King Arthur Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake – that magical, buttery, cinnamon-swirled treat that’s basically the perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. But not just any coffee cake, today we’re diving into the legendary King Arthur Coffee Cake recipe. King Arthur Baking Company is like the gold standard in baking – their recipes are reliable, foolproof, and so delicious that they’ve won over bakers all around the world.

What makes this coffee cake special? It’s all about balance. You get that tender, moist crumb, a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl that’s just chef’s kiss, and a crunchy, nutty streusel topping that adds texture and sweetness. It’s the kind of cake that feels homemade but looks (and tastes) like you spent hours perfecting it.

I’m going to walk you through every part of this recipe – the ingredients, the science behind them, expert tips, and even variations so you can customize it your way. So, pull up a chair, grab a coffee, and let’s get baking!

King Arthur Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s what you’re going to end up with:

• A golden, soft coffee cake with a tender crumb
• Layers of cinnamon-sugar swirled throughout
• A generous streusel topping with a satisfying crunch
• A wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen – pure comfort food vibes

This cake is perfect for:

• Weekend breakfasts or brunches with family
• A cozy treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea
• Potlucks and gatherings – because who doesn’t love coffee cake?

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk ingredients because baking is a science, but also an art – and the right ingredients make all the difference. For this recipe, you’ll need:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour: The base of our cake; provides structure.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking powder: The rising agent for a fluffy, tender cake.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors – don’t skip!
• Butter (unsalted, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Buttermilk: Provides acidity for tenderness and tang.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.

For The Cinnamon Swirl And Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar: Deep, caramel flavor perfect for the swirl and topping.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that iconic coffee cake flavor.
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast.
• Butter (cold): For the streusel to get that crumbly texture.

How To Make King Arthur Coffee Cake

Here’s a detailed step-by-step, with tips sprinkled in:

1. Preheat And Prep

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour your baking pan (usually a 9×9 or 8×8 square pan works great).

2. Make The Streusel

   • Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
   • Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly – like coarse crumbs.
   • Set aside so it’s ready to sprinkle on top and layer in the cake.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.

4. Cream Butter And Eggs

   • In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
   • Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet And Dry

   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry.
   • Mix gently – don’t overbeat! You want tender crumb.

6. Assemble The Cake

   • Pour half the batter into your prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle half the cinnamon-nut streusel evenly on top.
   • Add remaining batter, then top with remaining streusel.

7. Bake

   • Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
   • Let cool before slicing to keep it from crumbling.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a moment on why these ingredients do what they do:

• Flour: The protein (gluten) in flour forms the structure. Too much mixing develops gluten, making the cake tough, so gentle folding is key.
• Baking powder: Reacts with moisture and heat to release carbon dioxide bubbles, causing the cake to rise and become fluffy.
• Butter: Fat coats flour proteins, reducing gluten formation and keeping the cake tender and moist. Also, when creamed with sugar, it traps air which helps the cake rise.
• Eggs: Provide moisture, structure, and emulsify ingredients, ensuring even texture.
• Buttermilk: Its acidity reacts with baking powder to boost rise and tenderizes the crumb, plus it adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds flavor complexity and warmth; plus, its natural oils add aroma.
• Brown sugar: Contains molasses, adding moisture and a richer flavor than white sugar.

Expert Tips

Want that coffee cake to be legendary? Here are some pro pointers:

• Use room temperature ingredients – this helps everything combine evenly for a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter! Overworking develops gluten and makes the cake dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Chill your butter for streusel – cold butter creates a crumbly texture, not greasy clumps.
• Toast your nuts lightly before adding to the streusel for extra flavor and crunch.
• Use a light hand when layering the streusel so it stays distinct, creating that beautiful swirl effect.
• Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to avoid over- or under-baking.
• Let the cake cool fully before slicing – this helps it set so your slices don’t fall apart.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tasty twists to try:

• Fruit additions: Toss in blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples for fruity bursts.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple vanilla or lemon glaze on top after cooling for extra sweetness and shine.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the cinnamon mix for a warm spice medley.
• Swap nuts: Use almonds, pistachios, or even toasted coconut flakes for different crunch and flavor profiles.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute with a trusted gluten-free flour blend and slightly increase baking powder for lift.

Final Words

King Arthur’s coffee cake recipe is a classic for a reason – it nails the perfect balance between soft, moist cake and crunchy, flavorful topping. It’s simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned bakers who want to impress. Plus, the swirling cinnamon and nut streusel layers make each bite a delightful surprise.

Try it as is, or play with the variations to make it your own. Either way, this coffee cake is going to bring warmth and smiles to your kitchen, guaranteed.

FAQs

What Is King Arthur Coffee Cake?

King Arthur coffee cake is a moist, flavorful cake typically made with a rich batter, cinnamon sugar swirl, and a crumbly streusel topping. It is often served as a breakfast or dessert option, perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee.

Can I Use Regular Flour For The King Arthur Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour, but King Arthur Flour recommends using their own brand for best results as it is known for its high protein content, which creates a sturdier cake texture.

Is King Arthur Coffee Cake Made With Yeast Or Baking Powder?

King Arthur coffee cake typically uses baking powder as its leavening agent, rather than yeast. This helps create a lighter, tender cake without the need for proofing or rising time.

How Can I Make King Arthur Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

To make the King Arthur coffee cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. King Arthur Flour offers a great gluten-free baking mix that can be used in place of regular flour.

Can I Substitute The Sour Cream In King Arthur Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even regular milk for a slightly different flavor and texture. Greek yogurt will provide a creamier and tangier result, similar to sour cream.

How Do I Prevent The Streusel Topping From Becoming Too Dry?

To keep the streusel topping from becoming too dry, make sure to add enough butter to create a moist, crumbly texture. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Can I Freeze King Arthur Coffee Cake?

Yes, King Arthur coffee cake can be frozen. Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.

What Can I Use Instead Of Cinnamon In The King Arthur Coffee Cake Recipe?

If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can substitute it with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also omit the spices for a simpler, more neutral flavor.

How Long Should I Bake King Arthur Coffee Cake?

The baking time for King Arthur coffee cake typically ranges from 40 to 50 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of your baking pan. It’s important to test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.

Can I Add Fruit To King Arthur Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add fruit like blueberries, apples, or raspberries to King Arthur coffee cake. Simply fold the fruit into the batter gently before adding it to the pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if adding extra moisture from the fruit.