There’s something about coffee cake that’s so comforting, isn’t there? Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, it’s a dessert that brings warmth and joy. Now, imagine taking that classic coffee cake and making it even better by adding Greek yogurt into the mix! This Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake is everything you love about a traditional coffee cake but with an extra layer of moistness and tanginess, thanks to the yogurt. Trust me, it’s one of those dessert recipes you’ll keep coming back to!

Let’s dive right into the recipe so you can get baking! I’ll also share some tips along the way to make sure you nail it and maybe even add a personal twist or two.

Ingredients:

Before we start, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s the full list of ingredients:

For the Coffee Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (I recommend full-fat for extra creaminess!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Optional Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or Greek yogurt for extra tang)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan (or an 8×8-inch pan for a taller cake). You can also line it with parchment paper to make it easier to lift the cake out later.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

First, let’s make the cinnamon streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the melted butter and mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Set this aside—this is going to give your cake that signature crunchy, sweet layer on top!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the cake, so you’ll get a nice rise.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. The air you incorporate at this stage helps keep the cake light, so don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Add Greek Yogurt and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time for the Greek yogurt to shine! Add about half of the Greek yogurt to the butter mixture and gently mix until combined. Then, mix in half of the dry ingredients. Repeat with the remaining Greek yogurt and dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined. The Greek yogurt is the secret to keeping this coffee cake ultra-moist!

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Now for the best part—sprinkle that cinnamon streusel topping generously over the batter. Make sure to get it evenly distributed so that every bite is filled with that sweet, cinnamon goodness.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—just resist the urge to take it out too early!

Step 9: Optional Glaze

While your cake is baking, you can prepare a simple glaze to drizzle on top if you want a little extra sweetness. Just whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or Greek yogurt for an even more tangy twist), and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once your Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. You can drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, or wait until it’s fully cooled if you want a more defined drizzle. Then, cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Variations:

  1. Add Fruit: Want to switch it up? Try adding some fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter before baking. They pair wonderfully with the tanginess of the Greek yogurt and add a pop of color.
  2. Swap the Cinnamon: While cinnamon is classic, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version.
  3. Nuts for Crunch: If you’re a fan of texture, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping. The extra crunch makes each bite even more satisfying!
  4. Make It Lighter: If you’re looking to make a lighter version, feel free to use low-fat Greek yogurt, and you can even cut back slightly on the butter or replace part of it with applesauce.
  5. Double the Recipe for More: Need to serve a crowd? You can easily double this recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake is everything you want in a dessert (or breakfast!)—moist, tender, sweet, and topped with that irresistible cinnamon streusel. The Greek yogurt brings a unique richness while keeping the cake light, and its slight tang balances the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re serving this at a family brunch or just treating yourself, I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your dessert recipe collection.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, grab your ingredients!

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount per Serving% Daily Value (DV)
Calories320 kcal16%
Total Fat13g17%
Saturated Fat8g40%
Trans Fat0g0%
Cholesterol70mg23%
Sodium180mg8%
Total Carbohydrates46g17%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars28g–
Protein5g10%
Calcium60mg5%
Iron1.3mg7%
Vitamin A380 IU8%
Vitamin C0mg0%
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Notes:

  • Calories and fat are largely impacted by the butter and streusel topping.
  • Protein comes from the Greek yogurt and eggs.
  • Sugars come from both the granulated sugar and the brown sugar in the streusel.

If you’re loving the idea of a cozy, homemade treat like this Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake, you’ll definitely want to check out my Cinnamon Swirl Apple Oat Bread next! 🍎🍞 It’s packed with juicy apples, cinnamon goodness, and a satisfying oat texture—perfect for fall or anytime you want a comforting snack. Trust me, it’s the kind of recipe that makes your whole house smell amazing. Click here to get the recipe and bake up something delicious today!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt, but it may slightly change the texture. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, which helps make the cake moist. If using regular yogurt, you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate for the difference in consistency.

2. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake stays moist for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Just warm the slices slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

3. Why should I use Greek yogurt in this coffee cake recipe?

Greek yogurt adds moisture, a rich texture, and a slight tang to the coffee cake. It helps make the cake extra tender without making it heavy, while also boosting the protein content. It’s a great ingredient for keeping baked goods soft and fluffy.

4. How does Greek yogurt affect the texture of the coffee cake?

Greek yogurt makes the coffee cake moist and tender while preventing it from drying out. It also gives the cake a light, airy crumb. The acidity in Greek yogurt helps activate the baking soda, contributing to the cake’s rise and fluffy texture.

5. Can I freeze this Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake for later?

Absolutely! Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake freezes well. Just slice the cake into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

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Breakfast,