Golden Crumble, Perfect Brew: The Expert's Easy Coffee Cake Recipe with Bazan Coffee

There are few pairings in the world of culinary pleasure as beloved as coffee and cake. But what if you could bring them together, literally in one perfectly moist, fragrant, and soul-satisfying bite? This easy coffee cake recipe is designed for coffee lovers who value both great taste and simplicity, with ingredients that complement the nuanced notes of Bazan Coffee’s signature roasts.

Crafted using insights and baking trends studied by culinary experts, this guide goes beyond the basics. We combine flavor theory, expert barista principles, and professional baking techniques to create a cake that not only pairs well with coffee but contains it.

Why Bake Coffee Into the Cake?

Most traditional “coffee cakes” don’t actually include coffee, they’re simply meant to be served with it. But true flavor synergy happens when you bake with coffee, too. Here’s why:

1. Deepens Flavor Complexity

Coffee contains over 800 aromatic compounds. When added to cake batter, coffee enhances the cake's warmth, depth, and natural sweetness, especially when using medium to dark roasts. This transforms a simple vanilla or cinnamon-based cake into something far more layered.

2. Balances Sweetness

Coffee's natural bitterness offsets the richness of butter and sugar. This creates a more balanced taste without cloying sweetness, especially important when pairing with a cup of coffee. It helps the palate reset and makes each bite more satisfying.

3. Enhances Moisture and Structure

Coffee adds depth of flavor while also contributing liquid for hydration and structure. In cakes made with sour cream or yogurt, coffee acts synergistically to help with crumb development and retention of softness.

4. Improves Flavor Retention Over Time

Due to coffee’s antioxidant properties and roasted compounds, cakes made with coffee tend to retain flavor and texture better over 1–2 days. This makes them excellent for meal prep, brunch planning, or gifting.

Best Coffee to Use for Baking

The choice of coffee matters, not only in the cup but also in the batter.

How to Choose:

• Freshly brewed is always better than instant.
  

• Use a slightly stronger brew ratio (e.g., 1:12 instead of 1:16) to concentrate flavor.
  

• Choose a roast that matches your flavor goals, bold, balanced, or bright.
  

Bazan Coffee Selections:

• Fine Robusta – Krong Năng: Best for bold and rich cakes. Notes of dark caramel and molasses make it ideal for pairing with brown sugar and nuts.
  

• Special Vietnam Blend: With its chocolate, caramel, and tropical fruit notes, this blend is incredibly versatile, great for breakfast cakes, tea-time treats, or brunch spreads.
  

• Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat: More delicate and floral, it’s ideal for sponge cakes, layered cakes, or baking applications that don’t require strong bitterness.
  

The Easy Coffee Cake Recipe

This cake is designed to be foolproof for home bakers but impressive enough for special occasions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 35–40 minutes

Serves: 8–10 slices

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  

• ¾ cup light or dark brown sugar (for moisture and caramel flavor)
  

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  

• 1 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
  

• ½ cup brewed Bazan Coffee (cool or room temperature)
  

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  

• ½ tsp baking soda
  

• ½ tsp fine sea salt
  

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  

For the Crumb Topping:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
  

• ¼ cup flour
  

• 1 tsp cinnamon
  

• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
  

• Optional: ¼ cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch square pan or an 8-inch round cake tin.
   

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
   

3. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Then add sour cream and cooled Bazan Coffee. Mix until smooth.
   

4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
   

5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet batter. Do not overmix—stir until just combined.
   

6. Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish.
   

7. For the crumb topping: combine sugar, flour, cinnamon. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
   

8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.
   

9. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   

10. Allow to cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    

Advanced Variations

Mocha Swirl Version:

Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter, and swirl 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into the top layer before baking.

Cinnamon Coffee Streusel:

Double the crumb topping and layer half of it in the middle of the batter for a sweet surprise.

Coffee Glaze Drizzle:

Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of strong Bazan Coffee and a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle on top after baking.

Ideal Pairings with Bazan Coffee

Your coffee cake is only as good as the brew you serve it with.

With Fine Robusta – Krong Năng:

• Pair with cake served slightly warm.
  

• Add a dash of cinnamon to your coffee to echo the topping.
  

• Ideal for early mornings or rich brunches.
  

With Special Vietnam Blend:

• Serve alongside fruit, honey, or yogurt.
  

• Ideal for social settings like brunch or coffee chats.
  

With Cau Dat Arabica:

• Brew as pour-over or French press.
  

• Let cake cool completely before pairing to match the coffee's clean profile.
  

• Great for afternoon tea or elegant desserts.
  

FAQs: Easy Coffee Cake Recipe

Q1: Can I make it dairy-free? Yes. Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based yogurt or sour cream, and almond milk instead of cream-based glazes.

Q2: Can I use espresso instead of brewed coffee? Yes. Use ¼ cup espresso + ¼ cup milk to balance the intensity.

Q3: What if I want less sugar? Reduce sugar by 20%, and add vanilla extract or a mashed banana to maintain flavor and moisture.

Q4: Can I make this in muffin tins? Yes, adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes. Great for portion control or grab-and-go options.

Q5: What’s the best way to store leftovers? Wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Warm briefly before serving for best flavor.

Why Bazan Coffee Is the Secret Ingredient

At Bazan Coffee, we believe great flavor starts from the ground up. Our beans are:

• Single-origin, traceable to highland farms in Vietnam
  

• Processed with precision, including natural and anaerobic fermentation
  

• Roasted with intention, allowing clarity and sweetness to shine through in baked goods and brewed cups alike
  

Our Fine Robusta – Krong Năng, in particular, performs exceptionally well when used in baking lending complexity, chocolatey richness, and warm spice notes that elevate even the simplest cake.

Shop Bazan Coffee and Bake with the Best

Whether you’re hosting brunch, gifting a friend, or treating yourself to a quiet morning, our beans ensure every sip and bite is memorable.

Visit our shop page to explore Vietnamese-grown, specialty-grade beans crafted for flavor, balance, and baking versatility.

Because a great cake deserves a better coffee and every brew deserves something homemade beside it.