German Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, German Coffee Cake – if there’s a baked good that feels like a warm hug and a cozy Sunday morning all wrapped into one, it’s this cake! But don’t be fooled by the name; despite what it sounds like, German Coffee Cake isn’t really a cake you dunk in coffee (although it pairs perfectly with your morning brew). It’s actually more of a moist, tender coffee crumb cake with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that makes every bite a little celebration.

This treat has roots that stretch back to German settlers in America, who brought with them the tradition of coffee cakes enjoyed during leisurely afternoons. The beauty of German Coffee Cake lies in its simplicity yet decadent texture – fluffy cake base paired with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar crumb topping that melts in your mouth. It’s a slice of comfort and nostalgia, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Ready to impress your friends, family, or just yourself? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of making this classic!

German Coffee Cake Recipe

At its core, German Coffee Cake is a combination of a buttery, tender cake base and a generous streusel topping made of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. The magic happens when you bake these elements together – the cake rises fluffy and moist while the topping crisps up beautifully.

Here’s A Straightforward, Classic Recipe To Get You Started

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Serves: 8-10 slices

Ingredients Needed

To create the perfect German Coffee Cake, you’ll want to gather some simple pantry staples and a few special ingredients. Each plays a role in making the cake irresistible:

• For The Cake

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for structure and tenderness)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (helps the cake rise and be light)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (adds lift and slight browning)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (balances sweetness)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (the richness and moisture factor)
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (sweetness and moisture)
  • 2 large eggs (bind everything and add moisture)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (depth of flavor)
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (adds tang, moisture, and tenderness)

• For The Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (for that caramelized sweetness)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (adds crunch and nuttiness)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (warm spice that defines the topping)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (binds the topping and crisps it)

How To Make German Coffee Cake

Alright, here’s where the fun begins! Making this cake is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps carefully:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour an 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients for the cake: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale (about 3-5 minutes). This step is crucial for the cake’s texture.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate sour cream: Blend in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix – you want to keep the cake tender!
7. Prepare streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed and crumbly.
8. Assemble: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

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

• Butter: Butter’s fat coats the flour proteins, limiting gluten development and creating a tender crumb. It also adds flavor and richness.
• Sour Cream: The acidity in sour cream reacts with baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise and stay moist. Plus, it adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Baking powder contains both acid and base, producing lift when moistened and heated. Baking soda needs an acid (sour cream) to activate – this duo ensures the cake is light and airy.
• Brown Sugar: Because it contains molasses, brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor compared to white sugar, especially in the streusel.
• Nuts: Beyond crunch, nuts bring natural oils and texture contrast that make each bite interesting.
• Cinnamon: It’s not just flavor – cinnamon has antioxidant properties and adds that warm spice that makes this cake comforting and aromatic.

Expert Tips

Ready for some pro-level advice that will elevate your German Coffee Cake game?

• Don’t skip the sour cream: It’s the secret to the cake’s moist and tender texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly and traps air for a lighter cake.
• Toast your nuts: Briefly toasting the pecans or walnuts before adding them to the streusel intensifies their flavor.
• Mix streusel by hand: This helps you control the texture – you want crumbly, not paste-like.
• Let the cake cool slightly: Cutting too hot can cause it to crumble, but serve it warm for ultimate comfort.
• Use a light hand mixing flour: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some fun spins on the classic German Coffee Cake:

• Fruit Addition: Toss fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter or streusel for a chocolatey surprise.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adding a bit more moisture.
• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the streusel for a more complex spice profile.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and coconut yogurt or plant-based sour cream alternatives.

Final Words

There’s something undeniably special about German Coffee Cake. It’s simple enough for a weeknight baking project yet impressive enough to bring out at brunches or holiday gatherings. Its texture is a perfect balance between soft cake and crunchy topping – a harmony of flavors and mouthfeels that comforts and delights.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this cake is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with satisfaction.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Traditional German Coffee Cake?

A traditional German coffee cake typically requires ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, yeast, milk, and a pinch of salt. Some versions may include cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a crumbly streusel topping made with butter, flour, and sugar.

Is A German Coffee Cake The Same As A Regular Coffee Cake?

While both cakes are often served with coffee, a German coffee cake, or “Kaffee Kuchen”, typically has a yeast-based dough, resulting in a softer, slightly sweeter texture compared to the American coffee cake, which is often made with baking powder and has a crumbly topping.

Can I Make A German Coffee Cake Without Yeast?

While the traditional German coffee cake uses yeast for a light, airy texture, you can substitute the yeast with baking powder for a quicker, non-yeast version. However, the flavor and texture will be different, with a denser crumb.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For German Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping for German coffee cake, combine equal parts flour, sugar, and butter, then mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Some recipes may include cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flavor and crunch.

Can I Add Fruit To My German Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can add fruit like apples, raisins, or cherries to your German coffee cake for extra flavor. Typically, fruit is mixed into the batter or used as a filling before the cake is baked.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare A German Coffee Cake?

Preparation time for a German coffee cake can vary depending on the recipe. On average, it takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. Baking time is usually around 30-40 minutes.

What Is The Best Way To Serve German Coffee Cake?

German coffee cake is best served warm or at room temperature, often dusted with powdered sugar. It’s traditionally paired with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great choice for brunch or a light dessert.

Can I Make A German Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to a month, then thaw it before serving.

Why Is My German Coffee Cake Dough Too Sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, it may be due to too much liquid or not enough flour. Try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a smooth, elastic consistency. Ensure you’re measuring the ingredients correctly.

What Can I Substitute For Butter In A German Coffee Cake Recipe?

You can substitute butter with alternatives like vegetable oil, margarine, or unsweetened applesauce. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.