Coffee Crunch Cake Recipe That Will Delight Your Tastebuds

Updated On: October 13, 2025

If you’re a coffee lover with a sweet tooth, this Coffee Crunch Cake recipe is bound to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake infused with rich coffee flavors, topped with a delightful crunchy layer that adds the perfect textural contrast.

Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family gathering or indulging in a quiet afternoon treat, this cake offers a delightful balance of bold coffee and sweet crunch that’s simply irresistible.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner baker. Plus, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up this show-stopping cake in no time.

Read on to discover how to make a coffee cake that’s not only flavorful and crunchy but also a feast for the eyes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coffee Crunch Cake combines the best of both worlds: the deep, aromatic taste of coffee and the satisfying crunch of a crumbly topping. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Perfect Texture: Soft, moist cake base paired with a crunchy topping that adds dimension to every bite.
  • Rich Coffee Flavor: Uses brewed coffee and espresso powder to deliver a deep coffee taste without bitterness.
  • Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—just pantry staples!
  • Versatile: Great as a dessert, breakfast treat, or afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
  • Impressive Presentation: The crunchy topping creates a beautiful golden finish that’s sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) brewed strong coffee (cooled)
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Crunch Topping:
    • ½ cup (90g) brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
    • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Knife or food processor (for chopping nuts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the crunch topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts. Set aside.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the granulated sugar until pale and slightly fluffy. Add the brewed coffee, espresso powder, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the cake batter, covering the surface.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For an extra mocha twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

Swap nuts for toasted coconut flakes or chocolate chips in the crunch topping for a fun variation.

Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.

If you prefer a less crunchy topping, reduce the nuts by half or omit them completely.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 45g
Protein 5g
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 7g
Sugar 28g
Fiber 2g
Caffeine 40mg

Serving Suggestions

This Coffee Crunch Cake is perfect served slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

For a delightful breakfast twist, enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee or latte. The rich coffee flavor in the cake complements the beverage beautifully.

Looking for a festive touch? Top slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added visual appeal and sweetness.

Conclusion

The Coffee Crunch Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the bold flavor of coffee balanced with the irresistible crunch of a crumbly topping. Its moist texture and rich taste make it a versatile treat that fits any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to elegant dessert tables.

Not only is it straightforward to prepare, but this cake also offers plenty of room for creativity through simple variations and substitutions. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with nuts and spices, you’re guaranteed a delicious result every time.

Be sure to try this recipe and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

📖 Recipe Card: Coffee Crunch Cake

Description: A moist coffee-flavored cake with a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for a sweet treat.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in coffee and sour cream.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  8. Mix walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon for topping.
  9. Sprinkle topping evenly over batter.
  10. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  11. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 42 g

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Marta K

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