Grandma Great’s Coffee Cake
They say kids say the darndest things, and mine proved it when they couldn’t quite get “great grandma” right—so my grandma became “Grandma Great.” Fitting, because this coffee cake of hers? Great in every possible way. Easy to whip up, impossible not to love, and perfect with your morning coffee. No frills, no fancy ingredients—just good old-fashioned flavor that stands the test of time.
Why You’ll Love It
- Straightforward ingredients – stuff you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect with coffee – hence the name, but also tea, hot cocoa, or even a cold glass of milk.
- Family tradition approved – if it’s been passed down through generations, you know it’s good.
Ingredients
Coffee Cake
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup butter, almost melted but not quite
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
Streusel Topping
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter, egg, and milk. Beat on high with a hand mixer for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix streusel topping ingredients until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly, then dig in!
Pro Tips
- Serve warm: This cake tastes amazing at room temp, but warm with a little butter? Heaven.
- Butter matters: Use real butter if you can; it makes the streusel extra rich and flavorful.
- Add a little crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the streusel take this cake to the next level.
- Check early: Oven temps vary, so peek a few minutes before the end of the bake to avoid over-browning.
Pairing Suggestions
- A hot cup of coffee (obviously).
- Chai tea for a cozy spiced twist.
- Fresh berries or fruit salad for a light side.
Favorite Tools Used
- Hand mixer – makes the batter nice and smooth with zero arm workout.
- 9×13 baking dish – the classic pan that never fails.
- Sturdy mixing bowls – because this recipe is all about the basics.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just coffee cake—it’s a slice of family history. Every bite reminds me of Grandma Great and how food has a funny way of carrying love across generations. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday brunch or sneaking a square with your morning coffee, this coffee cake will always live up to its name: simply great.
Grandma Great’s Coffee Cake
Grandma Great’s Coffee Cake is soft, buttery, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Quick and easy to make, it’s a family favorite perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want a sweet, comforting treat.
Equipment
- Electric Hand Mixer – makes the batter nice and smooth with zero arm workout.
- Mixing Bowl – because this recipe is all about the basics.
- 9×13 Baking Dish – the classic pan that never fails.
Ingredients
Coffee Cake
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup butter almost melted but not quite
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
Streusel Topping
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter, egg, and milk. Beat on high with a hand mixer for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix streusel topping ingredients until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly, then dig in!
Notes
Pro Tips
- Serve warm: This cake tastes amazing at room temp, but warm with a little butter? Heaven.
- Butter matters: Use real butter if you can; it makes the streusel extra rich and flavorful.
- Add a little crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the streusel take this cake to the next level.
- Check early: Oven temps vary, so peek a few minutes before the end of the bake to avoid over-browning.
- A hot cup of coffee (obviously).
- Chai tea for a cozy spiced twist.
- Fresh berries or fruit salad for a light side.
Nutrition
Serving: 12 ServingsCalories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 370mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 270IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!