12 Coffee Cake Recipes To Sweeten Your Day

Just add coffee.

A good coffee cake recipe is like an old friend—you'll be happy to meet up again and again. Not only is it a way to start the day or perk up the afternoon with a little sweetness, it's also a reason to sit down for coffee and conversation with a friend. While everyone has their favorite coffee cake recipe, there are so many different ways to make and flavor them, and plenty of reasons to try something new.

Easier than a layer cake, but more special than a loaf of quick bread, coffee cake always feels like a treat, no matter what time of day you're enjoying it. These delicious recipes are impressive enough for entertaining but also work as a homey, everyday snack, an easy breakfast, or a quick dessert.

At any rate, coffee cake is good to have on hand because Southerners always like a little something sweet, and you never know who might drop in.

Cinnamon Upside-Down Coffee Cake

Recipe: Cinnamon Upside-Down Coffee Cake

This recipe is an oldie but a goodie. Originally submitted to Southern Living in 1985, it's like a cross between sticky buns and an upside down cake.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Skillet Coffee Cake

Recipe: Strawberry-Rhubarb Skillet Coffee Cake

We've found yet another use for your favorite cast-iron skillet. Make this in the spring when rhubarb and strawberries are at their freshest. Or substitute another type of fruit (apples) or berry (blueberries, blackberries).

Peach Streusel Coffee Cake

Recipe: Peach Streusel Coffee Cake

With just 20 minutes of hands-on time, you can turn fresh peaches into a decadent coffee cake. When topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this makes a fantastic dessert.

Coffee Cake Muffins

Recipe: Coffee Cake Muffins

Enjoy the flavors of coffee cake in single servings sizes, no cutting required. To make these even more decadent, add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter.

Pumpkin-Pecan Coffee Cake

Recipe: Pumpkin-Pecan Coffee Cake

If you love pumpkin bread, you'll be a fan of this coffee cake. Pumpkin keeps the cake moist and a rich brown sugar-spiced topping adds a nice textural contrast.

Caramel Apple Coffee Cake

Recipe: Caramel Apple Coffee Cake

Your entire kitchen will smell like fall when this cake is in the oven. The rich, buttery caramel sauce makes it really special—you won't want to waste a drop of it.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Recipe: Cinnamon Coffee Cake

A ribbon of brown sugar and pecans runs through this streusel-topped beauty. Make this for a potluck or bake sale and watch it disappear.

Fresh Peach Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel

Recipe: Fresh Peach Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel

Pecans and peaches come together in this summery take on coffee cake with a golden crust and tender crumb.

Christmas Morning Coffee Cake

Recipe: Christmas Morning Coffee Cake

As the name suggests, this cake is an ideal treat to make ahead for Christmas morning. Filled with spices, dried cherries, and pistachios, it's just as delicious on any other morning of the year.

Sock It To Me Cake

Recipe: Sock It To Me Cake

Popular in the 1960s and 70s, this classic cake is delightful with a cup of coffee or tea. Typically it is made with a boxed cake mix, but our version uses pantry staples for a fresher, homemade taste.

Party Coffee Cake

Recipe: Party Coffee Cake

We don't need an excuse to make coffee cake, but this recipe is designed for sharing and celebrating. Flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, it's baked in a 13- by 9-inch pan, so it's easy to travel with too.

Bananas Foster Coffee Cake With Vanilla-Rum Sauce

Recipe: Bananas Foster Coffee Cake With Vanilla-Rum Sauce

Inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert, this coffee cake is like a tender banana bread topped with a streusel and decadent vanilla-rum drizzle. Equally delicious for breakfast or dessert, it's a surefire crowd-pleaser.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.