Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe

Introduction

As the holiday season rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of fresh-baked coffee cake filling the house with its sweet aroma. I made this Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake for the first time last year, and it was an instant hit with my family. The soft, moist cake is perfectly complemented by the sweet, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping. Paired with a cup of coffee, it’s the perfect treat for Christmas morning. My family enjoyed it so much that we’ve made it a tradition, and it’s always the first thing to disappear when we gather for the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or just treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and nuts (if using). Mix until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Layer the Batter and Topping: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and spread evenly. Finish with the remaining streusel topping.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with glaze if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: Approximately 240
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Drizzle with the optional glaze for added sweetness.
• Pair with fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
• Top with whipped cream for a decadent treat.
• Serve as a dessert after a festive meal.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: Prepare the streusel topping the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake in the morning for a fresh bake.
2. Perfect Consistency: Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
3. Keep it Moist: Sour cream keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
4. Baking Dish: Ensure you use a 9×13 inch dish for the right cake-to-topping ratio.
5. Even Topping Distribution: Sprinkle the streusel evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of cake and topping.

Recipe Variations

• Add-ins: Stir in dried cranberries or raisins for a festive touch.
• Flavored Extracts: Swap out almond extract for hazelnut or coconut extract for a new twist.
• Nuts: Use different nuts such as almonds or macadamia nuts for a variety of flavors and textures.
• Citrus: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus note.
• Fruit: Incorporate chopped apples, pears, or berries into the batter for a fruity variation.

Serving Suggestions

• For Breakfast: Serve this coffee cake as part of a holiday breakfast spread along with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad.
• For Dessert: This cake also makes a wonderful dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• With Drinks: Pair with warm beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider for a cozy treat.
• For Brunch: It’s a great addition to a festive brunch table, alongside other baked goods like cinnamon rolls or muffins.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked coffee cake before adding the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe without nuts? Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave them out.
3. Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
4. How do I know when the cake is done? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
5. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in two separate pans or a larger pan.
6. How long can I store the coffee cake? The coffee cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
8. Can I freeze the glaze? The glaze may become lumpy when frozen, so it’s best to prepare it fresh when serving.
9. What kind of nuts work best for this coffee cake? Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great choices for the streusel topping.
10. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a whisk? Yes, a hand mixer can be used to combine the wet ingredients but be careful not to overmix the batter.

Conclusion

This Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Its combination of a moist, tender cake and a crumbly, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking it the night before or preparing it fresh on Christmas morning, it’s a treat that will make the day even more special. With a cup of coffee or tea and a drizzle of glaze, this coffee cake will be the perfect start to your festive day.

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