Ultimate Coffee Cake Recipe

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Ultimate Coffee Cake Recipe: Moist, Spiced, and Perfectly Nutty

Stop what you’re doing and save this ultimate coffee cake recipe—because once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for breakfasts, brunches, or any cozy coffee break. This cake is incredibly moist, with a tender crumb and a perfectly spiced walnut topping that adds just the right crunch and warmth. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this classic coffee cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake

• Moist and tender crumb thanks to sour cream and careful mixing.
• Warm spice blend with cinnamon and nutmeg enhances every bite.
• Crunchy walnut topping adds texture and rich flavor.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfect with coffee or tea for morning or afternoon indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Topping:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine with Sour Cream

Mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and well blended.

6. Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

7. Pour Batter and Add Topping

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake batter.

8. Bake

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

9. Cool & Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Pro Tips for the Best Coffee Cake

• Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t skip the sour cream—it keeps the crumb moist and tender.
• Toast walnuts lightly for an even richer flavor.
• For a streusel twist, add oats and brown sugar to the topping mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect alongside a fresh brew of morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for extra indulgence.
• Great for brunch spreads, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

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Ultimate Coffee Cake

Ultimate Coffee Cake Recipe: Moist, Spiced, and Perfectly Nutty

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• * 2 cups all-purpose flour
• * 1 tsp baking powder
• * 1/2 tsp baking soda
• * 1/2 tsp salt
• * 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• * 1 cup granulated sugar
• * 2 large eggs
• * 1 tsp vanilla extract
• * 1 cup sour cream

For the Topping:

• * 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• * 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• * 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• * 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
5. Mix in sour cream until smooth.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
7. Pour batter into pan. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over batter.
8. Bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

* Use room temperature ingredients for best texture.
* Toast walnuts to enhance flavor.
* Don’t overmix batter to keep cake moist.