Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day with Soul and Story!

Today at Soul and Story, we're diving into the delicious world of coffee cake—but not just any coffee cake. In honor of National Coffee Cake Day, we’ve curated a list of 10 unique twists on this classic treat that pair perfectly with our selection of artisanal coffees and teas from the Soul and Story Coffee Lounge.

Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting by The Loopy Wisk

Is All Coffee Cake Crumb Cake?

While many of us relish the crunchy, sweet topping of a crumb cake, it's a common misconception that all coffee cakes come with this delightful feature. Traditionally, "coffee cake" refers broadly to any cake intended to be eaten with coffee, which means its styles and flavors can vary widely. In America, coffee cake often includes a crumb topping, also known as streusel, which adds a textural contrast to the soft cake beneath. However, not all coffee cakes have this topping—some are simpler, featuring swirls of cinnamon, fruit, or nuts without the additional layer of crumbs.

This versatility is part of what makes coffee cake a favorite for many, as it can be adapted to suit a wide range of tastes and occasions, from a decadent chocolate swirl to a light, zesty lemon infusion. Whether topped with streusel or not, these cakes share the common purpose of complementing your favorite cup of coffee, providing a sweet, satisfying experience.

What Makes a Crumb Coffee Cake?

Crumb coffee cake, often called "streusel cake," is beloved for its buttery, crumbly topping made from a mixture of sugar, flour, and butter, and sometimes spiced with cinnamon. This topping contrasts delightfully with the soft, moist cake beneath, often layered with additional fillings like fruit, nuts, or even more streusel!

The secret to a perfect crumb topping lies in the coldness of the butter and the ratio of ingredients, which allow the mixture to bake into a crispy, golden topping without sinking into the batter. Ideal for pairing with coffee, these cakes offer a satisfying texture and sweetness that complements the robustness of your favorite brew.

Streusel cakes are a staple in German baking but have become a popular feature in cafes and breakfast tables worldwide, celebrated for their versatility and the comforting contrast between the tender cake and the crunchy topping.

Now for the recipes and coffee pairings...

Pictured: Peanut Butter Crumble Coffee Cake by A Kitchen Addiction

Coffee & Cake Pairings:

1. Classic Coffee Crumb Cake by Sugar Spun Run: Soft and simple, this cake features a ripple of cinnamon and a heavy streusel crumb topping. Perfect for a traditional coffee treat. We know this recipe is delicious because it came highly recommended by The Sassy Chef!

   • Pair with:

     • Red Bay’s Brazilian Cake Lady: Sweet with notes of lychee, honeydew, and nougat, enhancing the cake's classic flavors.

     • Ezra Coffee 64th & Tulsa: A medium-dark roast that balances the sweetness with a robust profile.

     • Chicago French Press’ Vanilla Bean Blossom: Smooth vanilla flavors complement the cinnamon and buttery notes of the cake.

   • Link to recipe: Classic Coffee Cake Recipe on Sugar Spun Run
     

     
     

2. Pineapple Coconut Coffee Cake: Escape to the tropics with this sweet and creamy delight. The perfect balance of pineapple and coconut makes every bite a beachy treat.

   • Pair with:

     • Chicago French Press’ Piña Colada: Brews a tropical cup with coconut and fruity notes, enhancing the cake's flavors.

   • Link to recipe: Pineapple Coconut Coffee Cake

3. Chai Spiced Coffee Cake: Embrace the comforting spices of chai in this aromatic and moist cake. It's ideal for a chilly morning or a cozy afternoon break.

   • Pair with:

     • Chicago French Press’ Sugar Cookie: Sweet with notes of vanilla crème and buttery caramel, adding a comforting touch to the spiced cake.

     • Ezra’s Lord Baldwin: A dark roast that provides a bold contrast to the warm spices.

   • Link to recipe: Chai Spiced Coffee Cake

     
     

     

     Refreshing Lemon Curd Coffee Cake by Borrowed Bites

4. Refreshing Lemon Curd Coffee Cake: Brighten up your day with the zesty flavors of lemon. This cake combines the tartness of lemon curd with a sweet, crumbly topping for a fresh twist on the traditional coffee cake.

   • Pair with:

     • Chicago French Press’ Butter Pecan: Nutty flavor complements the tart lemon, adding depth to the cake's bright notes.

   • Link to recipe: Lemon Curd Coffee Cake

5. Vegan Funfetti Coffee Crumb Cake: Who says coffee cake can’t be fun? This version adds a splash of color with rainbow sprinkles, perfect for a festive or celebratory morning.

   • Pair with:

     • Chicago French Press’ Sugar Cookie: Enhances the funfetti’s playful sweetness with its own sweet and comforting flavor profile.

   • Link to recipe: Vegan Funfetti Coffee Crumb Cake
     

     
     

6. Eggless Chocolate Coffee Crumb Cake: For the chocolate enthusiasts, this rich and moist cake is infused with deep chocolate and coffee flavors, topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. A true indulgence for any chocolate lover.

   • Pair with:

     • Red Bay’s Coltrane: The citrus and fruit notes add a refreshing brightness to the rich chocolate flavors.

     • Ezra’s Le Grand Duc 1928: A dark roast that complements the deep, intense flavors of the chocolate cake.

   • Link to recipe: Eggless Chocolate Coffee Crumb Cake
     

   
   

7. Peanut Butter Crumble Coffee Cake: A rich and nutty coffee cake with a delicious peanut butter crumble. Perfect for those who love a savory twist on a sweet classic.

   • Pair with:

     • Chicago French Press’ Butter Pecan: The nutty flavors will complement the peanut butter in the cake.

     • Red Bay’s Carver’s Dream: The subtle fruity notes can balance the richness of the peanut butter.

   • Link to recipe: Peanut Butter Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe

8. Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake: This cake features juicy apples and a generous cinnamon crumb topping, ideal for a comforting, fruity dessert.

   • Pair with:

     • Ezra Coffee Lord Baldwin: The dark roast will contrast nicely with the sweet and spiced apple flavors.

     • Chicago French Press’ Vanilla Bean Blossom: Vanilla complements the cinnamon and apple beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

   • Link to recipe: Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe

9. Gluten Free! Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting: This cake combines a moist, buttery base with a rich and creamy cappuccino frosting, making it an exceptional treat for coffee lovers who enjoy a hint of espresso in every bite.

   • Pair with:

     • Chicago French Press’ Butter Pecan: The smooth, nutty notes can soften the espresso impact while complementing the buttery cake base.

     • Red Bay’s Coltrane: The dark chocolate and citrus notes will balance the sweetness and richness of the cappuccino frosting.

     • Chicago French Press’ Red Velvet: Perfect for those who love the luxurious blend of coffee and chocolate, enhancing the cappuccino frosting with its rich, velvety undertones.

   • Link to recipe: Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting

   
   

   Blueberry Coffee Cake by Divas Can Cook

10. Blueberry Coffee Cake: This delightful cake features juicy blueberries and a tender, moist crumb, topped with a light cinnamon streusel for a touch of spice. It's a perfect match for a morning coffee or a sweet afternoon treat.

    • Pair with:

      • Chicago French Press’ Vanilla Bean Blossom Coffee: The vanilla will complement the blueberries and enhance the cake's sweet flavors without overpowering them.

      • Red Bay’s Coltrane: The citrus notes in this coffee can accentuate the blueberries, making for a refreshing flavor combination.

      • Ezra’s Le Grand Duc 1928: A dark roast that will provide a robust contrast to the sweetness and light spice of the streusel topping.

    • Link to recipe: Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe

Each of these cakes offers a unique take on the beloved coffee cake, making them perfect companions to our coffees and teas. So why not try one of these recipes and visit our Coffee Lounge for the perfect coffee or tea pairing? Let's make National Coffee Cake Day a delicious excuse to treat ourselves and reimagine our mornings.

Visit the Soul and Story Coffee Lounge to grab delicious coffee to pair with your cake: www.soulandstoryinc.com/coffeelounge

As we celebrate today, we continue our commitment to uplifting Black-owned businesses and providing you with not just products but stories—stories of culture, heritage, and passion. Join us at Soul and Story, where every sip and bite tells a story.

Happy National Coffee Cake Day!