Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, the charm of a freshly baked coffee cake! There’s something incredibly cozy and inviting about a warm slice of coffee cake paired with a steaming cup of your favorite brew. But let me tell you-when you add buttermilk into the mix, you elevate this classic treat to a whole new level of moistness, tang, and tenderness.

Buttermilk coffee cake isn’t just your average breakfast or snack; it’s a little slice of homemade happiness, perfect for weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or that comforting afternoon pick-me-up. Imagine biting into a crumbly, buttery cake with a cinnamon-spiced streusel topping that melts in your mouth-all made even richer and fluffier thanks to the magic of buttermilk.

This recipe is a celebration of texture, flavor, and that old-school kitchen goodness that feels like a warm hug in food form. Ready to bake? Let’s explore this classic, step-by-step!

Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipe

Before we get our hands messy, here’s the big picture of what you’re making: a soft, moist coffee cake layered with a spiced cinnamon crumb topping, all enhanced by the slight tang and richness that only buttermilk can bring.

This cake strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, crumbly and tender, with just the right hint of cinnamon warmth. The kind of cake that pairs beautifully with morning coffee, afternoon tea, or just a quiet moment on the porch.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s get everything lined up so you don’t have to scramble mid-bake:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is your go-to, providing structure without heaviness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses note to the crumb topping.
• Buttermilk: The star of the show-adds tanginess and tender crumb.
• Butter: Unsalted, softened butter for richness and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that help your cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: For warmth and depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon: The essential spice for the crumb topping’s signature warmth.
• Optional nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch in the streusel.

How To Make Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Alright, let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps, making sure you understand every move:

1. Preheat your oven: 350°F (175°C) is the magic number. Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the crumb topping: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and chopped nuts with softened butter until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy-this step traps air, giving you a light cake texture.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently-overmixing can make the cake tough.
7. Assemble: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the crumb topping, then add the rest of the batter, and finally top with the remaining crumb mixture.
8. Bake: For about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and keeps those crumbs intact.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a moment because understanding what happens inside the cake can totally improve your baking game:

• Buttermilk: It’s acidic, which reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, helping the cake rise and become fluffy. Plus, the acid breaks down gluten strands just enough to make the crumb tender without falling apart.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners create the air pockets in your cake. Baking powder contains acid already, so it acts alone, while baking soda needs the acid from buttermilk to activate.
• Butter: Its fat coats flour proteins, limiting gluten formation. This keeps your cake moist and tender.
• Sugar: Not just sweetener-sugar helps trap air when creamed with butter and tenderizes the crumb by interfering with gluten development.
• Eggs: They provide structure through proteins but also add moisture and richness.

Understanding these roles will make you less likely to make common mistakes, like overmixing or substituting key ingredients without adjusting the recipe.

Expert Tips

Alright, some insider secrets to get your buttermilk coffee cake just right:

• Use fresh buttermilk: The tangier, the better. If you don’t have it, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Don’t overmix your batter: Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense, rubbery cake.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temp for smooth blending and a uniform texture.
• Use a light hand on the crumb topping: It should be crumbly, not doughy. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
• Check your oven temperature: Oven temps vary! Start checking your cake around 35 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tweaks and twists to make this cake your own:

• Fruit add-ins: Toss in fresh blueberries or chopped apples for a fruity surprise.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb topping for a different flavor profile.
• Glaze finish: Drizzle a simple vanilla or lemon glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine.
• Nut-free: Skip nuts if you have allergies, or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend, but add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure.

Final Words

Baking buttermilk coffee cake isn’t just about making a tasty dessert-it’s about creating moments. Whether it’s the smell wafting through your kitchen or the smiles when you share it with loved ones, this cake carries warmth and comfort in every crumb. It’s approachable, flexible, and downright delicious, making it a perfect recipe to keep in your baking repertoire.

FAQs

What Is A Buttermilk Coffee Cake?

Buttermilk coffee cake is a type of cake that is typically served as a breakfast or snack item. It is made with buttermilk, which helps to create a moist and tender crumb. The cake is often flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or fruit and is usually topped with a crumbly streusel topping.

Can I Substitute Regular Milk For Buttermilk In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

While regular milk can be used as a substitute for buttermilk, the flavor and texture may not be the same. To make a buttermilk substitute, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Why Is Buttermilk Used In Coffee Cake?

Buttermilk is used in coffee cakes to add moisture and tenderness. Its acidity also helps activate baking soda, which results in a lighter and fluffier texture. Additionally, it adds a subtle tanginess to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Can I Make The Streusel Topping In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the streusel topping in advance. Simply mix the dry ingredients, then cut in the butter until crumbly. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it on the cake.

How Can I Make My Buttermilk Coffee Cake More Flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your buttermilk coffee cake, try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter. You can also fold in fruits like blueberries, apples, or raspberries, or even add a swirl of cinnamon sugar into the cake for extra flavor.

What Can I Use As A Gluten-free Alternative For Flour In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend that is specifically designed for baking as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or guar gum to provide the necessary structure. You may also need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly, as gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently.

Can I Freeze Buttermilk Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze buttermilk coffee cake. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

How Do I Know When My Buttermilk Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

To check if your buttermilk coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Additionally, the edges of the cake should begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Can I Make Buttermilk Coffee Cake Without Eggs?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk coffee cake without eggs by using egg substitutes such as unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer. These substitutes will help provide moisture and binding to the cake batter.

What Should I Serve With Buttermilk Coffee Cake?

Buttermilk coffee cake is often enjoyed with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of icing, or a side of fresh fruit for added flavor and texture.