Almond Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, almond coffee cake – just saying those words conjures up the warm, comforting aroma of baked goodness that fills your kitchen, right? This cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s a celebration of tender crumb, crunchy almond topping, and a subtle nutty flavor that dances perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, want to impress guests, or simply crave a slice of heaven with your coffee, this almond coffee cake recipe is your new best friend.

What makes almond coffee cake so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of moist, buttery cake with a sweet almond streusel topping that gives you that delightful crunch. Plus, almonds add a rich, slightly sweet nuttiness that elevates the whole experience. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a novice baker!

So, let’s get those aprons on and break down everything you need to know to bake this heavenly treat from scratch.

Almond Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the magic you’ll create-a luscious, moist cake with a crumbly almond topping that’s bursting with flavor. The texture? Soft and tender with a golden crust, thanks to a generous sprinkle of sliced almonds and a cinnamon-sugar streusel that bakes to perfection. Each bite melts in your mouth, with the almond essence subtly woven throughout.

This recipe is designed for a standard 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8 square pan if you prefer. It’s perfect for serving a crowd or saving leftovers for a few indulgent days-if it lasts that long!

Ingredients Needed

Now, let’s chat about the ingredients that make this cake sing. Here’s the lineup:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour (about 2 cups) – The backbone of your cake, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup) – Sweetens the cake, helps with browning.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed) – Adds moisture and a deep caramel note.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp) – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) – A warm spice that pairs perfectly with almonds.
• Eggs (2 large) – For richness, moisture, and binding.
• Whole milk (3/4 cup) – Adds moisture and tenderness.
• Vegetable oil (1/3 cup) – Keeps the cake moist and soft.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – The flavor booster.
• Almond extract (1 tsp) – That special touch to amplify the almond flavor.

For The Almond Streusel Topping

• Sliced almonds (1 cup) – Crunch and nuttiness.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup) – Sweet and sticky.
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup) – For the crumbly texture.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp) – Warm spice again, in the topping.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cold and cubed) – Makes the streusel crumbly and golden.

How To Make Almond Coffee Cake

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Let’s break down the steps in an easy-to-follow way:

1. Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and both sugars.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk, vegetable oil, vanilla, and almond extracts. Mix well until smooth.
4. Make the Batter: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – overmixing will toughen the cake, so keep it light.
5. Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the dry mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in the sliced almonds last.
6. Assemble: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the almond streusel topping generously over the batter.
7. Bake: Place in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown and crunchy.
8. Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s the cool part-why these ingredients work together so well:

• Flour provides the structure thanks to gluten, but since this cake is tender, we don’t want too much gluten development. That’s why gentle mixing is key.
• Baking powder creates carbon dioxide bubbles that make the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft and slightly chewy.
• Almond extract vs. vanilla: Vanilla gives a warm, sweet base, while almond extract adds that distinctive nutty aroma that makes this cake special.
• Butter in the streusel: The cold butter lumps coat the flour and sugar, melting during baking and creating that perfect crumbly topping.
• Almonds contribute texture and a subtle, rich flavor full of healthy fats and protein, adding to both taste and nutrition.

Expert Tips

Because who doesn’t want their baking to come out perfect every single time?

• Don’t overmix your batter! Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
• Use fresh almond extract for the best flavor. It’s powerful stuff-don’t skimp!
• Cold butter in the streusel is crucial for the crumbly texture-warm butter will create a greasy topping instead.
• Toast your almonds before adding them to the topping for an even deeper flavor boost.
• Let it cool completely before slicing for neat pieces; warm cake can be crumbly.
• If you want an even more decadent cake, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract over the cooled cake.

Recipe Variations

Feel like switching it up? Here are some fun twists to personalize your almond coffee cake:

• Add fresh fruit: Blueberries or raspberries folded gently into the batter add a fresh pop.
• Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different nutty crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Add citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest in the batter gives a bright, fresh contrast to the rich almonds.
• Make it vegan: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter substitutes.
• Add a cream cheese swirl: Drop dollops of sweetened cream cheese into the batter before topping with streusel for extra richness.

Final Words

Baking this almond coffee cake is like wrapping yourself in a warm, nutty hug. The perfect blend of textures and flavors makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser and a personal delight. From the moment you start mixing to that first bite, it’s an experience filled with comforting aromas and satisfying crunch.

Whether you keep it simple or jazz it up with variations, this recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire. It’s more than just a cake – it’s a ritual, a slice of home, a reason to gather and celebrate the small moments.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For An Almond Coffee Cake?

To make an almond coffee cake, you’ll typically need ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, unsalted butter, ground almonds (or almond flour), vanilla extract, and sliced almonds for topping. You may also need a cinnamon-sugar mixture for the streusel, depending on the recipe.

Can I Make Almond Coffee Cake Without Eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs in an almond coffee cake with alternatives like applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed mixture. Each substitute will give a slightly different texture but will work to bind the ingredients together.

How Do I Make The Almond Flavor More Pronounced In The Coffee Cake?

To enhance the almond flavor, use almond extract in addition to the ground almonds. You can also sprinkle chopped almonds on top for a more intense almond taste and texture. Additionally, using almond flour instead of regular flour can deepen the flavor.

Can I Use Almond Meal Instead Of Ground Almonds In The Recipe?

Yes, you can use almond meal as a substitute for ground almonds in the recipe. Almond meal has a slightly coarser texture but will still provide the same rich almond flavor.

How Do I Make A Streusel Topping For Almond Coffee Cake?

To make a streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. You can add chopped almonds to the streusel for extra texture and flavor.

Can I Make Almond Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the almond coffee cake ahead of time. You can either make the batter and refrigerate it overnight or bake the cake and store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature until warm.

Is Almond Coffee Cake Suitable For People With Nut Allergies?

No, almond coffee cake is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies, as it contains almonds in both the batter and the topping. However, you can substitute the almonds with a nut-free alternative, such as sunflower seeds or oats, to make it allergy-friendly.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut In An Almond Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. The texture and flavor will change, but these nuts provide a similar crunch and depth of flavor.

How Do I Store Leftover Almond Coffee Cake?

To store leftover almond coffee cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to serve.

What Beverages Pair Well With Almond Coffee Cake?

Almond coffee cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. It’s often served with coffee or tea, especially a mild roast or herbal tea like chamomile. You can also enjoy it with a glass of milk or a light white wine for a more elegant touch.