If you are looking for a warm, comforting treat that brings everyone together on a chilly holiday morning, this Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It offers a tender, moist crumb with bursts of cinnamon streusel in every bite, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday breakfast spread. Whether you enjoy it with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk, this coffee cake fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of vanilla and cinnamon, setting the mood for a joyful Christmas day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe has an important role, from the rich sour cream that keeps the cake incredibly moist to the cinnamon-spiced streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch. These simple items come together easily but create a flavor and texture combination that feels special and festive.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the necessary sweetness to balance the tang of the sour cream.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to ensure a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the cake.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and adds to the cake’s moist texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake deliciously moist with a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together for the perfect cake consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a lovely nutty note that pairs beautifully with the streusel.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel): Brings a deep caramel richness to the topping.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Gives the streusel its crumbly texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that turns simple streusel into a holiday favorite.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the streusel ingredients and creates a golden finish.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and extra warmth to the topping.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional): Sweetens and brightens the finished cake.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect pouring consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Ties the glaze flavors to the rest of the cake beautifully.
How to Make Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your cake releases easily after baking and has a beautifully crisp edge.
Step 2: Mix the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and optional nuts until crumbly but evenly combined. This streusel topping is going to give the cake that sensational cinnamon crunch every bite deserves. Set this mixture aside for now.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients for the Cake
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Stir gently until just combined because overmixing can make the cake tough — a delicate hand here goes a long way.
Step 4: Layer Batter and Streusel
Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel on top. Then add the remaining batter and cover with the rest of the streusel topping. This layering ensures every slice has that perfect balance of tender cake and crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your coffee cake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with such a cozy, cinnamon-sweet aroma, making it hard to wait!
Step 6: Prepare Optional Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk amount to get your preferred glaze consistency, whether you like a thick drizzle or a thinner coating.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before drizzling with the glaze if you chose to make it. This final touch adds a lovely sweetness that cuts through the cinnamon and makes the cake extra festive.
How to Serve Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to add a stunning finish. Fresh fruit like berries or orange slices also brighten the plate and complement the cinnamon flavors really well.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced tea. If you want to turn your holiday breakfast into a feast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a creamy yogurt parfait for a well-rounded spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the coffee cake into festive shapes using cookie cutters for a fun holiday twist. Arrange the slices on a rustic wooden board with seasonal decorations like pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks to create a cozy, inviting tabletop display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer keeping, refrigeration helps maintain freshness for about 5 days, just allow it to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
This Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead holiday treat.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s moist texture after freezing or refrigerating, warm slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or briefly in a toaster oven. The gentle heat restores that just-baked feeling and makes it utterly irresistible once again.
FAQs
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like vegan butter and plant-based sour cream. Just keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture, but the cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
What kind of nuts work best for the streusel topping?
Walnuts and pecans are classic favorites that add great texture and flavor, but you can use any nuts you prefer or omit them entirely if you want a nut-free version.
Is the almond extract necessary?
The almond extract is optional but highly recommended for a subtle nutty depth that complements the vanilla and cinnamon nicely. If you’re not a fan, just leave it out—it won’t impact the cake’s success.
Can I use a different pan size?
While a 9×13 inch pan is ideal for baking time and thickness, you can use an 8×8 inch pan instead; the bake time might need adjustment, so keep a close eye on it and test with a toothpick.
How early can I make this cake before Christmas morning?
This cake actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. You can bake it a day or two ahead, store it properly, and gently reheat before serving for a hassle-free Christmas morning.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe is a true holiday treasure that brings warmth, sweetness, and just the right amount of spice to your festive mornings. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to add a homemade touch to their Christmas breakfast that feels both special and effortless. Bake it once, and it will become one of your holiday favorites for years to come!
Print
Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake is a moist and tender treat perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunch gatherings. Featuring a buttery cake layered with a cinnamon-nut streusel topping and finished with an optional sweet vanilla glaze, this recipe brings warmth and festive flavors to your table with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and chopped nuts if using. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set this aside to use later as a delicious crunchy topping.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix which can make the cake dense.
- Layer Batter and Streusel: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over this batter layer. Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the cake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when ready.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking or cooling, prepare the optional glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your preferred drizzle consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Drizzle with the prepared vanilla glaze if desired before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit the nuts from the streusel topping.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor; substitute with an extra teaspoon of vanilla if preferred.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- The glaze is optional but recommended for extra sweetness and decoration.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm treat.
