Easy Overnight Coffee Cake

A warm kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar can elevate any morning. This Easy Overnight Coffee Cake is perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends, requiring just a little prep the night before. By keeping the batter chilled overnight, the flavors meld beautifully, yielding a deliciously tender coffee cake with a delightful crumb topping.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a sweet breakfast treat or afternoon snack. Make it for family gatherings, brunches, or simply to savor at home. The best part? It can sit in the fridge overnight, so you’ll wake up to a warm cake ready to be baked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The tender crumb contrasts perfectly with the crunchy cinnamon topping.
• It requires minimal morning effort—prep the night before!
• Fridge-to-oven transition means it stays fresh longer.
• The flavors develop overnight, enhancing the cake’s deliciousness.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Easy Overnight Coffee Cake.

For the Cake

• 5 tablespoons very soft butter (I use salted butter)
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

• 4 ounces or 1 stick butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (a pinch)

Note: You can use unsalted butter if preferred.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Buttermilk: Use milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
• All-purpose flour: Substitute with gluten-free flour.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar works as a healthier option.

How to Make It

To create this delicious coffee cake, follow these simple steps.

1. Prepare the Pan

Spray an 8-inch round baking pan generously with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Spray the paper lightly with baking spray and set the pan aside. Tear a piece of heavy-duty foil large enough to wrap around the outside of the pan and set it aside until baking time.

2. Make the Batter

In a medium-size microwave-safe bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with a spatula until sugar is completely incorporated. Add the egg and mix well. Sprinkle the baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the butter mixture and stir to combine.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add ⅓ of the flour (approximately) and stir until the flour is almost completely incorporated. Add about half of the buttermilk and stir until it’s mostly combined. Repeat this process with the remaining flour and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Chill the Batter

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Cover it and refrigerate overnight.

5. Make the Crumb Topping

Wash out the mixing bowl. Place butter in the bowl and heat on high power for 25-30 seconds until partially melted. Add the remaining crumble ingredients and stir with a fork until large crumbs form. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

6. Bake the Cake

The next morning, preheat the oven to 350˚F. Bake the cake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove it from the oven. Using your hands, gently top with the crumble mixture, mounding it slightly in the center without pressing it down.

7. Wrap and Finish Baking

Before returning to the oven, wrap the outside of the pan with the prepared foil. Return the coffee cake to the oven and bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

8. Serve

After 10 minutes, invert the coffee cake onto a large dinner plate. Invert it again onto a cooling rack so the crumb side faces up and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, wrap tightly for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure butter is very soft for easy creaming.
• Don’t overmix the batter; leave a little flour unincorporated.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing for neat pieces.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with coffee or tea for breakfast or snack.
• Serve alongside fresh fruits for a balanced meal.
• Drizzle with Vanilla Bean Drizzle for an elegant touch.