Coffee and cake have always gone hand in hand — and on April 7, we get to officially honor that pairing with National Coffee Cake Day. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon treat or the centerpiece of a community gathering, coffee cake remains one of the most comforting desserts around.
A Slice of History
Despite the name, coffee cake doesn’t usually contain coffee. Instead, it’s a sweet cake designed to be enjoyed with coffee. The origins trace back to 17th-century Europe, when Northern Europeans began serving sweet breads and cakes alongside their coffee drinks.
German immigrants later brought streuselkuchen — a crumb-topped cake — to America, and it quickly evolved into the coffee cake we know today. By the mid-19th century, recipes for coffee cake were appearing in American cookbooks, often featuring buttery batter, cinnamon, nuts or fruit fillings.
The defining feature became the streusel topping: a crumbly mix of butter, flour, sugar and spices. That topping transformed a simple cake into a decadent treat designed to complement the rich flavor of coffee.
Bake a Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Try this rich, spiced coffee cake from Half-Baked Harvest (featuring SipWithMe coffee baked right in).
Cake
- 1 stick salted butter, room temp
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup SipWithMe coffee
Streusel
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp cold butter, grated
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temp
Glaze
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp whole milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1–3 tsp instant coffee
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until combined. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom and salt. Slowly mix in coffee until just combined.
- Make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. In another bowl, mix flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Cut in butter with fingers until crumbles form.
- Spoon half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then dollop cream cheese over batter in an even layer. Add remaining batter, then top with streusel.
- Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes before inverting.
- Make glaze: whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and instant coffee. Drizzle over cake, let set and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
This version combines layers of warm spice, tangy cream cheese, buttery streusel and a coffee-kissed glaze for a dessert that truly celebrates the holiday.
Modern Coffee Cake Twists
Beyond the classic cinnamon streusel, bakers love to experiment with new flavors and textures:
- Fruit-Filled Coffee Cakes: Blueberry, apple or cherry fillings for a sweet, tart contrast.
- Nutty Variations: Almond, pecan or walnut streusel toppings for extra crunch.
- Cream Cheese Layers: Adding ribbons of cream cheese for a richer bite.
- Chocolate Coffee Cake: Cocoa powder or chocolate chips swirled into the batter.
- Seasonal Flavors: Pumpkin spice in autumn, lemon zest in spring.
- Dietary Options: Vegan and gluten-free versions using almond flour, oat flour and plant-based butters.
How to Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day in Multifamily Communities
Coffee cake is the ultimate community-friendly dessert: it’s easy to serve, share and enjoy with a cup of coffee. That makes National Coffee Cake Day a perfect chance for property managers to engage residents. Try these ideas:
- Coffee & Cake Social: Offer coffee and fresh slices of coffee cake in the lobby or clubhouse. A cozy drop-in event that sparks conversation.
- Coffee Cake Flights: Serve sample-size portions of different flavors — classic cinnamon streusel, blueberry, chocolate chi. Residents can “taste test” and compare their favorites.
- Resident Bake-Off: Invite residents to bake their best coffee cakes for a friendly tasting competition. Share the winning recipe in your community newsletter.
- Leasing Tour Treats: Serve coffee cake and coffee during property tours for a warm, memorable touch.
- Affogato Pairing: Offer coffee cake alongside affogatos made with your on-site coffee amenity for an unexpected but indulgent pairing.
Unique Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day
National Coffee Cake Day is all about slowing down and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re celebrating at home with family, meeting up with friends or looking for a little mid-day treat, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the holiday.
- Bake the Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake above.
- Try a new twist like blueberry coffee cake or chocolate chip.
- Pair a store-bought slice with your favorite brew for an easy treat.
- Host a brunch with family or friends.
- Explore local bakeries — many put their own spin on this classic.
A Sweet Tradition That Endures
From its European roots to its American evolution, coffee cake has always been about comfort and connection. On April 7, take a break, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a slice — whether you bake it yourself, pick it up from a local bakery or share it with your community.
Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day with SipWithMe
At SipWithMe, we believe great coffee turns ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. With premium amenities designed to deliver barista-quality espresso shots, indulgent lattes and more at the touch of a button, we make luxury coffee service effortless and accessible.
Whether it’s National Coffee Cake Day, National Gourmet Coffee Day, National Latte Day, National Frappe Day, National Coffee Ice Cream Day, National Hot Chocolate Day, National Cappuccino Day, National Cold Brew Day, National Coffee Milkshake Day, National Espresso Martini Day, National Mocha Day, National Café au Lait Day, National Irish Coffee Day, National Gingerbread Latte Day, National Peppermint Latte Day, National Espresso Day, National Coffee Day, National Coffee Break Day or simply an ordinary morning, SipWithMe helps you create moments worth savoring.
Want to be sure you never miss one? 📩 Download WithMe’s coffee calendar for a complete list of holidays.
And if you’re ready to turn those celebrations into connection, check out our free e-book, Brew Better Communities, packed with event ideas and expert tips to make every cup count.
This National Coffee Cake Day, celebrate the joy of coffee with an amenity upgrade that delights and simplifies. Contact us today to schedule a demo or request pricing details.
