Holiday Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts and holiday lovers! There’s something truly magical about the smell of a freshly baked coffee cake wafting through your kitchen, especially during the festive season. Holiday coffee cake is like a warm hug in dessert form – a perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and buttery goodness that pairs beautifully with a cozy cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your jam).

Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, bringing a dish to a holiday party, or just craving a comforting treat to savor on a chilly morning, this coffee cake recipe will become your new go-to. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests – trust me, they’ll be asking for the recipe! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful holiday baking adventure.

Holiday Coffee Cake Recipe

Imagine a tender, buttery cake layered with cinnamon-sugar swirls and topped with a crunchy, crumbly streusel – that’s the essence of this holiday coffee cake. It’s the perfect marriage of soft and crunchy textures, enriched with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that evoke holiday cheer with every bite.

This recipe is all about comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of festive flair. You’ll get that classic coffee cake crumb texture that melts in your mouth, and the aroma will have your whole house smelling like a holiday bakery.

Ingredients Needed

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – because the magic happens here! Here’s everything you’ll need for this show-stopping holiday coffee cake:

• All-purpose flour – The backbone of our cake; provides structure and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Brown sugar – For that rich, caramel-like depth in the streusel topping.
• Baking powder & baking soda – The dynamic duo that makes your cake rise beautifully.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – The star spice of the season; warm and fragrant.
• Ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle nutty warmth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Unsalted butter – Both melted and softened butter; brings richness and moistness.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract – For that sweet, aromatic flavor boost.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
• Milk – Adds moisture to the batter.
• Optional nuts (pecans or walnuts) – For an extra crunch in the streusel or topping.

How To Make Holiday Coffee Cake

Alright, here’s where the fun begins! I’ll walk you through each step so you feel confident and excited:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch round or square baking pan.
   • Measure and sift your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

2. Make The Streusel Topping

   • In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and chopped nuts if using.
   • Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Mix The Batter

   • In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in vanilla extract.
   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) along with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

4. Assemble The Cake

   • Pour half the batter into your prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter.
   • Pour the remaining batter on top, then finish with the remaining streusel.

5. Bake And Enjoy

   • Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a second because understanding what each ingredient does is key to baking like a pro!

• Flour: The proteins in flour form gluten when mixed with wet ingredients. Gluten gives the cake its structure but too much can make it tough. That’s why gentle mixing is crucial.
• Leaveners (baking powder & baking soda): These react with moisture and heat to release carbon dioxide bubbles, helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Butter: It coats flour proteins, limiting gluten formation for tenderness, and adds richness and flavor.
• Sugar: Not only sweetens, but also helps retain moisture and create a tender crumb through caramelization.
• Sour cream/Yogurt: Their acidity tenderizes the cake by breaking down gluten strands, plus they add moisture and subtle tang.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for holiday vibes, releasing fragrant oils that activate our senses and enhance the experience of the cake.

Expert Tips

Want to take this coffee cake from good to spectacular? Here are some insider tips:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure eggs, butter, and dairy are at room temp for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter develops too much gluten, making the cake dense and tough.
• Streusel texture: Use cold butter for the streusel topping and work it in quickly with a pastry cutter or your fingers to keep it crumbly.
• Add fruit: Toss dried cranberries or chopped apples into the batter for bursts of holiday flavor.
• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. It also freezes well!

Recipe Variations

Because variety is the spice of life, right? Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal spin.
• Chocolate Chip Streusel: Mix mini chocolate chips into the streusel topping for an extra indulgent crunch.
• Glazed Coffee Cake: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla) over the cooled cake for a shiny finish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep an eye on moisture – you might need to tweak sour cream or milk slightly.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs, plant-based yogurt, and vegan butter alternatives to keep it plant-friendly.

Final Words

Baking this holiday coffee cake is more than just creating a dessert – it’s about creating memories, filling your home with warmth, and sharing love through food. The joy you’ll feel pulling that golden, cinnamon-swirled cake from the oven and seeing everyone’s happy faces? Priceless. Plus, you get to enjoy that glorious first bite – rich, tender, sweet with a hint of spice, and just the right amount of crumbly crunch.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Typically Used In A Holiday Coffee Cake Recipe?

A holiday coffee cake recipe usually includes flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, eggs, milk or sour cream, vanilla extract, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. It often features a streusel topping made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, and sometimes incorporates seasonal additions like cranberries, pumpkin, or apples.

Can I Make A Holiday Coffee Cake Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, holiday coffee cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld and often improves the texture. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze the cake, making sure to wrap it well to prevent drying out.

What Variations Can I Try In A Holiday Coffee Cake Recipe?

Common variations include adding fresh or dried fruit such as cranberries, apples, or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. You can also swap the streusel topping with nuts like pecans or walnuts, add a glaze or cream cheese frosting, or incorporate spices like cloves, ginger, or allspice for extra holiday flavor.

How Do I Achieve A Moist And Tender Holiday Coffee Cake?

To ensure a moist and tender cake, use ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk which add moisture and acidity. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent gluten development, and carefully measure your flour. Baking the cake just until a toothpick comes out clean will prevent dryness.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Holiday Coffee Cake?

Store leftover holiday coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake at room temperature before serving.

Can I Make A Holiday Coffee Cake Recipe Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free holiday coffee cake by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to include xanthan gum if it’s not already in the blend to help with texture and structure.

Is It Possible To Make A Holiday Coffee Cake Vegan?

A vegan holiday coffee cake can be made by replacing dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives. Use plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk), vegan butter or oil, and an egg substitute such as flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce. Ensure all other ingredients like sugar are vegan-friendly.

What Type Of Pan Is Best For Baking Holiday Coffee Cake?

Holiday coffee cake is commonly baked in a round or square cake pan, typically 8×8 or 9×9 inches. Bundt pans are also popular for a decorative look. Use a pan size specified in the recipe to ensure proper baking time and texture.

How Can I Make My Holiday Coffee Cake Look Festive?

To make your holiday coffee cake festive, add colorful ingredients like cranberries or chopped nuts on top before baking, dust with powdered sugar after cooling, drizzle with a glaze or icing, or decorate with edible holiday-themed sprinkles. Using a bundt pan or layering with frosting also enhances presentation.

What Beverages Pair Well With Holiday Coffee Cake?

Holiday coffee cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, as the name suggests, including flavored coffees like cinnamon or vanilla. It also complements tea varieties such as chai or spiced black tea, hot chocolate, or even mulled wine, enhancing the cozy holiday experience.