Ah, the holiday season! There’s something truly magical about baking during this time of year. The air fills with warmth and delicious scents that make your heart feel cozy. My Christmas Coffee Cake has become a staple at my gatherings, and trust me, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any festive table! I can still remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafting through the house drew everyone in, and the smiles around the table were priceless. This cake is a delightful blend of rich flavors, topped with a sweet cinnamon crunch that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake brings everyone together. Let’s dive into how you can create this festive treat that’s sure to impress your loved ones!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, but I love walnuts or pecans!)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Prepare Christmas Coffee Cake
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, folks! A properly preheated oven ensures that your Christmas Coffee Cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! Beat until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the better your cake will rise!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, add in the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. It should look glossy and luscious—yum!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps; a good whisking will help keep your cake light and airy. This is where all the dry magic happens!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start with a scoop of dry, then a dollop of sour cream, mixing just until incorporated. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing—nobody wants a tough cake!
Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if you’re using them). This mixture is going to give your cake that delightful sweet crunch!
Assemble the Cake
Now for the fun part! Pour half of the cake batter into a greased pan, then sprinkle half of your sugar mixture on top. Pour in the rest of the batter and finish with the remaining sugar mixture. Don’t be shy—make sure it’s evenly spread!
Bake the Cake
Pop your cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and oh-so-inviting!
Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. This allows it to cool completely. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to pair it with a lovely cup of coffee or tea—it’s the perfect match!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to make—perfect for those busy holiday mornings!
- The rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet cinnamon crunch will have everyone asking for seconds.
- It’s incredibly versatile; enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack with your afternoon coffee!
- This cake is a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering, making it a great centerpiece for your festive table.
- With simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, it’s a breeze to whip up.
- It stores well, so you can make it ahead of time and still enjoy that fresh-baked taste later.
- It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a delightful addition to any holiday brunch.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the fluffy texture you want.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Use butter or non-stick spray generously to avoid any sticky situations. You want your cake to slide out easily after baking!
- Check for Doneness: Always do the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake. It adds a lovely finish!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add in your favorite spices or extracts, like nutmeg or almond, to give your coffee cake a unique twist!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of my delightful Christmas Coffee Cake. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This cake is a delightful treat for the holidays, and while it’s not the lightest option, it’s certainly worth every calorie when shared with loved ones! Enjoy your slice with a cup of coffee or tea and savor the flavors of the season!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas Coffee Cake stores well, so you can bake it a day or two in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend! Just make sure to follow the specific instructions for the flour you choose to get the best results.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. It will keep your cake moist and flavorful!
How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way is to do the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze your Christmas Coffee Cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should keep well for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What’s the best way to serve it?
I love serving it warm with a nice cup of coffee or tea! You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a festive touch.
Can I add different flavors or toppings?
Of course! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a glaze on top for added sweetness. It’s all about making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Coffee Cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just make sure it’s well covered to prevent it from drying out.
If you find yourself with leftover cake that you can’t finish right away, consider freezing it! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should stay good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds—it’s like a warm hug! If you have a whole cake, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just be sure to cover it with foil to keep it from getting too brown. Enjoy it warm, and you’ll feel like you just baked it fresh again!
Print
Christmas Coffee Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Treat
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious coffee cake perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Pour half of the batter into a greased pan, sprinkle half of the sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the sugar mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- This cake pairs well with coffee or tea.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas Coffee Cake, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cake