Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

Save this recipe on:

Golden, tender, and topped with a generous layer of buttery cinnamon streusel, this Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake brings bakery vibes straight to your kitchen. With a delicate crumb, warm cinnamon swirl through the center, and just the right hint of vanilla, it’s the perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home—no long lines or drive-thru needed.

Inspired by the popular treat from Starbucks, this homemade version might just outshine the original. Every bite melts in your mouth, blending soft cake, spiced crumble, and a light glaze drizzle. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or just want a cozy sweet snack, this recipe guarantees comfort and a touch of nostalgia in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

• It tastes just like the real thing (or better!).
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or mid-day snacking.
• Freezes beautifully for make-ahead mornings.
• That crumbly cinnamon topping? Completely irresistible.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this coffee cake effortlessly, you’ll want a few essential tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls: For separating the batter, streusel, and glaze ingredients.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy texture.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ensures even baking and allows for those thick, satisfying slices.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding and spreading batter smoothly.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Makes cutting butter into the streusel topping easy.

Each tool plays a key role: the mixer aerates the batter, the baking dish gives that signature shape and size, and the pastry cutter creates that irresistible crumb topping texture.

Preparation Tips

Start with room temperature ingredients to help your batter mix evenly and rise properly. When preparing the streusel topping, don’t overmix—the goal is to get a crumbly texture, not a paste. Layering is also essential: half the batter goes in first, followed by a generous sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar, then the remaining batter, and finally the crumb topping. This creates that iconic middle cinnamon swirl. Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool before adding the glaze, so it doesn’t melt into the crumble. Patience pays off here!

Ingredients for this Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl Layer:

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Layer

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. This will be the flavorful middle layer that mimics the Starbucks version.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place in the fridge while you make the batter so the butter stays cold.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial for a soft and tender crumb.

Step 6: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. Add sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—that’s okay!

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, or the cake may turn out dense.

Step 8: Assemble the Layers

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out. Finally, generously sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the entire surface.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 10: Cool and Glaze

Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes. If using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

---

Notes

Using full-fat sour cream is key to achieving the tender, moist texture of this coffee cake. If you only have low-fat, the results may be slightly less rich. The streusel topping can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making this recipe even easier to throw together on a whim. If you want to cut the sweetness a bit, reduce the glaze or leave it off altogether—the cake holds up beautifully on its own.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the batter: This leads to a dense, tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream create a smoother batter and better rise.
• Skipping the cinnamon swirl: That middle layer is essential for the classic Starbucks flavor.
• Not chilling the streusel: Warm butter won’t create the crumbly texture you want.
• Overbaking: Check at the 35-minute mark. Overbaking will dry out the cake.

---

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, fresh-baked feel.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per slice, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 5g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this a “copycat” Starbucks coffee cake?

It mimics the texture, flavor, and appearance of Starbucks’ classic coffee cake, with a moist crumb, cinnamon swirl, and buttery streusel topping.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge. It also freezes well.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

You can use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, but full-fat versions work best to keep the cake rich and moist.

Why is my streusel topping sinking?

If your butter wasn’t cold enough or you pressed the topping too hard into the batter, it may sink during baking.

Is this cake overly sweet?

It’s sweet, but balanced. You can reduce the glaze or sugar in the streusel slightly if preferred.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well in the streusel for added crunch.

What size pan should I use if I don’t have a 9×13?

Two 8×8-inch pans or a large springform pan can be used. Adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and firm.

---

Conclusion

This Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake offers everything you love about the original—a moist and fluffy base, cinnamon-spiced swirl, and an irresistible crumble topping—made right in your own kitchen. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a late-night treat, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee and savor a homemade slice of bakery-style bliss.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: