When the air turns crisp and the holidays approach, the cozy flavors of maple, walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon come to mind. This maple walnut coffee cake recipe embodies the essence of fall and winter, making it a perfect treat for this time of year. Combining the richness of maple syrup with the delightful tang of sour cream coffee cake, topped with a crunchy walnut streusel, this cake is a comforting indulgence.
Whether enjoyed for brunch, as a snack, or as a decadent dessert, this maple walnut coffee cake is a versatile delight. The marriage of buttery walnuts and sweet maple glaze creates a symphony of flavors that will elevate any occasion. For a twist, consider swapping walnuts for pecans to craft a delectable maple pecan variation. Embrace the warmth of the season with each bite of this delightful maple walnut coffee cake.
Ingredients
Elevate your baking game with the essential components that make this maple walnut coffee cake a delightful treat throughout the seasons.
For the Coffee Cake
- 12 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
- 14 cup (32 grams) all-purpose flour
- 14 cup (27 grams) California walnuts, finely chopped
- 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons (43 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 12 teaspoon baking soda
- 14 teaspoon salt
- 13 cup (68 grams) light brown sugar
- 14 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 14 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 14 cup (32 grams) powdered milk
- 2 large eggs
- 12 cup (120 ml) Mistletoe Mocha coffee (or extra strength coffee)
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 13 cup (80 grams) sour cream
For the Streusel Topping
- 12 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
- 14 cup (32 grams) all-purpose flour
- 14 cup (27 grams) California walnuts, finely chopped
- 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons (43 grams) unsalted butter
- 12 cup (63 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
Necessary Equipment
When preparing this maple walnut coffee cake recipe, having the right equipment is crucial to ensuring the best results. Here are the recommended tools you’ll need:
Recommended Baking Pan
For optimal baking results, it’s best to use a light-colored 8×8 inch metal baking pan. Dark-colored pans may cause the edges to brown too quickly, resulting in a dry texture. While glass or ceramic pans can be used, adjustments in baking time and temperature may be necessary. If you prefer detailed information on choosing between glass and metal pans, you can check out this article on glass vs. metal pans.
Instructions
Prep the Tools and Ingredients
Before starting the maple walnut coffee cake, let the eggs and sour cream come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray an 8-inch square or 9-inch round pan with cooking spray.
Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup finely chopped California walnuts, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Use a fork to mix the ingredients until crumbly and set it aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of chopped California walnuts. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of whole milk, 2 beaten large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of maple extract (optional). Slowly stir in 8 ounces of sour cream at room temperature.
Assemble the Layers
Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Gently stir until all ingredients are combined. Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it, then add the remaining batter and spread it evenly. Top with the rest of the streusel.
Bake the Coffee Cake
Bake the maple walnut coffee cake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes. Ensure it’s done by checking if the cake starts to pull away from the sides of the pan or by inserting a toothpick that should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Glaze and Finishing Touches
For the glaze, combine 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (sifted) with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake for a sweet finishing touch.
Cooking Tips
Cooking Tips play a crucial role in perfecting your maple walnut coffee cake. Here are some essential tricks to enhance your baking experience:
Achieving the Perfect Crumb Texture
To achieve the perfect crumb texture in your maple walnut coffee cake, make sure not to overmix the batter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough cake, rather than a tender and moist one.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions to customize your maple walnut coffee cake. While walnuts provide a delightful crunch, you can swap them out for pecans for a different flavor profile. Additionally, if you prefer a different sweetener, consider using honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store any leftover maple walnut coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the coffee cake for up to a week.
Freezing and Reheating Advice
To freeze the coffee cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. The coffee cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for a quick treat on the go.
Conclusion
I hope this maple walnut coffee cake recipe inspires you to bring the cozy flavors of fall and winter into your kitchen. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to experiment with different nuts or sweeteners to make this recipe your own. By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, you’ll be able to bake a moist and flavorful coffee cake that will impress your friends and family. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly for extended enjoyment. Happy baking!