Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Ah, cinnamon walnut coffee cake – just saying those words conjures up visions of a golden, tender cake with swirls of cinnamon sugar and crunchy toasted walnuts, perfect alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. This is more than just a breakfast treat; it’s comfort in cake form. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch, cozy up on a Sunday morning, or bake a thoughtful gift, this coffee cake is your go-to.

• Why coffee cake? It’s not just about the coffee flavor – it’s a cake designed to be enjoyed with coffee, often moist, lightly sweet, and bursting with a cinnamony, nutty crumb topping.
• The magic of cinnamon and walnuts: Cinnamon brings warmth and a subtle sweetness, while walnuts add an irresistible crunch and a bit of earthiness.
• Versatility: This cake is easy to tweak – more nuts, less sugar, add fruit – making it a fantastic baking project.

By the end of this recipe, you’ll have a cake that fills your kitchen with the best aromas and tastes like a slice of homemade heaven.

Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the full rundown of what you’ll be making – a moist, tender cake with a buttery cinnamon swirl and a crunchy walnut topping that’s utterly addictive.

• Texture: Soft crumb with a slightly crisp cinnamon sugar topping
• Flavor: Sweet, warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutty walnuts
• Occasions: Breakfast, brunch, dessert, coffee break treat

Ingredients Needed

Before you start whisking, gather these staples and a few special touches:

• Dry Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour (provides structure)
  • Baking powder & baking soda (for rise and lightness)
  • Salt (enhances all the flavors)

• Wet Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter (room temperature – adds richness and moisture)
  • Granulated sugar (sweetness and tender crumb)
  • Brown sugar (for a deeper, caramel note)
  • Eggs (binds and provides structure)
  • Vanilla extract (aromatic flavor booster)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (moisture and slight tang, balancing sweetness)

• Cinnamon Swirl

  • Ground cinnamon (the star spice!)
  • Brown sugar (for gooey sweetness)

• Topping

  • Chopped walnuts (toasted for max crunch and flavor)

Optional but awesome:

• A pinch of nutmeg for added spice depth
• Powdered sugar glaze for drizzling

How To Make Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake

Let’s break it down step-by-step, so you don’t miss a beat:

1. Prep Your Oven And Pan

   • Preheat to 350°F (175°C)
   • Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or line with parchment

2. Make The Dry Mix

   • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl

3. Cream Butter And Sugars

   • Using a mixer, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy – this step is crucial for a tender crumb!

4. Add Eggs And Vanilla

   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients And Sour Cream

   • Alternately add dry ingredients and sour cream (start and end with dry), mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter

6. Make Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

   • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon (and a pinch of nutmeg if using)

7. Assemble The Cake

   • Pour half the batter into the pan
   • Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar and walnuts over it
   • Add remaining batter on top
   • Finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar and walnuts, swirling lightly with a knife for a marbled effect

8. Bake

   • About 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay)

9. Cool And Serve

   • Let cool slightly before slicing, or wait until room temperature
   • Optional: drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a moment on why these ingredients do what they do:

• Butter & Sugar Creaming: Creaming butter and sugar traps air, creating a fluffy texture and tender crumb.
• Sour cream/Yogurt: Adds moisture and acidity, which reacts with baking soda for lift and contributes to a tender crumb.
• Baking powder & soda: Baking powder provides a double-acting lift (once when wet, once when heated), baking soda neutralizes acid and adds extra rise.
• Cinnamon: Contains cinnamaldehyde, which gives it that signature warm and spicy aroma. It’s more than flavor – it has antimicrobial properties too.
• Walnuts: Beyond crunch, walnuts add healthy fats, subtle bitterness that balances sweetness, and textural contrast.

Expert Tips

To take your coffee cake from good to unforgettable, keep these in mind:

• Room temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs blend better, ensuring a uniform batter.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter develops gluten, making the cake tough.
• Toast walnuts: Toasting enhances flavor and crunch – 5-7 minutes in a 350°F oven or dry skillet does the trick.
• Swirl gently: Use a knife to create cinnamon swirls but don’t overdo it – you want pretty layers, not a fully mixed batter.
• Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; moist crumbs are okay, but no raw batter.
• Let cool: Coffee cake tastes best when it’s cooled enough to slice cleanly but still slightly warm.

Recipe Variations

Want to play around? Here are some ideas:

• Fruit additions: Toss in blueberries, chopped apples, or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Nut swap: Substitute pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different crunch profile.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend (just adjust liquid as needed).
• Vegan version: Use flax eggs, coconut oil or vegan butter, and a plant-based yogurt alternative.
• Spice it up: Add cardamom, cloves, or ginger to the cinnamon mix for extra warmth.
• Glaze: Drizzle with cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze for added indulgence.

Final Words

This Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cozy ritual, a way to bring warmth and sweetness into your day. The interplay of cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and tender cake creates a sensory experience that feels like a hug in every bite. Perfect for gifting or enjoying solo, it’s simple enough for beginners but can be jazzed up by seasoned bakers.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake?

To make cinnamon walnut coffee cake, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, eggs, sour cream or buttermilk, butter, and vanilla extract. Optionally, you can add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut Instead Of Walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. Just make sure to chop them coarsely so they mix evenly into the cake.

Can I Make The Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, such as the baking powder and vanilla extract.

How Can I Make The Coffee Cake Less Sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can lower the amount of sugar in both the batter and the cinnamon-sugar swirl. You can also use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit if you’re looking for a low-sugar version.

Can I Prepare The Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance. You can either refrigerate the batter for up to a day before baking or bake the cake and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Why Is My Coffee Cake Too Dense?

If your coffee cake is dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter, which activates the gluten and results in a heavy texture. To prevent this, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Also, check your leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) to ensure they’re fresh.

Can I Add A Glaze To The Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the top of the coffee cake for added sweetness. A glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or cream cheese frosting, would complement the cake’s flavor well.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake?

The baking time for cinnamon walnut coffee cake typically ranges from 40 to 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on your oven and the size of the pan. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake-if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I Make This Recipe Into Muffins Instead Of A Cake?

Yes, you can easily turn this recipe into muffins. Simply divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.

What Is The Best Way To Store Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake?

Store your cinnamon walnut coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it for longer, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to 3 months.