Good Morning Cake Recipe

This good morning cake recipe is a soft, lightly sweet breakfast cake that's perfect with a cup of coffee. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble, it's an easy recipe that works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Cake in the morning? YEP! Sign me up, right?? This easy cake always disappears fast. I first made it after seeing the Brenda Gantt version, and my family loved it, definitely one I'll be making again and again.

It's just as delicious warm or reheated with a little butter, and that cinnamon crumble on top is the perfect finishing touch. If you love cozy breakfast cakes, my cinnamon roll coffee cake is another favorite with that same warm cinnamon flavor.

What Makes This Cake So Good?

This good morning cake is a soft, buttery breakfast cake that's lightly sweet and perfect with coffee. It's simple, not overly rich, and great for busy mornings or sharing. It's similar to classics like my strawberry crumb coffee cake, just a bit simpler.

• Made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
• Lightly sweet with a tender, fluffy texture
• Buttery cinnamon crumble topping adds the perfect crunch
• Delicious warm or reheated with a little butter

Looking for another old-fashioned cake recipe? How about my easy lazy day cake or easy butter cake recipe!

Ingredient Notes

See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full directions.

• Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy batter.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for a rich, tender crumb, but 2% will also work.
• Eggs: Let eggs come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake structure without making it too dense.
• Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm flavor to the crumb topping, adjust to taste if you love extra cinnamon.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try one of these easy ideas:

• Add fruit: Fold in blueberries or diced apples for a fresh twist
• Use brown sugar: Swap in brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor
• Add vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra warmth
• Love apple? Try my apple cinnamon crumb cake for a similar flavor
• Want extra flavor? Try adding 1 teaspoon vanilla or swirling some of the crumb topping into the batter before baking

How To Make Morning Cake

Step 1. Grease a 9×13 baking pan and preheat the oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.

Step 2. Add the milk and eggs, mixing until well combined. Then stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

Step 3. Mix until just combined, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.

Step 4. In a separate bowl, combine the ½ cup flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until crumbly, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.

Step 5. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6. Remove from the oven, slice, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don't overmix the batter or the cake can turn dense
• This recipe uses more baking powder than typical cakes, which helps it rise properly and stay light
• Use a toothpick to check doneness, crumbs are okay, wet batter is not
• Let the cake cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces
• Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and bake better
• The batter will be thick, this is normal and helps create a soft, fluffy texture

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store covered up to 3 days
• Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days for longer freshness
• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven until heated through

Morning Cake Recipe FAQs

More Coffee Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.