Coffee Cake Paula Deen Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re someone who loves waking up to the smell of something warm, buttery, and sweet wafting through the kitchen, then you’re in for a real treat today. Coffee cake isn’t just a dessert-it’s a cozy hug in baked form, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

And when it comes to Southern comfort food, Paula Deen’s coffee cake recipe is absolutely iconic. Known for her rich, indulgent, and utterly delicious dishes, Paula has crafted a coffee cake that’s tender, flavorful, and speckled with a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl and a crumbly streusel topping. Trust me, this cake is one of those recipes that everyone keeps coming back for-whether you’re an experienced baker or just a kitchen newbie.

So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a coffee cake that tastes like it was made in a Southern grandma’s kitchen. I’m here to walk you through every single step, from the ingredients to the science behind them, to tips that will make your cake rise like a pro!

Coffee Cake Paula Deen Recipe

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill coffee cake. Paula’s version brings together:

• A tender, buttery cake base that melts in your mouth.
• A generous swirl of cinnamon, sugar, and chopped pecans or walnuts for that perfect crunchy contrast.
• A crumb topping (streusel) that adds a golden, crispy finish.
• Just enough sweetness to pair perfectly with your morning brew without overpowering it.

The cake has just the right texture-moist but not soggy, fluffy but with a delightful crumb. It’s truly a multi-layered delight that balances sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors with that warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon.

Ingredients Needed

Before we jump in, here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand. Paula’s recipe uses classic pantry staples, but the quality of some ingredients will make a noticeable difference:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, giving it structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that make the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Butter (unsalted): For richness and moisture. Paula often recommends high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s texture.
• Sour cream or buttermilk: Adds moisture and acidity, making the cake tender and slightly tangy.
• Vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness.

For The Filling And Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives coffee cake its classic flavor.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: For that crunch and nutty aroma.
• Butter (melted or softened): Binds the streusel and adds buttery goodness.

Optional:

• Powdered sugar glaze (for drizzling after baking, if you want an extra touch of sweetness and presentation flair).

How To Make Coffee Cake Paula Deen

Alright, time to get those hands floury! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to make sure your coffee cake turns out just like Paula’s:

1. Prep your pan: Grease and flour a bundt or 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, making your cake lighter.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually mix the flour mixture and sour cream into the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. This helps maintain a tender crumb.
6. Prepare the cinnamon sugar swirl: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts.
7. Layering magic: Spread half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture, then repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.
8. Top with streusel: Mix together the streusel topping ingredients and sprinkle it over the top.
9. Bake: Pop it into a preheated oven (usually around 350°F / 175°C) and bake for about 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Cool and enjoy: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Optionally, drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze for that bakery finish.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Now, let’s geek out for a minute-because understanding why ingredients do what they do can make your baking so much better:

• Butter: When creamed with sugar, butter traps tiny air bubbles, which help your cake rise. It also adds moisture and richness.
• Baking powder vs. baking soda: Baking powder contains acid and base components, so it activates twice (once when wet, once in heat). Baking soda needs an acid (like sour cream) to activate, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that lighten the cake.
• Sour cream: The acidity tenderizes gluten strands in the flour, resulting in a softer crumb, and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Contains molasses, which adds moisture and depth of flavor to the streusel topping.
• Nuts: Besides texture, nuts add fat and protein that contribute to the overall mouthfeel and flavor complexity.

Expert Tips

Here are some insider secrets and Paula-inspired tips to make your coffee cake next-level amazing:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake.
• Toast your nuts: Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Layer evenly: To get a perfect cinnamon swirl, spread batter and filling carefully-this gives those beautiful layers when sliced.
• Check doneness early: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake around 35 minutes to avoid drying out.
• Let it cool: Coffee cake is best enjoyed slightly warm, but cooling lets it set perfectly for clean slices.

Recipe Variations

Feel like experimenting? Paula’s coffee cake is a fantastic base for a bunch of creative twists:

• Fruit additions: Toss in fresh blueberries or chopped apples for bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to keep it accessible for everyone.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to the cinnamon swirl for a warming spice profile.
• Vegan swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs instead of real eggs, and plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Chocolate lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar swirl for a sweet surprise.
• Caramel drizzle: Finish with warm caramel sauce instead of glaze for an ultra-rich treat.

Final Words

Honestly, this Paula Deen coffee cake is one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell like happiness and your taste buds sing. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a casual weekend morning, or just to impress your friends and family, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Remember, the beauty of coffee cake is its simplicity paired with comforting flavors and textures. With a little patience and love, you’ll have a golden-brown masterpiece that’s crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar magic.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake Recipe?

The main ingredients in Paula Deen’s coffee cake recipe include all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, baking powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. The streusel topping is made with a combination of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Something Else In Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk. However, sour cream contributes to a moist and tender texture, so these substitutes may slightly alter the cake’s consistency.

Is Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake Recipe Suitable For Beginners?

Yes, Paula Deen’s coffee cake recipe is relatively simple and beginner-friendly. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are common and easy to find. The only challenge may be ensuring the streusel topping is crumbly and evenly distributed.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping for Paula Deen’s coffee cake, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter before baking. This creates a sweet, crunchy layer on top of the cake.

Can I Make Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make Paula Deen’s coffee cake ahead of time. The cake can be baked, cooled, and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage, up to 3 months.

How Long Should I Bake Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake?

Paula Deen’s coffee cake typically takes about 40-45 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). However, baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the pan. It’s best to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Can I Add Nuts To Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can add nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to Paula Deen’s coffee cake recipe. Add them to the batter or sprinkle them on top with the streusel. Nuts add a crunchy texture and enhance the flavor.

Is Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake Recipe Gluten-free?

No, Paula Deen’s coffee cake recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure to also check the other ingredients for gluten content.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Sugar In Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar in Paula Deen’s coffee cake recipe. For example, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. Keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste of the cake.

What Is The Best Way To Serve Paula Deen’s Coffee Cake?

Paula Deen’s coffee cake is best served slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. It can be served as a breakfast treat, a brunch item, or a snack. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze for added sweetness.