Craving a cozy morning treat to pair with your coffee? Look no further than the irresistible charm of a cinnamon walnut coffee cake. This delightful creation boasts a tender crumb cake enveloped in layers of cinnamon sugar streusel and a rich walnut brown sugar filling. It’s a surefire way to elevate your breakfast experience with its decadent flavors and comforting aroma.
Originating from the beloved recipe blog, “An Italian in my Kitchen,” this coffee cake is not only a breeze to whip up but also a crowd-pleaser that eliminates the need for multiple dishes. Whether you’re facing a snowy day or simply seeking a delightful brunch addition, this cinnamon walnut sour cream coffee cake is the perfect solution. Once you savor a few bites of this delectable treat, you’ll find it hard to go back to any other homemade breakfast options.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup Land O Lakes Butter, softened
- 3 large Land O Lakes Eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup California walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Necessary Equipment
To make a delicious cinnamon walnut coffee cake that will impress your family and friends, you will need the following equipment:
1. 9×9 Inch Cake Pan
Ensure you have a 9×9 inch cake pan for baking the coffee cake. You can either grease the pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Pastry Cutter or Fork
A pastry cutter or fork is essential for combining the ingredients of the streusel, such as cold butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This tool will help create a crumbly texture with larger chunks for that perfect streusel topping.
3. Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl
Having a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl will make it easier to cream the butter and sugar for the cake batter. It will also come in handy when mixing the dry and wet ingredients together for a uniform consistency.
4. Spatula or Knife
A spatula or knife will be useful for spreading the cake batter evenly in the pan and creating a smooth surface before adding the walnut sugar filling and streusel topping.
Having these essential pieces of equipment on hand will ensure that your cinnamon walnut coffee cake turns out just right.
Prep Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter
To prepare the cake batter, start by ensuring that all your ingredients are at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a light and tender cake. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9×9 inch cake pan or your preferred baking dish.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes using the paddle attachment. Add the eggs one at a time and then incorporate the vanilla extract.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Beat until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
Preparing the Topping
For the topping, in a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts. This mixture will add a delightful crunchy texture and nutty flavor to your coffee cake.
Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, then sprinkle half of the topping over it. Cover the first layer with the remaining batter and top it with the rest of the sugar-cinnamon-walnut mix.
Baking Instructions
Assembling the Layers
To assemble the cinnamon walnut coffee cake layers, start by preheating the oven to 350F. Grease the bottom of an 8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix all the streusel ingredients until crumbly. Layer a portion of the streusel with the cake batter to create a ribbon effect within the cake. Sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture on top of the batter for a beautifully golden finish.
Additional Tips
How to Make Homemade Cake Flour
When you find yourself out of cake flour, you can easily make a substitute at home. Simply measure out one cup of all-purpose flour, remove two tablespoons, and then add two tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift the mixture together several times to ensure even distribution. This DIY cake flour will give your cinnamon walnut coffee cake a delicate and tender crumb.
Roasting Walnuts for Enhanced Flavor
To enhance the nutty flavor of walnuts in your coffee cake, consider roasting them before adding them to your recipe. Preheat your oven to 350°F, spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, and toast for about 10-15 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Let them cool before using them in your cinnamon walnut coffee cake for a richer and more intense taste.
Serving and Storage
After baking your delightful cinnamon walnut coffee cake, it’s essential to consider serving and storage options to ensure the best experience for you and your guests. Here are some tips for serving and storing your freshly baked coffee cake:
Serving:
- Freshly Baked: Enjoy the cinnamon walnut coffee cake warm from the oven for the ultimate indulgence. The enticing aroma and flavors are most pronounced when the cake is freshly baked.
- Pairing: Serve slices of the coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. The warm flavors of cinnamon and crunchy walnuts complement beverages perfectly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the coffee cake slices just before serving to add a touch of elegance and sweetness.
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover cinnamon walnut coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 days. This will help maintain its freshness and texture.
- Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the coffee cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 325°F for a few minutes.
- Freezing: To extend the shelf life of your coffee cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. Frozen coffee cake can be enjoyed for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to try your hand at baking a delicious cinnamon walnut coffee cake. By following the tips and instructions provided, you can create a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Remember to serve the cake warm, pair it with your favorite hot beverage, and store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness. With these suggestions in mind, you can enjoy the rich flavors of cinnamon and walnuts in every bite. Happy baking!
