Moist Coffee Cake Recipe

Scrumptious Coffee Cake Recipe: A Sweet Morning Delight

Weekends call for a slice of heavenly moist coffee cake that melts in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness.

Brewing a fresh pot of coffee intensifies the delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen.

This classic dessert blends deep coffee notes with a tender crumb that promises pure comfort.

Soft, delicate layers promise a delectable treat that satisfies every sweet craving.

Warm spices and a delicate streusel topping add depth and texture to each incredible bite.

You’ll find this recipe simple to prepare and impossible to resist.

Indulge in a slice that transforms an ordinary moment into a delicious celebration.

Bake The Best Coffee Cake In These Steps

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab your baking dish and give it a quick butter massage, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

  • Create Cinnamon Magic

Whip together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet-spicy mixture will be your flavor bomb.

  • Craft the Crumbly Crown

Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Chop cold butter into the mixture until it looks like chunky sand. Tuck this topping in the fridge to chill.

  • Blend the Batter Brilliance

Whip butter and sugar until they’re light and dreamy. Add eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla and sour cream. In another bowl, marry flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

  • Layer with Love

Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly. Cover with remaining batter and smooth the top. Shower the crumb topping over everything.

  • Bake to Perfection

Send the cake into the oven for 40-45 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Serve and Savor

Let the cake rest for 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Cozy Tips For A Better Coffee Cake

  • Perfect Crumb Texture: Use cold butter and work quickly when making the crumb topping to ensure a light, flaky result that doesn't become dense or greasy.
  • Moisture Magic: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep the cake incredibly moist and tender, preventing any dry or crumbly texture.
  • Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the cake a day in advance and store at room temperature, wrapped tightly – the flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure and prevent crumbling.
  • Flavor Boost Options: Experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips sprinkled between cake layers for an unexpected twist on the classic coffee cake.

Ways To Serve Coffee Cake Fresh And Warm

  • Breakfast Companion: Pair this delightful coffee cake with a steaming hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat that enhances the cake's warm cinnamon flavors.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Slice into elegant wedges and serve on a beautiful platter as the star attraction at your next weekend brunch gathering, creating an impressive and delicious centerpiece.
  • Sweet Finish: Transform this cake into a decadent dessert by adding a simple vanilla glaze or dusting of powdered sugar, making it an irresistible sweet ending to any meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Family Share: Cut into smaller squares and pack in lunch boxes or serve during family game nights, turning this coffee cake into a comforting shared experience that brings everyone together with its homemade warmth.

Store Coffee Cake Without Drying Out

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep cake covered in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Counter-Top Freshness: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or cake dome. Ensure space is cool and dry to maintain texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Reviving Leftover Slices: Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore soft, tender texture. Add a quick sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra moisture and flavor boost.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Sweet Essentials For Coffee Cake Bliss

For Cinnamon Swirl:
  • Brown Sugar: Brings rich, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a gooey, caramelized layer.
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that creates a delightful swirl and depth of flavor.
For Crumb Topping:
  • Flour: Creates a crispy, crumbly texture for the cake's crown.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
  • Cold Butter: Ensures flaky, tender crumbs with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Cinnamon: Enhances the warm, comforting flavor profile.
For Cake Batter:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy cake texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients, add structure, and contribute to the cake's richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a complex, aromatic sweetness that deepens the overall flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Brings moisture, tanginess, and helps create a soft, tender cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the cake's structure and provides a light, delicate base.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, airy texture.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in browning and helps neutralize the sour cream's acidity.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors in the cake.

Tools To Make Coffee Cake Easy

  • 9-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect cake shape and size.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake batter ingredients smoothly.
  • Small mixing bowls: Ideal for preparing cinnamon swirl and crumb topping separately.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Helps cream butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
  • Fork or pastry cutter: Helps create crumbly texture for topping.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading batter evenly in the pan.
Print
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One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe

One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory one pot chicken orzo brings Mediterranean comfort right to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Cooking Ingredients and Additions:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for freshness)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Liberally coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of seasonings, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly covered with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and expertly sear chicken until a golden crust develops and meat is fully cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer chicken to a holding plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for subsequent cooking stages.
  4. Reduce heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for sautéing finely chopped garlic and onion until their aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
  5. Cascade orzo pasta into the skillet, gently stirring to coat each grain with buttery essence and encouraging a light, golden toasting.
  6. Stream chicken broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning into the skillet, creating a harmonious liquid environment for the orzo.
  7. Maintain a gentle simmer, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until orzo reaches a tender consistency and liquid reduces substantially.
  8. Incorporate heavy cream, creating a silky texture, then fold in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach leaves.
  9. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken to the skillet, gently nestling the pieces into the creamy orzo landscape.
  10. Brighten the dish with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice, awakening the flavors.
  11. Garnish with a flourish of chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
  12. Serve immediately, presenting a comforting, one-skillet culinary masterpiece.

Notes

  • Spice up the seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends like Herbs de Provence or za’atar for a unique flavor profile.
  • Toast the orzo carefully to prevent burning, stirring constantly and watching for a light golden color that enhances nutty undertones.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture and add subtle tang.
  • Keep extra broth nearby when cooking orzo, as it absorbs liquid quickly and might need occasional moisture to prevent sticking or drying out.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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