Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake: A Perfectly Spiced Delight for Any Occasion

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake

There’s something about the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and the rich crunch of walnuts that make a coffee cake irresistible. This Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake is the perfect dessert, snack, or breakfast treat. Its tender, moist crumb, balanced sweetness, and delightful texture will have your taste buds singing with joy from the first bite.

Why should you love this cake? First and foremost, it’s simple to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to whip up this crowd-pleaser. It’s a great choice when you’re craving something cozy and flavorful, especially when paired with a steaming mug of coffee or tea.

This cake is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, it’s sure to be a hit. The addition of walnuts gives it a nutty richness, while the cinnamon adds warmth, making it perfect for cooler months or any time of the year. And with the final sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top, this cake becomes something even more special.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss yet indulgent dessert or treat that everyone will love, look no further than this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake!

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What You’ll Need

Gathering all the right ingredients is the first step to making this easy and delicious coffee cake. Below are the ingredients that you’ll need to bring this warm, spiced treat to life.

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, which gives it structure and fluff.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to help the cake rise even more and achieve the perfect crumb.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake, infusing it with that signature cinnamon taste.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the cake.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Using unsalted butter ensures you can control the amount of salt.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to create that tender texture.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure, stability, and moisture to the cake batter.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and flavor to the overall cake, balancing the spices.
• 1 cup sour cream: Ensures the cake is moist, tender, and rich. It also contributes to a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups walnuts, chopped: Walnuts bring texture and nutty flavor to the cake, making it even more satisfying.

For the Topping:

• 1 tbsp cinnamon-sugar mixture: This simple yet flavorful topping is the finishing touch that adds a crunchy, sweet, and spiced layer to the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking this mouthwatering Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you place the cake inside, helping it to bake evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan

Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch square baking pan. If you prefer, you can line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake once it’s baked. Greasing the pan properly ensures that the cake will come out easily without sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients will give your cake its structure and flavor. Whisking them together before adding to the wet ingredients ensures that they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This process is important for incorporating air into the batter, which helps to create a light and tender cake.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add the Sour Cream

Next, add the sour cream to the batter. Mix until it’s fully incorporated. The sour cream adds moisture to the cake, ensuring that it stays tender and rich.

Step 7: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Once the flour mixture is incorporated, fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Transfer the Batter to the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure the batter is evenly spread.

Step 9: Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. The cinnamon-sugar topping will create a nice, sweet, and crunchy layer once baked.

Step 10: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and results in a smoother batter.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle when folding the ingredients together.
3. Toast the Walnuts: For an extra boost of flavor, consider toasting the walnuts in the oven for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the batter. This step enhances their natural flavor and adds a deeper nuttiness to the cake.
4. Use Fresh Baking Powder and Baking Soda: To ensure your cake rises properly, always use fresh baking powder and baking soda. These ingredients lose their potency over time, so it’s important to check their expiration dates before using them.
5. Customize the Topping: If you want a little more crunch, you can add a handful of coarse sugar or chopped nuts to the cinnamon-sugar topping. This will give the cake a more textured, crunchy finish.

Variations to Try

While this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, there are plenty of fun variations you can try to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

1. Add a Streusel Topping: Instead of a cinnamon-sugar topping, create a streusel by mixing brown sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon. This will give your coffee cake a sweet, crumbly topping.
2. Incorporate Apples: For a fruity twist, consider adding finely chopped apples to the batter. Apples pair wonderfully with cinnamon and walnuts and will add a nice texture to the cake.
3. Make it a Layer Cake: For a more decadent dessert, bake the batter in two round cake pans, then stack the layers and top with a cream cheese frosting. This would turn your coffee cake into a delightful layer cake.
4. Swap Walnuts for Pecans: If you prefer pecans over walnuts, feel free to substitute them. Pecans will give the cake a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor, and they pair beautifully with the cinnamon.
5. Add Dried Fruit: For extra sweetness and texture, try adding raisins, dried cranberries, or dried apricots to the batter. These fruits will add bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture to the cake.

Storing and Reheating

This Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake can be stored and enjoyed for several days. Here’s how to store it and keep it fresh:

• Storing: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Make sure the cake is properly covered to prevent it from drying out.
• Reheating: To reheat individual slices, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds. For the entire cake, cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave when ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different nut in this cake? Yes! You can substitute pecans, almonds, or any other nut of your choice for the walnuts in this recipe.
3. Can I make this cake without sour cream? If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. Both will provide moisture and a slight tang that’s similar to sour cream.
4. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
5. What kind of apples are best for this cake? While apples are not included in the recipe, if you choose to add them, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal. They provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness and hold their shape well during baking.

The Final Word

This Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake is a classic recipe that combines the perfect blend of warm spices, tender cake, and crunchy walnuts. It’s easy to make, comforting, and delicious, making it a go-to choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this cake is one of those recipes that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it at a gathering, or enjoying a slice all to yourself, this cinnamon walnut cake is sure to be a hit.

Try it today and enjoy the delicious combination of cinnamon, walnuts, and a tender, moist cake that’s sure to brighten your day!