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The Polish Coffee Cake Recipe, also known as Placek or Polish Sweet Bread, is a soft, tender and lightly sweet cake topped with a buttery crumble.

It has a rich vanilla flavor, a fluffy inside, and a crunchy streusel topping. This cake is perfect with coffee or tea and it’s often enjoyed for holidays, gatherings, and Sunday mornings.

Polish coffee cake smells amazing as it bakes. The warm cinnamon sugar topping makes every slice comforting and delicious. It’s simple to make and always a crowd favorite.

When I First Tried Polish Coffee Cake Recipe

I first tried Polish coffee cake at a family breakfast. The soft, fluffy bread and sweet crumb topping made it unforgettable.

It wasn’t too sweet — just perfect with a warm cup of coffee. After that day, I started making it often for brunch and holidays. Everyone loves it!

Recipe Card Info

Recipe Name: Polish Coffee Cake
Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins
Course: Breakfast / Dessert
Cuisine: Polish
Calories: 280 kcal per slice

Equipment List

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
9×13-inch baking pan
Small bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Stand mixer (optional)

Ingredients You Need for Polish Coffee Cake Recipe

For the cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup warm milk
½ cup butter (softened)
3 eggs
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

For the crumb topping:

½ cup flour
½ cup sugar
4 tbsp butter (cold, cubed)
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
Add eggs, vanilla, and salt.
Add yeast mixture.
Slowly add flour and mix until smooth.

3. Let the Batter Rise

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 pan.
Cover and let it rise for 45–60 minutes.

4. Make the Crumb Topping

Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter.
Rub together until crumbs form.

5. Add the Crumbs

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the risen batter.

6. Bake the Coffee Cake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes.
The top should be golden brown.
Let cool before slicing.

Recipe Tips

Warm the milk — not hot — to activate yeast.
Let the batter rise until puffy for a light texture.
Use cold butter in the crumb topping for crunchy crumbs.
Do not overbake or the cake becomes dry.
Add raisins or crumble nuts for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount (per slice)
Calories	280 kcal
Carbohydrates	38g
Sugar	20g
Fat	11g
Protein	5g

Serving Suggestions

Serve with hot coffee or tea.
Add powdered sugar on top.
Enjoy warm with butter.
Great for breakfasts, parties, or holidays.

Storage Tips

Room Temp: Store for 2–3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Reheat lightly in the microwave or oven.

FAQs about Polish Coffee Cake Recipe

1. Is Polish coffee cake the same as placek?
Yes, it’s a traditional Polish sweet bread-style cake.

2. Can I add fruit?
Yes, blueberries or sliced apples work great.

3. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip the activation step and mix it directly.

4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, bake a day early — it stays soft.

5. Why is it called coffee cake?
It’s meant to be enjoyed with coffee, not made with coffee.

Conclusion

The Polish Coffee Cake Recipe is a soft, sweet, and cozy treat perfect for mornings or gatherings.

With its fluffy crumb and cinnamon topping, it delivers classic homemade comfort in every slice. Make it once and it will become a favorite family recipe!

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