Why You’ll Love This Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, you’ll love this walnut coffee cake recipe. It’s moist, flavorful, and has a lovely crunch from the walnuts.
The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, the hint of cinnamon adds warmth that perfectly complements your coffee.
I can’t resist its tempting aroma as it bakes, filling my kitchen with a cozy scent. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this cake is a sweet way to start your day.
Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Ingredients of Walnut Coffee Cake
When it comes to baking a delicious walnut coffee cake, having the right ingredients is key. This recipe calls for a mix of pantry staples and a few special items that come together to create that irresistible flavor and texture we all crave.
So, if you’ve got a craving for something sweet and a bit nutty to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the topping)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for the topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the topping)
- 1/4 cup cold butter or 1/4 cup margarine (for the topping)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (for the topping)
Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up, let’s chat about a couple of things to ponder.
First, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before you start mixing. No one wants to wrestle with a block of cold cream cheese—trust me, it’s a mess.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out some of the walnuts for pecans or throw in a handful of chocolate chips; who says you can’t have a little fun with your baking?
How to Make Walnut Coffee Cake
Alright, let’s plunge into making this delightful Walnut Coffee Cake. First off, grab that 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese and toss it into a large mixing bowl along with 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine (if you’re feeling fancy, go for butter).
Now, sprinkle in 1 1/4 cups of sugar. Get ready for some serious mixing—beat these ingredients together until they’re smooth and creamy. You know it’s ready when it looks like a beautiful, velvety cloud.
Next up, add in 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of milk. Beat everything again until it’s light and fluffy. Honestly, this part is so satisfying; it’s like watching a magic potion come to life.
Now comes the real fun. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Slowly add this dry mixture into your creamy concoction. Just like that, you’re creating the base of your coffee cake. Beat everything on low until it’s combined—don’t overdo it. Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Can you smell the nutty goodness already?
Pour this batter into a greased 13×9 inch baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Now, let’s whip up that irresistible topping. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Cut in 1/4 cup of cold butter or margarine with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It might feel a bit like you’re digging in the sand at the beach—messy but fun.
Stir in 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts, because more walnuts are always a good idea. Sprinkle this crumbly topping over the batter, and then it’s time to bake!
Pop it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Just imagine that warm, sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen. It’s pure comfort, and trust me, you’ll want to enjoy it warm.
Walnut Coffee Cake Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious Walnut Coffee Cake, you might find yourself wanting to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a lighter option, I sometimes swap half the butter for applesauce. If you’re nut-sensitive, feel free to replace walnuts with chocolate chips or dried fruit.
I’ve even tried using almond flour for a gluten-free version, and it works beautifully. Want it sweeter? Just add a touch more brown sugar.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some orange zest for a citrus twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking the Walnut Coffee Cake, I’ve found a few tips that can really enhance the experience and outcome.
First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; it helps achieve a smoother batter. I also recommend toasting the walnuts beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
If you want a moist cake, avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Don’t forget to check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time, as ovens vary.
Finally, serving it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar makes it even more delightful. Enjoy your baking!