Indulge in a Warm Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake
Are you looking for a little something to make your morning coffee more interesting? Look no further than this delicious raisin-walnut coffee cake recipe! This sweet and hearty cake combines the comforting flavors of brown sugar, walnuts, and raisins with a light, fluffy cake that’s perfect for pairing with your favorite cup of joe.
As a barista, I know how important it is to start your day off on the right foot. A good cup of coffee can be just the thing to put a spring in your step and help you tackle whatever the day has in store. But sometimes we all need a little bit more to get us going. That’s where this raisin-walnut coffee cake comes in.
Whether you’re enjoying it as an indulgent breakfast treat or a mid-morning snack, this cake is sure to hit the spot. And best of all, it’s easy to make once you have gathered all the ingredients as per the recipe list.
So why not try something new today? With its rich blend of flavors and satisfying texture, this raisin-walnut coffee cake is just what you need to elevate your morning coffee routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are a fan of coffee cake, you will absolutely fall in love with this Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake recipe! Why settle for your typical store-bought coffee cakes that are dry, bland and loaded with preservatives when you can make a homemade one that is rich, decadent and loaded with walnuts and raisins?
This recipe boasts an ultra-moist crumb that is enhanced by a blend of cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla extract. The texture is light and fluffy, yet it has enough depth to hold the chunks of walnuts and raisins without becoming too dense.
Plus, this recipe makes use of quality and versatile ingredients such as all-purpose flour, heavy whipping cream, sour cream, baking powder and baking soda. Not only do they enhance the flavour but they also contribute to the cake’s tender crumb and moist texture.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is its raisin-walnut streusel topping. The crispy and crumbly topping adds an extra layer of texture to the cake while elevating the sweet aroma of cinnamon from the batter.
Overall, this Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake recipe is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who crave something that is hearty, wholesome and full of flavour. It’s perfect for any occasion — be it a brunch or an afternoon snack. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to make! In just under an hour, you have a delicious homemade coffee cake that will tantalise your taste buds. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious treat:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- ½ tsp of salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
Important: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using. This will help ensure a smooth and well-mixed batter.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients, it’s time to get started with baking this delicious Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake. This recipe yields 8-10 servings, so be sure to adjust accordingly if you need more or less. Here is how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This gives your oven enough time to reach the optimum temperature for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Then, add in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix all dry ingredients until they are well combined.
In another bowl, cream 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter at room temperature with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 large eggs that have been beaten and mix them thoroughly with the butter mixture. Once done, add in 1/2 cup of sour cream followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Fold all wet ingredients into the dry mixture until everything is evenly combined. Add in 1 1/2 cups of raisins and chopped walnuts.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar along with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Add in diced butter cubes (unsalted) and blend them using your fingers or a spoon until you have coarse crumbles.
Spread your topping mixture over your coffee cake batter.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place your baking pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or cook until wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Then, cool the cake for 15 minutes on a wire rack.
Step 5: Serve Your Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake
Lastly, you can serve the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Enjoy your deliciously rich and moist Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake!
Substitutions and Variations
As a barista and seasoned baker, I know all too well that sometimes the ingredients listed in a recipe can be hard to find, or you might not like the taste of some. Luckily, this raisin-walnut coffee cake recipe is versatile and ripe for substitutions!
First off, if walnuts aren’t your cup of tea, feel free to swap them out for pecans or almonds instead. The same goes for raisins; try using cranberries, chopped dates or apricots instead of raisins. You can even mix the fruits together for an added flavor profile!
If you are looking for a healthier option, use apple butter or applesauce in place of the sour cream to lower the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
For those who love cinnamon-infused recipes, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with cinnamon-spiced cake flour. This will give your coffee cake a delicious cinnamon aroma and taste.
If you prefer a nuttier cake, add an extra half cup of chopped walnuts to the streusel topping or swap it out with chopped pecans. You can also stir in some ground flaxseed into the batter to make it more nutrient-dense.
Lastly, for those who want to take their coffee cake to the next level try adding a rum-soaked glaze on top or top the cake with maple syrup and extra walnuts. These twists on the classic raisin-walnut coffee cake will never disappoint!
Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations in your baking adventures!
Serving and Pairing
Serving a slice of this raisin-walnut coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee is the perfect way to start your day or end your meal. The nutty flavor of the walnuts complements perfectly the sweetness of the raisins, creating an irresistible aroma that will leave you wanting more.
One suggestion for pairing is to serve it with a strong, rich coffee like a French roast to enhance its robust flavors. If you prefer tea instead, try serving it with an aromatic chai tea or a bold black tea.
This cake also pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat. For a healthier option, try serving with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey over the top.
Not only is this raisin-walnut coffee cake delicious for breakfast or dessert, but it’s also great for brunches or potlucks. Its warm and comforting flavors make it an ideal choice for any occasion where friends and family gather together.
Overall, this cake recipe can be paired with various beverages and toppings to create the perfect balance between sweet and savory that is sure to satisfy any kind of craving.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a barista, I know that coffee cake recipes, like this delicious raisin-walnut cake recipe, are perfect for making ahead and storing for later. Whether you want to prepare it ahead of time for a special occasion or want to have something ready for unexpected guests, this recipe can be a lifesaver.
To make ahead, simply bake the cake according to the instructions and let it cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
For storing leftovers, wrap the remaining cake in plastic wrap or an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
If you’re planning on reheating individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until they reach your desired temperature.
One tip I’ve found is that when reheating coffee cake, topping with whipped cream or powered sugar will give an added flavor boost. Also remember to remove any leftover streusel topping before storing, as it could become soggy over time.
Overall, this raisin-walnut coffee cake recipe is easy to make ahead and store without compromising its taste and texture. It’s also sure to impress guests with its delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips to ensure that your raisin-walnut coffee cake comes out perfectly every time:
1. Measure Accurately: Follow the recipe ingredients measurement instructions carefully, especially when it comes to the leavening agents, such as baking powder and baking soda. Too much or too little of these can affect the texture and rise of your cake.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring all your refrigerated ingredients like eggs, butter, and sour cream to room temperature before starting to ensure an even mixing process without lumps. This tip helps emulsify the sugar with the butter better and leads to more homogeneity throughout the cake’s batter.
3. Mix gently but Thoroughly: Take care to mix gently to avoid overmixing. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to fold in the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder and baking soda and mix them with egg and sugar slowly. If your walnuts or raisins are not evenly distributed, they will sink towards the bottom of your cake.
4. Adding Raisins/Walnuts: Add the raisins and walnuts carefully using a spoon and mix gently two-three times in between while adding them to avoid any lump formation.
5. The Streusel Topping: To make a crumbly streusel topping that doesn’t sink into the cake, use cold butter instead of melted and chill the entire mixture for at least 30 minutes before spreading it over the batter.
6. Don’t Over-bake: Baking coffee cakes is almost like babysitting, so keep an eye on them while they bake in the oven that can change quickly depending upon your stove calibration. Bake in preheated 350°F oven until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean and test doneness after 5-minute intervals after initial 10 minutes of cooking.
Remember that practice makes perfect! Don’t get disappointed if the first attempt doesn’t turn out perfect. If you follow these tips, you are going to bake the cake just like professional bakers do.
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information and instruction about this delicious Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake recipe, I invite you to try it out for yourself. Not only is it simple and easy to make, but it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch or any time of day! The combination of walnuts and raisins with the addition of cinnamon make this cake a real crowd-pleaser. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it disappears!
So don’t wait any longer, gather your ingredients and let’s start baking this delightful Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake. You may even want to try out some substitutions or variations that I’ve provided in this recipe article if you’re feeling adventurous. From the healthy raisin banana nut coffee to the maple walnut or even a bundt cake variation, the possibilities are endless.
Last but not least, don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends so they too can enjoy this delicious treat. I guarantee they’ll be asking you for the recipe after having just one bite!
Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- chopped walnuts, garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine raisins, walnuts, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar at medium speed with a mixer until creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in vanilla.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until combined.
- Stir in sour cream.
- Spoon half the batter into prepared pan.
- Top evenly with reserved raisin mixture.
- Spread remaining batter evenly over raisin mixture.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a pick comes out clean.
- Remove sides of pan.
- In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and cream.
- Drizzle over cake.
- Garnish with walnuts, if desired.
- Cut into wedges and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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