Coffee Cake Barefoot Contessa Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Alright, let’s talk coffee cake – but not just any coffee cake. We’re diving into the legendary Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake recipe, which is basically like a warm, buttery hug for your taste buds. If you’ve ever wondered why some coffee cakes make you swoon and others just… don’t, it’s because of the perfect marriage of textures, flavors, and that little touch of nostalgia.

This recipe comes from Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, who is basically the queen of home cooking that feels fancy but is totally doable. Her coffee cake is famous for being moist, tender, and layered with a buttery crumb topping and cinnamon sugar swirl that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, a cozy coffee break, or even a casual dessert, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get ready to make some magic!

Coffee Cake Barefoot Contessa Recipe

Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes this recipe so incredible before we break it down in detail:

• Texture: Light, moist cake with a golden, crumbly topping.
• Flavor: Classic cinnamon and brown sugar swirl with buttery richness.
• Prep time: About 15 minutes.
• Baking time: Around 45 minutes.
• Serving: Perfect with coffee (obviously!), tea, or even a glass of cold milk.

The end result? A coffee cake that’s crumbly yet tender, sweet but balanced, and downright addictive.

Ingredients Needed

Before we start, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make the Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake:

• For The Cake

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk

• For The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• For The Crumb Topping

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

These ingredients aren’t just random; each one plays a specific role that builds the cake’s wonderful texture and flavor. We’ll get into the science of that soon!

How To Make Coffee Cake Barefoot Contessa

Alright, ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s the step-by-step process to get you from a messy kitchen to coffee cake glory:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan – you want to make sure your cake doesn’t stick.

2. Make The Batter

   • Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix or your cake might get tough.

3. Assemble The Layers

   • Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
   • Spread the remaining batter on top.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top layer.

4. Make The Crumb Topping

   • Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
   • Stir in the melted butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
   • Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the cake.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly before serving. This cake is delicious warm, but also fantastic at room temp.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a little here because there’s some fascinating science behind why this cake turns out so amazing:

• Butter: Softened butter creamed with sugar traps air, creating a light, fluffy cake texture. It also adds richness and moisture.
• Sugar: The granulated sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the cake’s tenderness by interfering with gluten formation.
• Eggs: They provide structure and help the cake rise by trapping air bubbles.
• Baking powder: This is your leavening agent, creating carbon dioxide bubbles to help the cake rise and stay light.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve sugar and salt, contributing to even mixing.
• Cinnamon sugar swirl: The sugar melts slightly during baking, caramelizing with cinnamon to add a sweet, spicy contrast to the buttery cake.
• Crumb topping: The brown sugar brings a hint of molasses flavor, and when combined with butter and flour, it forms that irresistible crunchy, buttery topping.

Understanding these ingredients helps you appreciate how each one contributes to the final magic on your plate.

Expert Tips

To take this coffee cake from ’yum’ to ’oh my gosh, what is this perfection?,’ here are some pro tips:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temp to ensure smooth mixing and proper texture.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter activates gluten, which can make your cake dense and chewy – not what we want.
• Use fresh baking powder: It loses potency over time, so your cake won’t rise properly if it’s old.
• Grease your pan well: Use butter or non-stick spray, and even line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Let the cake rest: Allow it to cool slightly before cutting so the crumb topping sets and slices cleanly.
• Serve warm: For that ultimate cozy feeling, reheat leftovers for a few seconds in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists and turns you can take with this classic coffee cake:

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Fruit addition: Swirl in fresh or frozen blueberries or chopped apples with the cinnamon sugar for a fruity surprise.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze with lemon juice or vanilla extract over the cooled cake.
• Chocolate chip: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for a subtle chocolate note.
• Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix for a more complex spice profile.

Each variation lets you customize the cake to your mood or the season without losing that classic Barefoot Contessa charm.

Final Words

Coffee cake is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a moment of comfort, a bite of nostalgia, and a perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Ina Garten’s recipe nails the balance of simplicity and indulgence, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels while delivering big-time flavor.

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this coffee cake anytime you want a little slice of happiness – and trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen, too.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients Used In The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake Recipe?

The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts.

How Do You Make The Streusel Topping For The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake?

The streusel topping is made by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts (usually pecans or walnuts), and melted butter until crumbly. This mixture is sprinkled over the batter before baking to create a crunchy, sweet topping.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Another Ingredient In This Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche in equal amounts to maintain the moist texture and slight tanginess that sour cream provides.

What Is The Baking Temperature And Time For The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake?

The coffee cake is typically baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Is It Possible To Prepare The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake Recipe In Advance?

Yes, the batter can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Alternatively, the fully baked coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

What Type Of Nuts Are Recommended In The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake Recipe?

The recipe often uses chopped pecans, but walnuts are also a popular alternative that pairs well with the cinnamon and sugar.

Can This Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake Recipe Be Made Gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but additional binding agents like xanthan gum may be required to maintain texture.

What Makes The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake Moist And Flavorful?

The combination of sour cream, butter, and eggs in the batter ensures a rich, moist crumb, while the cinnamon-sugar streusel topping adds a sweet, crunchy contrast.

How Should The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake Be Stored To Maintain Freshness?

Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Can I Add Any Variations Or Mix-ins To The Barefoot Contessa Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can add fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the batter for added flavor, or incorporate chocolate chips or a glaze on top for extra sweetness.