Is There Coffee in Coffee Cake?

There’s something timeless about coffee cake. It’s the kind of treat that feels just right at home on a brunch table as it does next to your morning cup of joe. But what exactly is coffee cake?  

Here’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know about this cozy classic, from its European roots to the irresistible versions baked fresh at Wolferman’s.

First and foremost: Is there coffee in coffee cake?

Despite its name, traditional coffee cakes don’t contain coffee. Crazy, right?! Instead, they’re meant to be savored with coffee, which is how the name came to be. That said, adding a touch of brewed espresso or ground coffee to the batter may be a fun addition for a true coffee lover.

Now that we addressed the elephant in the room, let’s continue with our dive into coffee cake.

What is coffee cake?

Coffee cake is a tender, buttery cake, often crowned with a streusel — a crumbly topping made from fat, flour, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon — and sometimes filled with swirls of brown sugar and nuts. 

Unlike layered cakes or frosted confections, coffee cake is typically baked as a single-layer loaf or round. Its hallmark is the crumb topping, which adds both texture and flavor, along with that unmistakable home-baked charm. Classic recipes call for flour, butter, eggs, and a touch of sour cream or yogurt for moisture, plus plenty of cinnamon. 

READ MORE: Many Facts About Cinnamon

Crumb cake is a close cousin, but with a much thicker layer of streusel, making it the sweeter of the two. While cinnamon remains the most traditional flavor, coffee cake also comes in tempting variations such as blueberry, chocolate, and apple walnut.

Does coffee cake at least taste like coffee?

Sorry java heads, but unless you’re baking a version that intentionally includes coffee, the answer is no. Most coffee cakes taste like cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery goodness. But the warm spices and crumbly texture make it the perfect pairing with your morning (or afternoon) cup of rocket fuel.

If you want to try making one with actual coffee, swap some of the liquid in your recipe (like milk or sour cream) for a splash of brewed coffee or espresso. The added depth brings out the richness of the cake and enhances the warm spice notes. Medium to dark roast coffees with chocolatey or nutty undertones pair especially well. Luckily, Wolferman’s also offers a line of gourmet coffees to match your slice.

READ MORE: How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Where did coffee cake come from?

Coffee cake has European roots, most notably from Germany, whose immigrants came to America in the 19th century and thankfully brought their sweet breads with them. (Those Germans also brought quiche and sausage.)

In Germany, the tradition of “kaffeeklatsch,” translated literally to “coffee gossip,” was a mid-morning or afternoon gathering where friends sipped coffee and shared baked goods. The idea wasn’t just to eat, but to connect, chat, and relax.

That spirit of connection carried over to American kitchens, where coffee cake became a staple of at-home entertaining. Today, it still brings people together, whether you’re hosting brunch, dropping off a treat for a new neighbor, or simply enjoying a slice with someone you love. (Your choice to include the gossip.)

How to keep your coffee cake fresh

Coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for a few days, ideally wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container. Want to keep it longer? Coffee cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply let it thaw at room temperature, or warm it slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste all over again.

Blueberry Coffee Cake

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Apple Streusel Walnut Coffee Cake

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Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake

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Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Coffee Cake

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Mix & Match Coffee Cakes

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Wolferman’s coffee cakes: A tradition worth sharing

At Wolferman’s, coffee cake is more than a sweet treat; it’s a craft.

“We make everything by hand, in small batches, so every cake has that perfect consistency and quality,” says Desiree Marca, research and development manager for Wolferman’s.

Each cake is round and just the right portion for sharing. Simply warm it up, set it out, and enjoy it with company over coffee or tea. The result is four distinct flavors that each tell their own story.

The Blueberry Coffee Cake showcases the sweetness of wild blueberries — smaller and more flavorful than standard varieties — brightened with lemon peel, eggs, and vanilla. The Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake is rich and moist thanks to real sour cream, with a gentle cinnamon note that enhances rather than overpowers its tender, cakey texture. For the Chocolate Vanilla Swirl, bakers create two separate batters — vanilla and chocolate — layering them carefully before hand-swirling each one to create a marbled effect. “Each swirl is done by hand, so no two are exactly alike,” Marca explains. The Apple Streusel Walnut Cake starts with a scratch-made apple batter enriched with buttermilk for tang and moisture, layered with apples cooked in cinnamon and sugar, and finished with a walnut-oat crumble for a satisfying crunch.

These four cakes are intentionally balanced, not overly sweet, so the flavors of warm spices, tart fruits, and nutty streusels shine through. 

“Our brand is breakfast and brunch, so our cakes have a subtle sweetness that complements the bitter notes of coffee or tea,” Marca notes. “And the streusel topping on every variety adds texture and a satisfying finish that keeps guests coming back for another slice.”