Magnolia Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s talk about coffee cake – but not just any coffee cake. I’m talking about the legendary Magnolia Coffee Cake. If you’ve ever strolled into Magnolia Bakery (hello, the iconic New York City spot!) or heard about their famous desserts, you know that their coffee cake is the stuff of dreams. It’s that perfect blend of tender crumb, buttery richness, and a crunchy, sweet cinnamon topping that makes your taste buds sing “hallelujah”.

What makes this coffee cake so special? It’s comfort in cake form – the kind you want to savor with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or even a late-night snack. It’s nostalgic, it’s indulgent, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. So, whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro looking to recreate this classic at home, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get you baking that slice of heaven!

Magnolia Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the good stuff – the recipe! But before we jump into the “how”, let’s lay out the ’what’ in clear, manageable steps. The beauty of this coffee cake is in its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you – every bite bursts with flavor.

In Essence, The Cake Is Made Up Of

• A soft, buttery, vanilla-infused crumb
• A crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping that cracks just right
• A subtle hint of tanginess that balances sweetness perfectly

Ready to get into the nitty-gritty?

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down everything you’ll need, ingredient by ingredient. This will give you a sense of how each component plays a vital role.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cake, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness and helps with the cake’s moist texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor and extra moisture, especially in the topping.
• Unsalted butter: The star fat that brings richness and tenderness.
• Sour cream: Yep, this little addition makes the crumb incredibly moist and adds a slight tang.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure the cake rises beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors – don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon: For that classic coffee cake spice in the topping.
• Optional: chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts): Adds texture and nuttiness in the topping.

How To Make Magnolia Coffee Cake

Alright, roll up those sleeves! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide that’ll have you baking like a pro.

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper – this helps with easy removal.

2. Make The Crumb Topping

   • Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and softened butter.
   • If you’re using nuts, fold them in here. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

3. Mix The Cake Batter

   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with sour cream. This creates a smooth, thick batter.

4. Layering

   • Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle half the crumb topping evenly over it.
   • Add the rest of the batter on top, and finish with the remaining crumb topping.

5. Bake

   • Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

6. Cool And Enjoy

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Okay, let’s geek out a bit because understanding why these ingredients work together can elevate your baking game.

• Sour Cream Magic

  This is the unsung hero here. It adds moisture and acidity, which reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide – making the cake rise lighter and fluffier. It also tenderizes the crumb, giving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Baking Powder Vs. Baking Soda

  Baking powder contains its own acid and base, so it works well with neutral ingredients. Baking soda needs acid to activate – that’s where sour cream comes in. Using both gives the cake perfect lift without a bitter taste.

• Butter’s Role

  Butter not only adds flavor but coats the flour proteins, limiting gluten formation, which keeps the cake tender. It also helps with browning and that wonderful aroma.

• Sugar’s Double Duty

  Sugar sweetens, sure, but it also affects moisture retention and texture. Brown sugar, in particular, keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle caramel note to the crumb topping.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Magnolia Coffee Cake from ’good’ to ’OMG, you baked this?!’? Here’s where I share the secrets pros swear by:

• Don’t overmix your batter! Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to a dense cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients. Butter, eggs, and sour cream blend better when they’re not cold, resulting in a smoother batter and better rise.
• Chill the topping mixture before sprinkling. It helps the topping hold its crumbly texture during baking rather than melting into the batter.
• Swap vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste if you want that intense vanilla aroma and tiny flecks of vanilla throughout the cake.
• Use a toothpick test for doneness. Don’t rely solely on the clock – every oven is different!

Recipe Variations

Because who doesn’t love a little twist?

• Fruit additions: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity surprise.
• Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple lemon or vanilla glaze over the cooled cake to add a sweet tang.
• Spiced up: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb topping for an exotic flavor boost.
• Healthier swaps: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat or oat flour, and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different nutritional profile.
• Nut-free version: Skip the nuts in the topping, or swap for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you want crunch without allergens.

Final Words

Magnolia Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a slice of cozy, buttery happiness that transports you to lazy Sunday mornings or heartfelt gatherings with friends and family. It’s approachable enough for beginners but satisfying for baking enthusiasts looking to master a classic.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or venture into variations, you’re guaranteed a treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite hot beverage. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to show off your baking chops!

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For The Magnolia Coffee Cake Recipe?

The Magnolia coffee cake recipe typically requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, butter, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and brown sugar for the streusel topping.

How Do You Make The Streusel Topping For Magnolia Coffee Cake?

The streusel topping is made by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter cut into small pieces. These ingredients are mixed until crumbly and then sprinkled generously over the batter before baking.

What Is The Baking Temperature And Time For Magnolia Coffee Cake?

Magnolia coffee cake is typically baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For Magnolia Coffee Cake?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends, but it may affect the cake’s tenderness and rise.

Is Sour Cream Necessary In The Magnolia Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the flavor and texture of the coffee cake, making it moist and tender.

How Should I Store Magnolia Coffee Cake After Baking?

Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I Make Magnolia Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it, then bake fresh in the morning. Alternatively, bake the cake ahead and reheat slices before serving.

What Variations Can I Try With Magnolia Coffee Cake?

You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel, incorporate fresh or dried fruits such as blueberries or raisins, or drizzle a cream cheese glaze over the baked cake for extra richness.

Is Magnolia Coffee Cake Gluten-free Or Can It Be Made Gluten-free?

The traditional recipe contains gluten, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free to make a suitable alternative.

What Makes Magnolia Coffee Cake Different From Other Coffee Cakes?

Magnolia coffee cake is known for its rich sour cream batter and a generous, crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, which together create a moist, flavorful cake with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.