Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist Coffee Loaf Cake is a rich, flavorful treat perfect for coffee lovers. With its deep coffee aroma, tender crumb, and subtle sweetness, this cake is ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. The addition of brewed coffee infuses the loaf with bold flavor, while a touch of brown sugar enhances its moist texture. Whether served plain or with a glaze, it’s a satisfying and comforting bake.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
brewed coffee (cooled)
whole milk or sour cream

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan, lining it with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix the cooled brewed coffee and milk (or sour cream) in a small bowl.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the coffee mixture to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Drizzle with a simple coffee glaze made of confectioners’ sugar and a splash of brewed coffee.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45–55 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Mix in mini chocolate chips for a mocha twist.
Use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee for a stronger flavor.
Top with cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice note.

storage/reheating

Store the coffee loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 7 days if glazed or frosted.
To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Warm slices briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water to make a strong coffee substitute.

Why is my loaf dense instead of moist?
Be sure not to overmix the batter and check that your baking powder is fresh.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What’s the best topping for this cake?
A coffee glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully.

Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin (adjust bake time to 18–22 minutes) or a square pan (check at 35–40 minutes).

Is this cake very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness, allowing the coffee flavor to shine through.

Can I use decaf coffee?
Absolutely, decaf works just as well if you want to avoid caffeine.

Should the coffee be hot or cooled?
Always use cooled brewed coffee to avoid curdling the batter.

Can I add a syrup soak to this cake?
Yes, a simple coffee syrup brushed on while warm enhances moisture and flavor.

Does this pair well with anything?
It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, of course! Or enjoy it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Moist Coffee Loaf Cake is a comforting, flavorful bake that brings the essence of your favorite coffee into every bite. Whether you’re a morning baker or looking for an easy dessert, this loaf cake is simple to make and delivers rich, moist results every time. Give it a try, and it may just become your go-to coffee-flavored treat.