Panera Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s talk coffee cake. Not just any coffee cake, but Panera’s legendary coffee cake-the kind that makes you want to pause whatever you’re doing, grab a warm mug of coffee (or tea), and savor each bite like it’s a tiny celebration. If you’ve ever stepped into a Panera Bread bakery, you know exactly what I mean. That tender crumb, the rich cinnamon swirl, and the sweet, crumbly streusel topping-oh, that topping! It’s a heavenly balance of sugary crunch and buttery goodness.

Now imagine having that beauty fresh from your own oven. No lines, no waiting, just homemade Panera Coffee Cake perfection. Today, I’m going to guide you through a foolproof recipe, spill all the secrets behind the ingredients, and even share expert hacks to elevate your cake to bakery-level greatness. So, get comfy, maybe grab a cup of joe, and let’s bake some magic.

Panera Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s what we’re aiming for: a moist, tender cake with a golden crust, packed with cinnamon sugar swirls throughout and topped with a luscious streusel that crumbles delightfully with every bite. This coffee cake isn’t overly sweet, so it pairs perfectly with your morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up.

What makes this recipe stand out? It’s a blend of traditional baking techniques, quality ingredients, and just the right touch of love and patience. Follow along, and you’ll have a tray of Panera-style coffee cake that your family and friends will beg for again and again.

Ingredients Needed

Alright, ingredient check! Quality matters here, so try to use the freshest items you can find.

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of our cake, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness and moisture.
• Baking powder (2 tsp): The leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Butter (½ cup, unsalted, softened): Adds richness and tenderness.
• Eggs (2 large): Binds everything together and gives the cake structure.
• Milk (1 cup, whole or 2%): Moisture that makes the cake tender and soft.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): For that warm, inviting aroma and flavor.

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds a deeper, molasses-y sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): The star spice of coffee cake.
• Butter (3 tbsp, melted): Helps bind the sugar and cinnamon together.

For The Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour (¾ cup): To create that crumbly texture.
• Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens the crumble topping.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and spice.
• Butter (6 tbsp, cold, cut into cubes): The secret to that perfect crumbly topping.

How To Make Panera Coffee Cake

Let’s break it down step-by-step-easy enough to follow, but detailed so you don’t miss a beat:

1. Prep your oven and pan: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the cinnamon swirl mixture: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well mixed. Set aside.
3. Prepare the streusel topping: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Chill in the fridge while you make the batter.
4. Mix dry ingredients for the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
5. Cream butter and eggs: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry mix alternately with milk to the butter-egg mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined-don’t overdo it!
7. Layer the cake: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, spreading gently. Top with the remaining batter, smoothing the surface.
8. Add streusel: Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and serve: Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temp.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Oh, the science behind this cake is so fascinating!

• Flour: Think of flour as the ’skeleton’ of the cake. It contains proteins that develop gluten when mixed with liquid. Gluten provides structure, but too much can make the cake tough. That’s why mixing just until combined is crucial-it keeps your cake tender.
• Butter: Butter is magic here-it coats flour proteins, preventing too much gluten from forming, which keeps the crumb soft. Plus, butter melts during baking, creating pockets of air and moisture.
• Baking powder: This is the chemical leavener that releases carbon dioxide bubbles when heated, making your cake rise and become fluffy. Without it, the cake would be dense.
• Eggs: Eggs do triple duty: they provide structure with their proteins, add moisture, and act as emulsifiers, helping fat and water combine smoothly for a consistent batter.
• Cinnamon: Beyond its spicy warmth, cinnamon contains natural antioxidants and compounds that can improve blood sugar control-bonus for your taste buds and health!
• Brown sugar vs. granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel note thanks to its molasses content, making the cake more tender and flavorful.

Expert Tips

I’ve tried a ton of coffee cakes in my day, and here’s what the pros swear by:

• Don’t overmix the batter! Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing = tough cake.
• Cold butter for streusel is key. Keep it chilled until ready to use so the topping stays crumbly and doesn’t melt into the cake.
• Layer carefully. When adding the cinnamon swirl, spread it gently so it doesn’t mix into the batter completely. You want those lovely cinnamon ribbons.
• Use fresh baking powder. Old baking powder won’t give you the rise you want. Test it by adding a bit to warm water-if it bubbles, it’s good!
• Rest the batter for 5-10 minutes before baking. This lets the flour hydrate fully, which helps the cake’s texture.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous or want to switch it up? Here are some fun tweaks:

• Add chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts mixed into the streusel or batter add crunch and richness.
• Fruit twist: Toss in blueberries or diced apples for a fruity coffee cake.
• Glaze finish: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for an extra sweet touch.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl for a more complex spice profile.
• Whole wheat flour: For a healthier spin, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep the other half for texture.

Final Words

This Panera Coffee Cake recipe isn’t just a recipe-it’s a chance to bring a little bakery magic right into your kitchen. The mix of tender cake, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and crumbly streusel topping is comforting and irresistible. Once you make it, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought versions. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests or treat yourself on a cozy morning.

Remember: baking is as much about love and patience as it is about ingredients. So take your time, enjoy the smells filling your home, and share the results with those you care about.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Panera’s Coffee Cake Recipe?

The key ingredients for Panera’s coffee cake recipe include all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Additionally, for the topping, you’ll need brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter.

Can I Make A Healthier Version Of Panera’s Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can make a healthier version by substituting whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, using Greek yogurt or a low-fat sour cream alternative, and reducing the amount of sugar. You can also try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

How Long Does Panera Coffee Cake Take To Bake?

Panera coffee cake typically takes about 45 to 55 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C), depending on your oven and the size of the cake. Be sure to check with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully cooked in the center.

Can I Freeze Panera Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Panera coffee cake. Once baked, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour In Panera’s Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use alternative flours such as almond flour, gluten-free flour, or oat flour, but you may need to adjust the quantities and ingredients (like adding a binding agent if you’re using gluten-free flour) to achieve the best texture.

What’s The Best Way To Store Leftover Panera Coffee Cake?

To store leftover coffee cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also leave it at room temperature for a couple of days if it’s consumed quickly.

How Can I Make The Topping For Panera Coffee Cake More Flavorful?

To make the topping more flavorful, you can add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, or drizzle a vanilla glaze over the cake after it’s baked for an extra sweet touch.

Can I Add Fruit To Panera Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples into the batter for a fruity twist. Just make sure to lightly coat the fruit in flour before folding it into the batter to prevent them from sinking.

What Is The Texture Of Panera Coffee Cake?

The texture of Panera coffee cake is moist and tender with a light, airy crumb. The crumb topping adds a sweet, slightly crunchy texture, creating a perfect contrast with the soft cake.

Is Panera Coffee Cake Served Warm Or Cold?

Panera coffee cake can be served warm or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, you can heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.