Coffee Cake Ina Garten Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake-one of those magical treats that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or tea, but honestly, it’s so good it works any time of day. And when you add Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, into the mix, you know you’re in for a delightfully simple yet decadent treat. Ina’s recipes are famously reliable, straightforward, and always bursting with flavor.

This coffee cake isn’t just your average crumbly, sweet breakfast snack. It’s a tender, moist, buttery cake layered with a cinnamon-sugar streusel that’s got just the right amount of crunch and gooeyness. The kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug and that has everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Coffee Cake Ina Garten Recipe

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of what makes Ina Garten’s coffee cake so special:

• Rich buttery cake base – soft and tender crumb.
• Generous cinnamon-sugar streusel – the perfect balance of sweet and spiced crunch.
• Vanilla and sour cream magic – giving moisture and depth to the cake.
• Simple yet elegant – great for everyday mornings or special brunches.

Ina’s genius lies in taking a classic coffee cake and making it approachable but utterly irresistible.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk ingredients – and why each one is so important here:

• All-purpose flour – the backbone of the cake, providing structure.
• Baking powder & baking soda – leavening agents to help the cake rise fluffy and light.
• Salt – enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Unsalted butter – loads of rich, creamy butter for tenderness and flavor.
• Granulated sugar – sweetness in the batter.
• Brown sugar – for the streusel topping, bringing moistness and that deep caramel flavor.
• Eggs – provide structure and richness.
• Sour cream – adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the cake from drying out.
• Vanilla extract – for warmth and a subtle aromatic depth.
• Ground cinnamon – essential for that classic coffee cake spice in the streusel.
• Optional: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – for extra texture in the topping.

These ingredients combine to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and aroma.

How To Make Coffee Cake Ina Garten

Ready for the step-by-step? Here’s the full process, broken down into friendly chunks:

1. Preheat & prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the streusel: Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and chopped nuts (if using). Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly and sandy. Set aside.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
4. Cream butter & sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is key for that tender cake texture.
5. Add eggs & vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet & dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix or your cake will be tough!
7. Layer the batter and streusel: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half the streusel evenly on top. Add the remaining batter and finish with the remaining streusel.
8. Bake: Pop it in the oven for about 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool & serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a hot cup of coffee.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

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

• Sour cream: It’s not just for tang! Sour cream adds fat and acidity, which tenderizes the gluten network in flour, giving the cake a moist, soft crumb. Plus, its acidity reacts with baking soda to create lift.
• Butter vs. oil: Butter brings flavor and richness that oil just can’t match. It also helps create that delicate crumb structure through the creaming process with sugar, which traps air.
• Brown sugar in streusel: The molasses content in brown sugar adds moisture and depth to the topping, keeping it chewy yet crunchy.
• Baking powder + baking soda combo: Baking powder works in the oven to produce gas bubbles, while baking soda reacts immediately with the acid (from sour cream), giving an initial rise.

Understanding these details helps you tweak the recipe or troubleshoot if your cake ever turns out dry or flat.

Expert Tips

Want to nail this recipe every single time? Here are some insider tips:

• Room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temp to ensure proper mixing and aeration.
• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined – overmixing develops gluten and results in a tougher cake.
• Use a springform pan: Makes removing the cake easier and prettier.
• Chill streusel butter: Cold butter ensures a crumbly texture instead of greasy.
• Test for doneness early: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Let it cool before slicing: This helps the cake set, making it easier to cut and serve neat slices.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some delicious twists to try:

• Add fresh fruit: Blueberries or diced apples mixed into the batter add juiciness and a fresh burst of flavor.
• Swap nuts: Use pecans, walnuts, or even almonds in the streusel for different textures and tastes.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze with lemon juice or vanilla for extra sweetness.
• Pumpkin spice twist: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices in the batter for a seasonal spin.
• Chocolate chip streusel: Toss mini chocolate chips in the streusel for a melty, chocolaty surprise.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg substitute, and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly morning, or the perfect centerpiece for a brunch with friends. It’s approachable for home bakers yet rich enough to impress guests. The balance of tender cake and crunchy cinnamon streusel is a classic combo that never gets old.

And here’s the best part: with just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you’re rewarded with that cozy homemade comfort food feeling that keeps everyone coming back for more.

FAQs

What Is Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake Recipe Known For?

Ina Garten’s coffee cake recipe is famous for its moist, buttery crumb, a tender sour cream-based batter, and a rich cinnamon-sugar streusel that adds texture and warmth. It’s often praised for being both comforting and elegant enough for special occasions.

What Ingredients Are Essential For Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake?

The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, sour cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional chopped pecans or walnuts for the streusel.

Does Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake Require Sour Cream?

Yes. Sour cream is an essential component in Ina Garten’s coffee cake because it provides moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

Can I Make Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes. You can bake the coffee cake a day ahead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature. It also freezes well when wrapped and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What Size Baking Pan Should I Use For Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake?

Ina Garten’s version typically uses a 9×13-inch baking pan, which ensures even baking and allows for a generous layer of streusel.

How Do I Prevent The Streusel From Sinking Into The Batter?

Ensure your batter is thick enough to support the streusel, and sprinkle it evenly over the top rather than mixing it in. Ina’s method often involves layering some streusel in the middle and the rest on top.

Is Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake Suitable For Beginners?

Yes. Although it has multiple components (batter and streusel), the steps are straightforward, making it a beginner-friendly recipe that yields professional-quality results.

Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt For Sour Cream In Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake?

Yes. Full-fat Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in equal amounts, though the flavor will be slightly less rich and tangy.

How Should I Serve Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake?

It’s best served slightly warm or at room temperature, alongside coffee or tea. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a polished finish.

Does Ina Garten Include Nuts In Her Coffee Cake Recipe?

Nuts are optional in Ina Garten’s coffee cake. She often suggests pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor in the streusel layer, but the recipe works perfectly without them.