There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake wafting through the kitchen. Now, imagine that comforting aroma infused with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts – that’s precisely what this recipe delivers. This walnut coffee cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a foolproof recipe, this one’s for you. Let’s get baking!
Gather Your Ingredients
For this delightful treat, you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Walnut Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Tools of the Trade
Before we begin, make sure you have the following on hand:
- 2 mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Guide to Walnut Coffee Cake Bliss
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. The Streusel Symphony
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts.
7. Assemble Your Masterpiece
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
8. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Walnut Coffee Cake Slice
Tips and Tricks for the Best Walnut Coffee Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, particularly the butter and eggs, ensures that they incorporate evenly into the batter, resulting in a cake with a light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough and dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Toast the Walnuts: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the streusel topping. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious substitutes for walnuts.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
What can I serve with walnut coffee cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries.
Walnut Coffee Cake Ingredients
A Slice of Happiness
This walnut coffee cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simple pleasures. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon coffee break, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness. And who knows, it might just become a new family favorite!
We’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Share your thoughts, questions, and pictures of your walnut coffee cake creations in the comments below.
If you’re looking for other delightful baking recipes, check out our guides on how to make coffee walnut cake or explore the nutty goodness of pecan pie cheesecake. Happy baking!
