Coffee Loaf Cake – Easy & Aromatic Recipe for Coffee Lovers
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Serves: 8-10 slices
Introduction
Nothing beats the rich, comforting aroma of coffee wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s baked into a moist, tender loaf cake! This Coffee Loaf Cake is the perfect treat for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy their favorite flavor in dessert form. Whether you’re a beginner baker looking for a foolproof recipe or someone who loves the idea of combining coffee and cake, this recipe delivers every time.
This cake is wonderfully versatile – perfect for breakfast with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even as a simple dessert. The best part? It uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and requires no special techniques or equipment. Just mix, pour, and bake your way to coffee heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly: Simple mixing method with no complicated techniques
- One-bowl wonder: Minimal cleanup with easy preparation
- Ready in just over an hour: Perfect for when you need a quick homemade treat
- Incredibly moist: Stays fresh for days and actually improves with time
- Customizable: Easy to adjust coffee strength and add your favorite mix-ins
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sifted for best results |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | Packed |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Strong brewed coffee | 1 cup | Cooled to room temperature |
| Vegetable oil | 1/3 cup | Or melted butter |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Instant coffee granules | 2 tablespoons | Optional, for extra coffee flavor |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | For greasing the pan |
For the Coffee Glaze (Optional)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Sifted |
| Strong brewed coffee | 2-3 tablespoons | Cooled |
| Vanilla extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
- Small bowl (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter and lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Prepare your coffee. Brew 1 cup of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature. If you want an extra coffee punch, dissolve the instant coffee granules directly into the hot brewed coffee, then let cool.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the cooled coffee, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Tip: Room temperature eggs mix more easily and create a smoother batter. If your eggs are cold, place them in warm water for 5 minutes before using.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour the coffee mixture into the flour mixture and gently fold together with a rubber spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make your cake tough.
- Pour and bake. Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool properly. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing or slicing.
- Make the glaze (optional). While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, coffee, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more coffee or powdered sugar as needed.
- Finish and serve. Once completely cool, drizzle with glaze if using. Slice with a sharp knife using a gentle sawing motion to prevent crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
This Coffee Loaf Cake is delicious on its own, but here are some wonderful ways to serve it:
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries
- Toast slices lightly and spread with butter for breakfast
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage – coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Success Tips & Variations
For Perfect Results Every Time:
- Don’t skip cooling the coffee – hot coffee can start cooking the eggs and create a lumpy batter
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off with a knife
- Test for doneness with a toothpick, but remember that a few moist crumbs are perfect – completely clean means overbaked
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
Easy Variations to Try:
- Chocolate Coffee Cake: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and reduce flour by 1/4 cup
- Nutty Coffee Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Mocha Version: Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Espresso Intense: Use espresso instead of regular coffee for a stronger flavor
- Decaf Friendly: Use decaffeinated coffee for evening treats
FAQs
Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes! Replace the coffee with an equal amount of milk, buttermilk, or even strong black tea. You’ll lose the coffee flavor but still have a delicious, moist cake.
My cake sunk in the middle – what happened?
This usually happens from opening the oven door too early or overmixing the batter. The cake needs the full baking time undisturbed to set properly, and overmixing develops too much gluten, causing collapse.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Absolutely! Dissolve 3-4 tablespoons of instant coffee in 1 cup of hot water, then let cool before using. This actually gives you more control over the coffee strength.
How do I know when it’s perfectly baked?
The cake should spring back lightly when touched in the center, pull slightly away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegetable oil instead of butter for greasing (or cooking spray), and the recipe is naturally dairy-free. For the glaze, use plant-based milk instead of cream if you add any.
Conclusion
This Coffee Loaf Cake proves that incredible homemade treats don’t need to be complicated. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll have a bakery-worthy cake that fills your home with the most amazing coffee aroma. The moist, tender crumb and rich coffee flavor make it perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a reliable, delicious recipe, this coffee cake delivers every single time. The best part? It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of coffee cake? Gather your ingredients and let’s bake! I’d love to hear how your cake turns out – share your results and any creative variations you try in the comments below.
