Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
There is something truly magical about waking up on a chilly December morning and savoring a slice of this Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a tender, moist coffee cake layered with a buttery cinnamon streusel that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re gathered around the tree or just craving a festive treat with your first cup of coffee, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and comforting flavors that instantly put you in the holiday spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe is in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role, creating the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and warmth that make this cake so inviting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to the cake batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the sour cream.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light and fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the sour cream to ensure the crumb stays moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the cake with richness and keeps it tender.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that beautifully contrasts the sweet topping.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings fragrant warmth that’s quintessential for holiday baking.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that intensifies the festive feel.
- For the Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans):
- For the Glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to add a delicate finishing touch.
How to Make Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing plus flouring a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out effortlessly without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and the chopped nuts if you’re using them. Mix everything until crumbly and well combined. This streusel will add that irresistible crunchy layer that makes each bite special.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Then incorporate softened butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, but a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 4: Layer Batter and Streusel
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half the streusel topping over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out. Finally, finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell alone will let you know it’s almost ready—it’s pure holiday bliss!
Step 6: Make the Optional Glaze
While the cake cools for about 10 minutes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm cake for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar or chopped nuts on top can add a festive sparkle. Fresh berries or a few sprigs of rosemary also make a pretty and aromatic garnish that compliments the cinnamon and almond flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa, which highlights the cake’s cinnamon and buttery notes. For a heartier brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on a rustic wooden board with holiday-themed napkins for a cozy, inviting feel. Or cut into bite-sized squares for a festive brunch buffet where guests can nibble while mingling. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with ribbon makes for charming edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days or up to 4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its lovely texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Slice it before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a festive treat anytime the mood strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps bring back the moist, fresh-baked feel, especially if you drizzle with extra glaze after warming.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients like butter and sour cream with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter and coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream substitute. This keeps the cake moist and delicious without the dairy.
What nuts work best in the streusel topping?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices that add a nice crunch and complement the cinnamon perfectly. If you have allergies or prefer no nuts, simply omit them—the cake will still be fantastic.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cake is tasty enough on its own with the crumbly streusel topping. The glaze is optional and just adds a touch of extra sweetness and a lovely shine.
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes, in fact, making it the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it covered at room temperature and add the glaze right before serving to keep it fresh and glossy.
How can I make this coffee cake extra moist?
Using full-fat sour cream as in the recipe is key for moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter, and be careful not to overbake the cake to keep it delightfully soft and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe is one of those special treats that makes holiday mornings feel extra cozy and joyful. From its luscious layers to its fragrant cinnamon streusel, every bite is a reminder of the warmth of the season. I hope you’ll give this beloved recipe a try and create some delicious holiday memories of your own!
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Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake is a delightful, moist cake featuring a tender crumb and a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches, it combines a rich sour cream batter with warm cinnamon-streusel and optional glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Easy to bake and sure to impress, this cake fills your kitchen with festive aromas and sets a joyful tone for Christmas day gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and chopped nuts if using. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside to maintain texture.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine dry ingredients. Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
- Layer Batter and Topping: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and spread evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel topping evenly over the top layer.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle the optional glaze over the warm cake if desired to add extra sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- You can substitute the nuts in the streusel topping with your favorite variety or omit them for nut-free version.
- Almond extract adds a lovely flavor but can be omitted if unavailable or if you prefer a more subtle taste.
- For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper instead of greasing and flouring.
- The coffee cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
