KEWANEE WEATHER

In the kitchen with Kim: Jiffy Coffee Cake


By Kim Gehling    September 19, 2026
Bring the scents of autumn into your home with this tasty dessert. [Photos by Kim Gehling]

Some recipes stick with you because they’re fancy or impressive, and others stick with you because they taste like home. This week’s recipe falls into that second category.

Jiffy Coffee Cake is a recipe that came from my mom and one we enjoyed growing up. When I left for college, I made a list of recipes I might want to make when I was away from home and cooking for myself. This coffee cake made the list.

True to its name, Jiffy Coffee Cake really can be made in a jiffy. The ingredients are basic ones you probably already have in the kitchen, and there aren’t a lot of steps involved.

I remember working in Des Moines many years ago and living in an apartment nearby. I remember going home over my lunch hour, making this coffee cake and bringing it back to work freshly baked for my coworkers to enjoy. That should give you an idea of just how quick it is to put together.

All these years later, I’m still making the same recipe. I brought a pan to work this week, and once again, it was well received. It’s great for breakfast or brunch, but it’s just as good as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.

From my mom’s kitchen, to mine, and now to yours — enjoy!

Jiffy Coffee Cake

Ingredients

  • 4 T. butter
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 c. flour
  • 4 t. baking powder
  • 1/4 t. salt
  • 1 c. milk
  • Topping
  • 2 T. butter
  • 2/3 c. brown sugar
  • 1 t. cinnamon

Directions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Mix cake ingredients together in the order given. Spread batter evenly in a greased baking pan.
  • Mix together butter, brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

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