusel topping.

Easy method—no complicated procedures or tools are required.

My Expert Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Coffee Cake:

Ingredients at room temperature: For optimal integration, make sure the butter and buttermilk are not chilled.

Butter grating tip: To make the cake fluffier, grate cold butter into the dry mixture in pea-sized chunks.

Pay close attention when baking: When a toothpick shows moist crumbs, not dry, it's moist perfection. Remove.

Ingredient List to Make This Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Cake batter:

• 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda
• Half a cup of unsalted, softened butter
• One cup of buttermilk

Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup of butter
• 3/4 cup of sugar, light brown
• One teaspoon of cinnamon
• Chopped pecans (optional, but adds crunch): half a cup

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Prep and Combine:

• Set the oven's temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a pie plate or 8-inch pan.
• Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Form the batter:

• Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
• Don't overmix; just stir in the buttermilk until combined.

Make the Topping:

• Melt butter in the microwave for about a minute, then add cinnamon and brown sugar. Finally, fold in pecans.

Assemble and Bake:

• After pouring the cake batter into the pan, evenly distribute the streusel on top.
• When a toothpick is inserted, it should come out clean or with moist crumbs after 35 to 38 minutes of baking.
• Serve warm or at room temperature after a little cooling.

Why This Recipe Ranks Above the Rest?

Balanced sweetness: A cake with less sugar lets the streusel take center stage.

Ideal texture: Buttermilk provides a subtle tang and lasting moisture.

Accessibility: No mixers are needed, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Fresh fruit pairing: To balance out the richness, serve with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.

Coffee or tea companion: Ideal with your morning espresso or afternoon tea.

Mix-ins: For a fruity twist, add chopped blueberries or apples; simply reduce the streusel accordingly.

Double layer version: Bake in a springform pan by dividing the batter in half, adding the streusel in the middle, and then covering and baking.

Nutritional Information

Calories	240 KCAL
Carbohydrates	38 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated fat	5 g
Polyunsaturated fat	1 g
Monounsaturated fat	2 g
Trans fat	1 g
Cholesterol	23 MG
Sodium	158 MG
Potassium	57 MG
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Vitamin A	269 IU
Calcium	29 MG
Iron	1 MG

Buttermilk Apple Coffee Cake

You can also try this buttermilk apple coffee cake recipe if you like.

Tender cake, juicy apples, and a delectably sweet topping combine to make this simple buttermilk apple coffee cake.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 280 KCAL

Ingredients to Make This Simple Buttermilk Apple Coffee Cake

For the cake:

• One and a half cups of all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• Half a cup of softened unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup of sugar, granulated
• Two large eggs
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• One cup of buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups of chopped, peeled apples (roughly two medium apples)

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup of sugar
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions to Make This Simple Buttermilk Apple Coffee Cake

1. Set the oven's temperature to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and dust it with flour.
2. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy in a different bowl.
4. Add vanilla extract and eggs and beat until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients gradually, switching with the buttermilk, and stir until just combined.
6. Add the chopped apples and fold gently.
7. Fill the prepared pan with the batter.
8. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the batter after combining them in a small bowl.
9. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean after 40 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information

Calories	280
Total fat	14 g
Saturated fat	8 g
Carbohydrate	38 g
Fiber	3 g
Protein	3 g
Vitamin A	6%
Calcium	3%
Iron	4%
Vitamin C	4%
Vitamin D	1%

Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake

You can also try this buttermilk pecan coffee cake recipe if you like.

Crunchy pecans and buttery richness combine in Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake to create a delightfully sweet treat that is appropriate for any occasion.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 310 KCAL

Ingredients to Make This Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake

For the cake:

• One and a half cups of all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda
• Half a teaspoon of salt and half a cup of softened unsalted butter
• One cup of sugar granules
• Two large eggs
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• One cup of buttermilk
• Half a cup of pecans, chopped

Regarding the topping:

• 1/4 cup of sugar
• Half a cup of pecans, chopped

How to Make This Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake?

1. Turn the oven on to 175°C (350°F). Coat a 9-inch cake pan with flour and grease.
2. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and whisk to combine.
3. Cream the butter and sugar in a different bowl until they are fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat.
5. Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing just until combined, and then switch to the buttermilk.
6. Add chopped pecans and fold.
7. Fill the prepared pan with the batter.
8. Sprinkle the sugar and pecans over the batter after combining them in a small bowl.
9. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean after 40 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information

Calories	310
Total fat	16 g
Saturated fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	39 g
Fiber	3 g
Protein	4 g
Vitamin A	8%
Calcium	3%
Iron	4%
Vitamin C	2%
Vitamin D	1%

Buttermilk Banana Coffee Cake

This recipe for buttermilk banana coffee cake is another recipe you might enjoy if you are looking for something different.

This coffee cake is great for any time of day. It is a moist banana coffee cake with a buttery crumble topping and a tangy buttermilk base.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 310 KCAL

Ingredients to Make This Buttermilk Banana Coffee Cake

For the cake:

• Two cups of all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon of baking soda
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
• One cup of sugar granules
• Two large eggs
• Two mashed medium-ripe bananas
• Half a cup of buttermilk
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the streusel topping:

• Half a cup of all-purpose flour
• One-third cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of sugar, granulated
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions to Make This Buttermilk Banana Coffee Cake

1. Grease a 9-inch baking pan and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy in another bowl. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat well.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until smooth. Then, gradually add the buttermilk and mix until the batter is well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. For the streusel, mix the flour, sugars, and cinnamon. After adding the melted butter, mix until it crumbles.
7. Spread it evenly over the cake batter.
8. To ensure a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean, bake for 40 minutes. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	310
Total fat	14 g
Saturated fat	8 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fiber	2 g
Protein	4 g
Vitamin B6	5%
Potassium	6%
Iron	5%
Calcium	4%
Vitamin A	3%

FAQs: Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipes

Is there a way to prepare this buttermilk coffee cake without nuts?

Yes!

The nuts in the streusel topping are optional. If you'd like to make this into a nut-free version, simply leave out the pecans or replace them with rolled oats, which will add a bit of chewiness.

What can I do to keep my coffee cake from drying out?

Store your cooled cake in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To enjoy it as fresh as when it came out of the oven, microwave individual slices for about 10 to 15 seconds before serving.

Can I freeze buttermilk coffee cake?

Yes, you can.

Once cooled, slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to two months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or briefly reheat them in the oven before enjoying.

Can I use buttermilk substitute?

Combine 1 cup milk with 1 TBSP lemon juice or white vinegar; stir and rest 5 minutes.

Is streusel necessary?

Yes. The crunchy streusel contrasts with the cake’s soft crumb and is essential for flavor.

How to store leftovers?

Wrap cooled cake in plastic and refrigerate; it stays moist for up to 5 days. Warm slices before serving.

Conclusion: Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipes

More than just a tasty treat, a well-made buttermilk coffee cake shows that simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can lead to wonderful results.

This recipe perfectly balances a nutty crunch, a warm cinnamon scent, and a tangy, moist texture, whether you're making it for your family, brunch visitors, or just for yourself. After trying it, you'll understand why this cake deserves a place on every breakfast table.

Read Also:

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake Recipes

Bisquick Coffee Cake Recipes

Greek Yogurt Blueberry Coffee Cake & Blueberry Cinnamon Yogurt Coffee Cake Recipes