Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe

If you love coffee desserts, then this coffee loaf cake recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It brings together the rich flavor of coffee with a moist, tender cake texture—perfect for a mid-afternoon treat or a special weekend brunch. You will also appreciate how straightforward the steps are, making it an ideal bake even if you are new to coffee-themed desserts.

Loading your kitchen with the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee is always a delight. Now, imagine capturing that same cozy fragrance in a loaf cake you can enjoy at any time of day. This recipe offers a gentle sweetness and the slightest hint of bitterness from the coffee, striking the right balance for any dessert lover.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup brewed coffee (cooled to room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional garnish: powdered sugar or a simple coffee glaze

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper to help the cake release easily.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them gently to ensure the dry ingredients are well-distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this step helps create a soft texture.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Continue until everything is fully combined, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, alternating with the cooled coffee. You want a smooth batter without overmixing.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & variations

• Use fresh coffee: For the best results, brew a fresh pot of coffee and allow it to cool before adding it to your batter. Stale coffee can dull the overall flavor of the cake.
• Swap in espresso: If you want a bolder flavor, replace the brewed coffee with strong espresso. Just keep an eye on any added liquid amounts.
• Make a coffee glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a little melted butter, and strong coffee for a glossy drizzle. Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder for a more decorative touch.
• Add cinnamon or cocoa: For a deeper flavor twist, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or stir in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Nutrition facts

A single slice of this coffee loaf cake (based on approximately 10 slices per loaf) may provide:

• Calories: ~220
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~9g
• Sugars: ~16g
• Fiber: ~1g

These values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. If you need a more precise breakdown, consider using a nutrition calculator.

Final thoughts

Baking your own coffee loaf cake lets you enjoy a comforting treat made just the way you like it. Whether you prefer to keep it simple with powdered sugar or dress it up with a drizzle of glaze, this recipe is a versatile base for all your coffee dessert cravings. Enjoy a slice in the morning alongside your favorite brew, or savor a piece after dinner as a sweet treat.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can I substitute instant coffee for brewed coffee?
   Yes. Simply dissolve about 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in half a cup of hot water, then let it cool. Keep in mind that the flavor might differ slightly from fresh-brewed coffee.

2. How should I store leftover coffee loaf cake?
   Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer a denser, chilled texture.

3. Can I freeze coffee loaf cake?
   Absolutely. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to three months. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

4. What if I want a stronger coffee flavor?
   You can increase the amount of coffee slightly or use espresso. Just make sure you keep the total liquid amount in check, so the batter does not become too thin.

Coffee Loaf Cake Recipe

Recipe by Alpine Mountain Coffee

5.0 from 5 votes

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup brewed coffee (cooled to room temperature)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional garnish: powdered sugar or a simple coffee glaze

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper to help the cake release easily.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them gently to ensure the dry ingredients are well-distributed.
• In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this step helps create a soft texture.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Continue until everything is fully combined, then add the vanilla extract.
• Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, alternating with the cooled coffee. You want a smooth batter without overmixing.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Use fresh coffee: For the best results, brew a fresh pot of coffee and allow it to cool before adding it to your batter. Stale coffee can dull the overall flavor of the cake.
  Swap in espresso: If you want a bolder flavor, replace the brewed coffee with strong espresso. Just keep an eye on any added liquid amounts.
  Make a coffee glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a little melted butter, and strong coffee for a glossy drizzle. Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder for a more decorative touch.
  Add cinnamon or cocoa: For a deeper flavor twist, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or stir in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.