Delicious Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
Coffee lovers, gather around because I have a recipe that will make all your senses dance with joy! Get ready to indulge in the heavenly aroma and taste of a warm cinnamon walnut coffee cake. As a barista, I know exactly what the perfect cup should taste like, and this recipe is no different.
Cozy up with a slice of this delicious cake and savor each bite with its fluffy layers of cake, a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and gooey brown sugar. Perfect for breakfast, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake will satisfy your sweet cravings.
This recipe is super easy to bake even for those who are not skilled bakers. The basic ingredients are pantry staples, and just a few simple techniques will lead to absolute perfection. You’ll be able to delight your family and friends with a homemade treat that they’ll love.
So if you’re looking for an irresistible way to perk up your mood or impress your guests, this cinnamon walnut coffee cake is calling your name. Get ready for some mouth-watering goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect coffee cake recipe that is both easy and delicious? Look no further than this cinnamon walnut coffee cake recipe! As a barista, I can attest that nothing complements a hot cup of coffee better than a slice of fresh and scrumptious coffee cake.
What makes this recipe special is the combination of warm cinnamon, nutty walnuts, and moist cake that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The recipe includes ingredients like brown sugar, eggs, water, instant vanilla pudding, sour cream, and more to deliver a fragrance of aroma that reminds you of your Grandma’s kitchen.
Moreover, this recipe is flexible to adapt – you can substitute certain ingredients or add more nuts or cinnamon to fit your liking. One of the best things about this recipe is it allows variations without compensating on taste! You can choose a different nut or use apple as a substitute to create new flavor profiles while still enjoying the comforting flavors of the original cinnamon walnut coffee cake.
The slightly crunchy and sweet walnut crunch topping adds an interesting texture contrast to the moistness of the cake. Besides, the cinnamon walnut streusel swirl creates an elevating depth in flavor – each bite gives you those warm autumnal feels.
If you’re looking for a dessert option that works as both breakfast or snack option and for entertaining guests, then look no further than this cinnamon walnut coffee cake. Whip up a quick mix in no time for that last-minute guest who drops by unexpectedly. No matter how busy you get in life there should always be time for an enjoyable slice with a cup of hot brew!
Take my word for it; you won’t want to miss tasting this legendary masterpiece!
Ingredient List
Before we start with the recipe, let’s gather all the essential ingredients to make this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake. Here is a list of all the items you will need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 cup of walnuts, chopped
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/3 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
For Cinnamon Walnut Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For Walnut Crunch Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
The Recipe How-To
Once you’ve got all your ingredients sorted, it’s time to get started on creating the masterpiece that is the Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake. This one is sure to impress even the toughest of critics, so let’s go ahead and get started!
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Stir well with a whisk.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Pudding Mix
Add in 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 cup of sour cream, 1/3 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Finally, add in one small package (3.4 ounces) of instant vanilla pudding mix. Keep mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients in Batches
Sift about one-third of the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients mixture at a time. Gently fold with a spatula until completely combined.
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Walnut Swirl
In another small mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Stir well.
Step 6: Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Now let’s start layering! Pour one-third of the batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter. Add another third of the cake batter on top and follow with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Finally, pour in the last third of the cake batter.
Step 7: Make Walnut Crunch Streusel Topping
In yet another mixing bowl, prepare the walnut crunch streusel topping. Combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Add in 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and mix until everything is crumbly like wet sand. Gently fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts.
Step 8: Add Walnut Crunch Streusel Topping
Sprinkle your newly made walnut crunch streusel topping on top of the cake batter until fully coated.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Now place your masterpiece into a
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t have all of the ingredients on hand or we want to switch things up a bit. So, here are some substitutions and variations to try out with this cinnamon walnut coffee cake recipe.
First off, let’s talk nuts. If you’re not a fan of walnuts or simply don’t have any on hand, you can easily substitute them with pecans or almonds. The key is using a nut that has a similar crunch and won’t overpower the cinnamon and brown sugar combination.
If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try using a different type of coffee cake mix. You can use sour cream coffee cake mix for a tangy twist or even pound cake mix for a denser texture. Another option is to incorporate apple chunks into the batter and sprinkle some cinnamon over it for an apple walnut coffee cake.
For those who love extra sweetness, consider adding more brown sugar to the cinnamon nut swirl mixture or including a cream cheese frosting drizzle over the top. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your coffee cake.
And let’s not forget about the presentation. Instead of baking it in a traditional square pan, you can use a bundt pan for that classic New England look or opt for individual muffin cups for on-the-go treats. You could even experiment with shaping the dough into different designs like your grandma used to do.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to make this cinnamon walnut coffee cake recipe. With these substitutions and variations, feel free to unleash your creativity and make it your own.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your cinnamon walnut coffee cake is beautifully baked and begging to be devoured, let’s talk about how to serve and pair this mouth-watering treat.
First and foremost, serve it warm! This cake is absolutely decadent when served fresh from the oven. The irresistible aroma of buttery walnuts and spicy cinnamon will make you want to dig in right away. And don’t be shy with the powdered sugar – a generous dusting adds just the right amount of festive flair.
When it comes to pairing, there are many delicious options to choose from. A steaming hot cup of coffee or tea is an obvious choice, but don’t overlook the power of a frosty glass of milk or a tangy fruit smoothie. The bold flavors of the cinnamon and walnut pair particularly well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Serve up thin slices of cake alongside your favorite cheese board for a casual yet chic appetizer spread.
And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not go all out and serve your cinnamon walnut coffee cake à la mode? A scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a slice of warm cake is pure heaven – trust me on this one.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget that this cake also makes for a lovely gift or party favor. Wrap it in pretty parchment paper or a festive ribbon and bring it along as a hostess gift or thoughtful surprise for a friend or neighbor.
In summary, whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, this cinnamon walnut coffee cake is sure to impress – especially when paired with your favorite beverage and accompaniments.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the joys of having leftover cinnamon walnut coffee cake. The only question now is how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy it later. Luckily, I have some tips for you.
To start, let’s talk about making this beauty ahead of time. You can absolutely do this! Bake your cinnamon walnut coffee cake recipe up to 2 days in advance, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. If you’re really strapped for time on the day you want to serve it, you can even bake it up to a month in advance and freeze it until you’re ready to thaw, reheat, and serve.
Now let’s talk about storing leftovers. If you somehow manage not to inhale the entire cake in one sitting, simply cover any remaining slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. But let’s be real here, who has that kind of self control?
When you’re ready to reheat your leftovers – whether it’s just one slice or the entire cake – there are a couple of options. For individual slices or small portions, microwaving will do the trick. Heat up each slice for 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through. Or, if you have larger portions left over – say half a cake! – pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
If you’re a fan of crunchy toppings (and who isn’t?), reheating your cake in an oven is definitely the way to go as this method will help crisp up the cinnamon walnut streusel topping perfectly. Pro tip: If you like your cinnamon streusel extra crispy, broil your cake on high for about 30 seconds after reheating.
In conclusion, the beauty of the cinnamon walnut coffee cake is that you can make it ahead of time and still enjoy its deliciousness. So go ahead, be lazy, make it in advance, and store and reheat to your heart’s content. Just be sure to double up on the recipe so you don’t run out!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking, perfection is key. You want your cinnamon walnut coffee cake to be moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. To achieve this, I’ve put together some tips to help you make the perfect cake every time.
Firstly, don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing will result in a dense cake that lacks the fluffiness that we all love about coffee cakes. Mix until just combined, then stop.
Secondly, make sure that your eggs are at room temperature. Cold eggs straight from the fridge can cause the batter to seize up and result in an uneven texture. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter which bakes more evenly.
The next tip is to use high-quality ingredients. The cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts are all integral components of this recipe so it’s important to use the best you can find. Look for fresh nuts that have not been sitting on a shelf for too long and premium cinnamon with plenty of essential oils.
Also, use baking powder and baking soda that are still fresh. These leavening agents can lose their potency over time, meaning they may not help your cake rise as it should.
Finally, keep an eye on the cooking time. Every oven is different so while my recipe calls for 45-50 minutes of baking time; you may need a little less or a little more depending on your oven’s performance. I recommend setting your timer for 40 minutes, then checking the cake every 5 minutes until your cake test comes out clean.
By following these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create the perfect cinnamon walnut coffee cake every time you bake it!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps to make this indulgent cinnamon walnut coffee cake, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee, indulging after dinner, or sharing it with friends and family, you’ll love how versatile and tasty this recipe is.
So why not give it a try today? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for diving into this cinnamon nutty goodness. Don’t forget to share this recipe with others who are fond of baking or preparing something new.
And if you loved this recipe and want to try more delicious desserts, look no further. We’ve got an exciting array of sweet treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth, so hit the kitchen and let’s start baking!
Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (18 ounce) yellow cake mix
- 2 (3 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Grease and flour a 9 x13 pan, and preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
- Mix the cake mix, pudding, water, vegetable oil and eggs, but do not over mix.
- In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts.
- Spread about half of the cake mixture in your prepared pan, and sprinkle about 2/3 of the nut mixture over that.
- Spread the remaining cake mix over the filling (mix is thick and will be a little difficult, but it doesn't need to be perfect), and sprinkle the remaining nut mix over the top.
- Bake 45-55 minutes (depending on your oven). Cake is done when top springs back when touched, or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
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