Polish Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, Polish Coffee Cake – a delightful treat that’s so much more than just a sweet companion to your morning brew! Imagine a moist, tender crumb layered with a rich, buttery crumb topping that crunches just enough to contrast perfectly with the soft cake beneath. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cultural hug in the form of baked goodness. It carries the warmth of family gatherings, Sunday brunches, and those special moments where you want something comforting but not overly sweet.

• Originating from Poland and beloved in Polish-American households, this cake has roots in old-world baking traditions.
• It’s traditionally served alongside coffee, making it the perfect breakfast or mid-afternoon snack.
• The combination of simple ingredients, such as sour cream and cinnamon, works magic to create that moist texture and depth of flavor.
• It’s incredibly versatile-easy to make for beginners but sophisticated enough to impress your guests.

Ready to bake? Let’s get cozy in the kitchen and uncover all the secrets to making a perfect Polish Coffee Cake!

Polish Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the star of the show – the classic recipe that blends tender cake with a crumbly, cinnamon-sugar topping that’s oh-so-addictive.

What Makes It Special?

• A tender, buttery cake base enriched with sour cream, which keeps the crumb soft and moist.
• A generous, crumbly streusel topping bursting with cinnamon, sugar, and butter – the crunchiest contrast.
• Subtle vanilla undertones that warm the flavor profile without overpowering the cinnamon.
• Baked to a golden perfection, it’s a cake you can enjoy fresh or a day later when the flavors have melded beautifully.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down what you’ll need – all common pantry staples that come together to make magic:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – the backbone providing structure.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup) – for sweetness and tenderness.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened) – adds richness and moisture.
• Sour cream (1 cup) – the secret to the moist, tender crumb.
• Large eggs (2) – for binding and lift.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – enhances flavor.
• Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons) – helps the cake rise.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) – balances sweetness.

For The Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed) – deep molasses flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup) – forms the crumbly base of the streusel.
• Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons) – signature warm spice.
• Cold butter (6 tablespoons, cut into small cubes) – creates that perfect crumbly texture.
• Chopped nuts (optional) (½ cup) – walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

How To Make Polish Coffee Cake

Ready for the step-by-step? Let’s make this happen!

1. Prep Your Oven And Pan

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make The Streusel Topping

   • In a bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nuts if using.
   • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Set aside in the fridge to keep it cold and crumbly.

3. Prepare The Cake Batter

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined to keep it tender.

4. Assemble And Bake

   • Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the cake batter.
   • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool And Serve

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
   • Serve with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out a bit on why this cake works so well!

• Sour Cream: This ingredient isn’t just for tang; it contains acids that react with baking powder to help the cake rise while keeping it super moist and tender. It also breaks down gluten strands slightly, leading to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Butter vs. Oil: Butter provides flavor and structure, unlike oil which would create a denser cake. The butter’s fat content also helps the streusel stay crisp after baking.
• Brown Sugar in Streusel: The molasses content in brown sugar not only deepens the flavor but also adds moisture that helps the streusel clump together while baking for that perfect crumb.
• Cinnamon: More than just a spice, cinnamon contains natural antioxidants and adds that warm, cozy aroma that makes this cake irresistible.

Expert Tips

Want to make your Polish Coffee Cake flawless every time? Here’s what pros recommend:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake tough instead of tender.
• Keep butter cold for streusel: Cold butter chunks create pockets in the topping that melt during baking to form that perfect crumbly texture.
• Let it cool completely: This allows the crumb to set and the streusel topping to firm up without falling apart.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter: This helps create an emulsion that traps air, giving your cake lightness.
• Try chilling the batter briefly: About 10 minutes in the fridge can help the batter settle for an even bake.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Polish Coffee Cake is a great base for creativity!

• Add fruit: Toss fresh blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Spiced Up: Mix in nutmeg or cardamom with cinnamon for a richer spice profile.
• Nut-free: Skip nuts in the streusel to keep it allergy-friendly, or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
• Glaze option: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze on top after cooling for extra indulgence.
• Mini muffins: Use this batter to make portable coffee cake muffins for breakfast on the go.

Final Words

This Polish Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. It pairs beautifully with morning sunlight streaming through your window, quiet moments of reflection, or lively conversations with friends and family. Once you get a taste, you’ll understand why it has remained a beloved classic across generations.

Baking this cake fills your kitchen with aromas that comfort the soul and brings people together over shared bites of sweetness and warmth.

FAQs

What Is A Polish Coffee Cake?

A Polish coffee cake, often called ’Ciasto Kawowe’, is a traditional cake typically served with coffee or tea. It is a soft, slightly sweet cake with a rich flavor, often layered with a cinnamon or nut filling, and topped with a crumbly streusel topping.

How Is Polish Coffee Cake Different From Other Coffee Cakes?

Polish coffee cake tends to have a denser, more buttery texture compared to American versions, and often incorporates a unique cinnamon sugar or nut filling inside. It also often includes a streusel topping, which adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Polish Coffee Cake?

Common ingredients for Polish coffee cake include all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, butter, yeast (or baking powder), milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a streusel topping made from flour, butter, and sugar. You may also find nut fillings like walnuts or almonds in some variations.

Can I Make Polish Coffee Cake Without Yeast?

Yes, you can make Polish coffee cake without yeast by using baking powder or baking soda as a leavening agent instead. This will give the cake a quicker rise and a slightly different texture, but it will still maintain its delicious flavor.

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

To make the streusel topping for Polish coffee cake, mix together flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. You can also add cinnamon for extra flavor. Sprinkle the topping over the cake batter before baking.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut In Polish Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts, pecans, or almonds in place of the traditional hazelnuts or other nuts used in some variations of Polish coffee cake. Just chop the nuts finely and incorporate them into the filling or streusel topping.

Should I Use Instant Yeast Or Active Dry Yeast For Polish Coffee Cake?

Both instant yeast and active dry yeast can be used in Polish coffee cake recipes. However, instant yeast is more forgiving and doesn’t require proofing, while active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm water before use. Either will give the cake a light, airy texture.

Can I Make Polish Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, Polish coffee cake can be made ahead of time. After baking, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

What Should I Serve With Polish Coffee Cake?

Polish coffee cake is traditionally served with a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as espresso, cappuccino, or a mild black tea. For a festive touch, you could also serve it with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Version Of Polish Coffee Cake?

Yes, a dairy-free version of Polish coffee cake is possible. Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. You can also substitute eggs with egg replacers if needed.