Jewish Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, first things first: Jewish Coffee Cake isn’t just any coffee cake. It’s the coffee cake that’s been lovingly baked in Jewish households for generations, especially around Shabbat and holidays. Think of it as a tender, buttery, cinnamon-swirled cake topped with a crunchy, sweet streusel that practically sings when paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

• Why is it so beloved? Because it strikes the perfect balance between soft crumb and crunchy topping.
• Cultural roots: It’s not just a cake; it’s a tradition-comfort food that brings family and friends together.
• Mood it sets: Imagine cozy mornings, casual conversations, and the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen.

This cake is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by technique and love, making it perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet everyday treat.

Jewish Coffee Cake Recipe

Let’s dive right into the classic Jewish Coffee Cake recipe that will give you that perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and crumbly, sugary topping. You’ll want to keep this one bookmarked!

What You’re Going To Make

• A moist, buttery cake that’s tender enough to melt in your mouth.
• A crunchy cinnamon-sugar streusel topping that adds that irresistible texture and flavor.
• A subtle hint of vanilla and maybe even a splash of sour cream for richness.
• An aroma so divine, your neighbors might start knocking at your door.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the magic lineup of ingredients that make this coffee cake sing:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is your base for a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, and brown sugar is often used in the streusel for its molasses-rich depth.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents to help your cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors.
• Butter: Unsalted and cold for the cake, and sometimes melted for the streusel-this is your flavor powerhouse.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Sour cream or yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang that keeps the cake tender and flavorful.
• Vanilla extract: That warm, comforting aroma and taste.
• Cinnamon: A must-have in both the cake and the topping for that signature spice punch.
• Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), maybe some fresh fruit or raisins for an extra layer of yum.

How To Make Jewish Coffee Cake

Alright, let’s get hands-on! Here’s the step-by-step, but don’t worry-I’ll chat you through the tricky parts.

1. Preheat your oven: Around 350°F (175°C). You want an even, steady heat for that perfect bake.
2. Prepare the streusel: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour with cold butter cut into small pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it’s crumbly like coarse sand. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: Beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy-this traps air, giving you a tender cake.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
5. Mix dry ingredients separately: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream to your butter-sugar mix. Start and end with the flour for best texture.
7. Layer and swirl: Pour half of the batter into your greased pan. Sprinkle half the streusel. Add the rest of the batter and top with the remaining streusel. For a fun twist, swirl a knife gently to create cinnamon ribbons.
8. Bake: About 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (watch carefully near the end).
9. Cool and enjoy: Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a minute and talk about why this cake works so well:

• Butter: Solid fats like butter create pockets of air during creaming with sugar, giving the cake its tender crumb.
• Sour cream: Its acidity tenderizes gluten in the flour, making the cake moist and soft. Plus, it reacts with baking soda to give the cake a nice lift.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These little chemical leaveners help create the rise. Baking powder is double-acting-first when wet, then in heat-while baking soda needs acid (hello, sour cream!) to activate.
• Cinnamon: Beyond flavor, it contains antioxidants and gives that unmistakable warmth that feels cozy and comforting.
• Sugar in the streusel: Melts and caramelizes during baking, giving you that crisp, crackly top.

Expert Tips

Want your coffee cake to be a showstopper? Here’s the scoop from the pros:

• Don’t overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overworking develops gluten and makes the cake tough.
• Cold butter for streusel: It creates that perfect crumbly texture instead of a greasy topping.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter: They blend better, ensuring even texture.
• Let it cool a bit: Cutting too soon can cause the cake to crumble.
• Use a light hand with cinnamon: Too much can overpower, so balance is key.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt: Adds tang and moisture with fewer calories.
• Pan choice: A square or rectangular pan with straight sides works best for even baking and neat slices.

Recipe Variations

Oh, the possibilities! Jewish Coffee Cake is like a blank canvas for your flavor experiments:

• Nutty delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel and batter.
• Fruit twist: Fresh blueberries, diced apples, or even dried cherries folded into the batter add juicy bursts.
• Chocolate swirl: Mix cocoa powder into part of the batter for a marbled effect.
• Gluten-free: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend; expect a slightly different texture but still delicious.
• Vegan version: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and eggs for flax eggs-results will vary but still tasty.
• Spiced streusel: Add nutmeg or cardamom for an exotic touch.

Final Words

Jewish Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert or a breakfast treat-it’s a delicious tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because you deserve something wonderful, this cake never disappoints. The mix of buttery softness and crunchy cinnamon topping is a combo that’s simply irresistible.

If you make one change, try adding a little extra cinnamon in the streusel-it gives that warm, inviting aroma that’s just chef’s kiss perfect.

FAQs

What Is Jewish Coffee Cake?

Jewish coffee cake is a traditional dessert, typically made with a rich, buttery cake base, swirled with cinnamon and sugar, and often topped with a crumbly streusel. It is often served as a sweet snack or dessert, particularly during Jewish holidays and gatherings.

What Makes Jewish Coffee Cake Different From Other Coffee Cakes?

The distinct characteristic of Jewish coffee cake is its use of ingredients like sour cream, which gives the cake a moist texture. Additionally, the topping usually features a cinnamon streusel or crumb mixture, and the cake may be flavored with nutmeg or vanilla.

Can I Make Jewish Coffee Cake Without Sour Cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with other ingredients like plain yogurt or buttermilk to achieve a similar moist texture. Some recipes also use ricotta cheese as a substitute.

What Ingredients Are Typically Used In Jewish Coffee Cake?

Typical ingredients include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, sour cream, baking powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. For the topping, a mixture of butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon is common, often with added nuts like walnuts or pecans.

Is Jewish Coffee Cake Kosher?

Yes, Jewish coffee cake can be made kosher, especially when following traditional recipes. To ensure it’s kosher, use kosher-certified ingredients and avoid mixing dairy with meat if preparing the cake in a kosher kitchen.

Can I Make Jewish Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, Jewish coffee cake can be made a day or two ahead. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap it well before freezing.

Can I Add Fruit To Jewish Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can incorporate fruit like apples, blueberries, or cranberries into the batter for added flavor. Some recipes call for fresh or dried fruit, which pairs nicely with the cinnamon and streusel topping.

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

To make the streusel topping, mix together flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Then, cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also add chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Can I Use A Bundt Pan To Bake Jewish Coffee Cake?

Yes, a bundt pan is a great option for baking Jewish coffee cake, as it creates a beautifully shaped cake with a nice even bake. Just be sure to grease and flour the pan properly to prevent sticking.

What Beverages Pair Well With Jewish Coffee Cake?

Jewish coffee cake pairs well with coffee, tea, or milk. The warm, spiced flavor of the cake complements the richness of a freshly brewed coffee or the soothing taste of herbal tea.