Christmas Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, holiday baking enthusiast! Are you ready to fill your home with the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery goodness? There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas coffee cake. It’s that perfect treat that pairs effortlessly with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite morning coffee, making your winter mornings (or afternoons, or evenings – no judgment here!) feel like a celebration.

This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s tradition wrapped in a crumbly, soft, buttery hug. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, looking for a sweet gift idea, or just craving a slice of holiday cheer, this Christmas Coffee Cake will quickly become your go-to. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking!

Christmas Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is a delightful balance of tender cake layers with a rich, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping that’s both sweet and slightly crunchy. Imagine biting into soft, moist cake with pockets of cinnamon sugar and little bursts of festive flavor in every bite. Oh, and did I mention the drizzle? We’ll add a simple glaze that makes the whole thing shimmer like a snowy winter morning.

Here’s a sneak peek at the experience:

• A tender, buttery crumb cake base.
• A generous swirl of cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts.
• A crunchy topping that adds texture and depth.
• A sweet, vanilla glaze to finish it all off.

Ingredients Needed

To get started, you’ll want to gather these ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard to find – just classic baking staples with a couple of festive additions:

For The Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (the backbone of any great cake!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetness, duh)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture)
• 1 cup sour cream (keeps the cake moist and tender)
• 2 large eggs (binder and fluff booster)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (because vanilla = magic)
• 1 tsp baking powder (for rise)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (helps with leavening and texture)
• 1/2 tsp salt (balances the sweetness)

For The Cinnamon Crumb Topping

• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed for that deep caramel flavor)
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon (the holiday spice superstar)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (adds crunch and nuttiness)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (to bind the topping)

For The Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar (for that silky smooth sweetness)
• 2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired glaze consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (to keep that warm flavor running through)

How To Make Christmas Coffee Cake

Ready for the step-by-step? Let’s make this happen, folks:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry cake ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-5 minutes – patience pays off!
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate sour cream and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – overmixing can toughen your cake.
6. Prepare the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and melted butter. Stir until it resembles wet sand.
7. Assemble the cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly in your pan. Sprinkle half the crumb topping over the batter. Spread the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the crumb topping.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Make the glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Cool and drizzle: Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm cake for that beautiful shiny finish.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Ever wonder why sour cream is a secret weapon in coffee cakes? It’s all about moisture and texture! Sour cream’s acidity tenderizes the gluten in flour, making the cake incredibly soft and moist. Plus, its fat content adds richness without making the cake greasy.

The combination of baking powder and baking soda is another smart move here:

• Baking powder works as a complete leavening agent, releasing carbon dioxide bubbles to lift the cake.
• Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream, creating an immediate lift and a tender crumb.

And cinnamon? Beyond its festive flavor, it contains natural oils that add aromatic warmth, and studies even suggest it may have antioxidant properties. Bonus!

Expert Tips

• Room temperature ingredients: Always make sure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temp. It helps them blend smoothly and traps air for fluffiness.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can activate gluten too much, making the cake tough.
• Chop nuts evenly: This helps them toast evenly in the oven and provides a consistent crunch.
• Use fresh cinnamon: Ground cinnamon loses its punch over time. Freshly ground cinnamon will make your cake smell like Christmas itself.
• Let it cool before glazing: If the cake is too hot, the glaze will melt and disappear. Cool just enough to keep the drizzle pretty.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to tweak this Christmas Coffee Cake:

• Add dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries: For a tart contrast that pops.
• Swap pecans for toasted almonds or hazelnuts: Change the crunch and flavor profile.
• Stir in orange zest: Adds a bright citrus note perfect for the holidays.
• Make it chocolatey: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use chocolate chips in the crumb topping.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the crumb topping for a spicier kick.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Final Words

This Christmas Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition waiting to happen. The melding of tender cake and crunchy cinnamon-nut topping with a luscious glaze creates an experience that warms both heart and home. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just indulging in a quiet moment with a mug of your favorite holiday drink.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Any fun variations, secret tips, or cozy memories tied to it? Let’s chat about your baking adventures!

FAQs

What Is A Christmas Coffee Cake?

A Christmas coffee cake is a festive, often spiced, cake typically served during the holiday season. It is commonly made with a combination of cinnamon, nuts, and fruits like cranberries or apples, and is designed to be paired with coffee or tea. The cake is often topped with a streusel topping or glaze for extra flavor.

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Christmas Coffee Cake?

The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, butter, sour cream or yogurt, baking powder, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Many recipes also call for additions like walnuts, pecans, cranberries, or apples to add flavor and texture. A streusel topping typically consists of butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Can I Make A Christmas Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, Christmas coffee cake can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze it and then thaw it at room temperature before serving.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For The Cake?

To make a streusel topping, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a fork to combine until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the batter before baking to create a sweet, crunchy topping.

What Can I Substitute For Sour Cream In A Christmas Coffee Cake Recipe?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk. For a dairy-free option, try using a non-dairy yogurt like coconut or almond milk yogurt.

Can I Make A Gluten-free Christmas Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free Christmas coffee cake by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the recipe for any additional adjustments, such as adding xanthan gum or guar gum to ensure the texture is just right.

How Do I Incorporate Fruits Like Cranberries Or Apples Into The Cake?

To add fruits like cranberries or apples, fold them gently into the batter after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. If using cranberries, you can lightly coat them in flour before adding them to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. For apples, dice them into small pieces and fold them into the batter.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Nuts?

Yes, you can make a nut-free version of Christmas coffee cake. Simply omit the nuts from the recipe or replace them with other ingredients such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even extra cinnamon for flavor.

What Type Of Pan Should I Use To Bake A Christmas Coffee Cake?

A 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan works well for baking a Christmas coffee cake. A bundt pan can also be used for a more festive look, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as bundt pans may require a longer bake time.

How Do I Know When The Christmas Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you’re using a bundt pan, it might take a bit longer, so check for doneness around 45-50 minutes.