Coffee Cake with Coffee in It? Operation Java Crumble Deploys Flavor with Every Bite

 


Looking for a coffee cake recipe that actually uses real coffee? We’ve got you covered—with a bold twist.


At Aerial Resupply Coffee, we don’t believe in wasting your time scrolling through a long-winded backstory just to get to the recipe. No fluff, no filler, no stories about our great aunt’s cat. Just pure mission-ready instructions and a cake recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and caffeine.


This is Operation Java Crumble—a coffee cake recipe made with actual brewed coffee (specifically, our Firewatch Medium Roast), layered with a buttery crumble, and designed to fuel your mornings, mission, or next field op.

 

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Recipe

 


If you searched for:

 

  • Coffee cake made with coffee

  • Bold coffee cake recipe

  • Caffeinated dessert ideas

  • Best veteran-owned coffee dessert

 


You just hit the jackpot.


This coffee cake is built for people who want rich flavor, a touch of spice, and the kind of pick-me-up that only real brewed coffee can deliver. And if you’re already brewing your morning mug, you’re halfway there.

 

 

 

Java Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe

 


Level: Intermediate

Prep + Bake Time: 1 hr 45 min (includes cooling)

Yields: 8 servings

 

 

 

🔧 Ingredients

 


 

Crumb Topping:

 

 

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

 


 

Cake Batter:

 

 

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

  • 1/2 cup Firewatch Medium Roast Coffee, brewed and cooled

  • 1/3 cup sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temp

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

 

 

 

🧭 Directions

 


 

1. Prep Your Battle Station

 

 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spray it down, too.

 


 

2. Make the Crumb Topping

 

 

  • In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

  • Stir in melted butter until crumbs form. Set aside.

 


 

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

 

 

  • In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cardamom.

 


 

4. Blend the Wet Ingredients

 

 

  • Stir brewed Firewatch coffee and sour cream together until smooth. Set aside.

 


 

5. Cream It All Together

 

 

  • In a stand mixer: cream butter and sugar (3-4 minutes until fluffy).

  • Beat in eggs one at a time.

  • Add vanilla.

 


 

6. Build the Batter

 

 

  • Alternately add dry ingredients and coffee mixture to the creamed butter mix.

  • Start and end with dry ingredients. Scrape the bowl down.

 


 

7. Assemble and Bake

 

 

  • Pour the batter into your prepared pan and level it.

  • Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the top.

  • Bake 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

 


 

8. Cool and Slice

 

 

  • Let the cake cool for 20-30 minutes before cutting into it. You’ve earned this one.

 

 

 

 

🪖 Pro Tips from the ARC Mess Hall

 

 

  • Flavor Boost: Sub sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

  • Pairing Suggestion: A hot cup of 15W40 Dark Italian Roast balances this cake perfectly.

  • Optional Fire Support: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the crumb topping for extra flavor artillery.

 

 

 

 

What Makes This the Best Coffee Cake for Veterans (and Everyone Else)

 


Most coffee cakes don’t actually contain coffee. That’s criminal.


Ours is different—because it’s fueled by a real brewed mission. When you use Aerial Resupply Coffee, you’re not just baking—you’re supporting a veteran-owned coffee company that’s on a mission to serve bold flavor, patriotism, and community in every bag.


This cake brings it all together:

✅ Veteran-roasted coffee

✅ Real ingredients

✅ No unnecessary fluff

✅ Easy-to-follow instructions

✅ Built to fuel your day


Whether you’re a military spouse, a morning warrior, or just someone who loves a slice of bold, caffeinated comfort—Operation Java Crumble delivers.

 

 

 

📍 Where to Get the Coffee for This Recipe

 


Grab your mission-critical brews here:

 

 


And while you’re at it, join the unit for exclusive rewards, limited edition drops, and first dibs on all things caffeinated:

https://aerialresupplycoffee.com

 

 

 

🎖️ Mission Complete

 


This isn’t just coffee cake—it’s Operation Java Crumble. A veteran-fueled, flavor-packed, morale-boosting dessert that hits the sweet spot without any of the BS.

 

Back to The Resupply Blog

FAQs

The standard coffee-to-water ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water). For example, a 12-ounce cup (about 355 grams) would need approximately 22 grams of coffee. Adjust to your taste: 1:15 for stronger coffee or 1:17 for lighter brews.

Grind size directly impacts how water extracts flavor from coffee grounds. A grind too fine can result in over-extraction and bitterness, while a grind too coarse can lead to weak, under-extracted coffee. Match the grind to your brewing method:

  • French press: Coarse grind (like sea salt)
  • Drip coffee: Medium grind (like sand)
  • Espresso: Fine grind (like powdered sugar)

Bitterness can result from:

  • Water that’s too hot (above 205°F).
  • Brewing for too long.
  • Using too fine a grind for your brewing method.

To fix this, lower the water temperature, shorten your brew time, or switch to a coarser grind.

Store coffee in an airtight, opaque container like the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and moisture. Avoid storing coffee in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can degrade the flavor.

Use a thermometer or a temperature-controlled kettle like the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle. The ideal brewing temperature is 195°F–205°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before using it.

A burr grinder is strongly recommended for consistency. Burr grinders produce uniform grind sizes, which ensure even extraction and better-tasting coffee. Blade grinders, on the other hand, create uneven particles that can lead to inconsistent flavor.

For the best flavor, use beans within 2–3 weeks of roasting. Check the roast date when buying coffee. At Aerial Resupply Coffee, our beans are roasted in small batches to ensure maximum freshness when they reach your door.

Start with these three simple upgrades:

  1. Use freshly roasted, high-quality beans like MOAB Medium Roast.
  2. Invest in a burr grinder for precise grind sizes.
  3. Measure coffee and water with a digital scale to ensure consistent ratios.

The French press is a great starting point for beginners. It’s straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and delivers rich, full-bodied coffee. Pair it with a reliable burr grinder and a scale for consistent results.

At Aerial Resupply Coffee, every purchase helps support veterans, military spouses, and first responders. By choosing our coffee, you’re not just enjoying bold, flavorful blends—you’re contributing to a meaningful mission and honoring those who serve.

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