Stellar Coffee Cake Recipe

You know that cozy smell that fills the house when something sweet is baking? That’s what this Stellar Coffee Cake does. It’s warm, buttery, and just makes you smile.

I made it one morning, and wow, it was gone so fast. The soft cake and the crumbly topping are the best mix. It feels like a hug on a plate.

And the best part? You don’t need fancy stuff to make it. It’s simple, quick, and so good that everyone will ask for seconds.

So, let’s get started. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s bake this Stellar Coffee Cake together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: A delightful combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brewed coffee creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect Texture: The sour cream keeps the cake moist and tender, while the crumb topping adds a perfect crunch.
• Quick to Make: With minimal prep time, you can enjoy this coffee cake in about an hour.
• Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s brunch, an afternoon tea, or a family get-together, this cake is always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake this cake ahead of time and store it for up to three days, making it great for meal prep.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand): For creaming the butter and sugar together and ensuring a light texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you’re using the correct amounts of ingredients.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: This is the ideal size for this recipe, giving the cake the perfect thickness.
• Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the cake to cool evenly and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, flavorful coffee cake (exact measurements are listed below):

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour (250g): Provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar (200g): Sweetens the cake and gives it a soft crumb.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened (100g): Adds richness and flavor to the cake.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs bind the ingredients together and help the cake rise.
• Baking Powder (10g): Acts as the leavening agent to help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt (2g): Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Ground Cinnamon (5g): Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the cake.
• Ground Nutmeg (3g): Complements the cinnamon with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
• Brewed Coffee, Cooled (150ml): Provides a deep, rich flavor and moistens the cake.
• Sour Cream (120ml): Keeps the cake moist and adds a tangy richness.
• Vanilla Extract (5ml): Adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness.

For the Streusel Topping:

• Brown Sugar (100g): Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
• Chopped Walnuts (80g): Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon (optional, 3g): You can add a little extra cinnamon to the streusel for a spiced topping.

Variations for Stellar Coffee Cake

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a more indulgent treat, fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter.
• Replace Walnuts with Pecans: Pecans provide a slightly sweeter and softer texture compared to walnuts.
• Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top of the cake once it’s cooled for an added touch of sweetness.
• Use Almond Extract: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty and aromatic twist.
• Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based butter substitute and flax eggs (1 tablespoon flax meal + 3 tablespoons water for each egg) to create a vegan version of this cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Before starting, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend better and results in a smooth, well-incorporated batter. Begin by measuring out your flour, sugar, spices, and other ingredients, and set them aside.

2. Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon (if using). Stir everything together to combine. Set the mixture aside. This will form a crunchy, sweet topping for your coffee cake.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes. The texture should be smooth and airy. Adding air into the mixture helps create a light and fluffy cake.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients will help ensure an even distribution of spices and leavening agents in the batter.

6. Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients

To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with the brewed coffee and sour cream. Start with the dry ingredients, followed by a portion of the coffee and sour cream, then repeat until everything is incorporated. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, and we want a light, fluffy crumb.

7. Pour the Batter into the Pan

Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Then, pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Add the Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the walnut streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter. The streusel will form a delicious, crunchy topping as the cake bakes.

9. Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should feel firm to the touch.

10. Cool the Cake

Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because it helps prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Stellar Coffee Cake

This coffee cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With a Cup of Coffee: Serve this cake alongside a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate pairing. The deep flavors of the coffee in the cake complement a bold cup of java beautifully.
• For Brunch: Serve slices of the coffee cake at your next brunch gathering. Its rich, comforting flavor makes it a perfect addition to a spread of other breakfast favorites.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a more elegant look, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
• As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Storing Stellar Coffee Cake

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious.
• Refrigeration: If you’d like to store the cake for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of Stellar Coffee Cake (based on 10 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 slice)
Calories	320
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	43g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	23g
Protein	4g

Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending on portion size and ingredient substitutions.

Conclusion

This Stellar Coffee Cake is truly a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of coffee and spices. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it on a lazy Sunday morning, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. With a perfect balance of flavors, a moist crumb, and a crunchy walnut streusel topping, it’s a recipe you’ll make time and time again.

FAQ for Stellar Coffee Cake

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Bake it the day before, let it cool, and store it tightly covered at room temperature. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

Does this recipe actually contain coffee?
Not usually. “Coffee cake” is traditionally a sweet cake meant to be enjoyed with coffee, not one flavored with it. But you can add a little espresso powder to the batter if you’d like a hint of coffee flavor.

How should I store leftover coffee cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just rewarm before serving.

Can I add fruit or nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely. Blueberries, apples, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts all taste amazing in coffee cake. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking.

How do I keep the streusel topping crunchy?
Make sure your butter is cold when mixing the streusel. Also, don’t cover the cake until it’s fully cooled to avoid steam softening the topping.

What can I serve with Stellar Coffee Cake?
It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and eggs.