Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
Meet your new obsession: Cream Coffee Cake. This irresistible cake is a celebration of everything there is to love about classic American baking, wrapping velvety richness, tender crumb, and a cinnamon-swirled center into one glorious treat. With its generous dose of sour cream and heavy cream, this cake stays decadently moist and buttery, while a spiced brown sugar ribbon adds a touch of warmth and crunch. Whether you serve it as an elegant dessert or a cozy breakfast companion, Cream Coffee Cake is the perfect excuse to gather around the table and indulge in something truly special that’s as easy to bake as it is to love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cream Coffee Cake is how such a simple list of ingredients comes together so perfectly—each one plays an important role in creating extraordinary texture, rich flavor, and that signature pretty crumb. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for baking success!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, offering structure while keeping things light and tender.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and fine texture to the crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and creates that beautiful, fluffy coffee cake texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness, flavor, and a luscious buttery crumb.
- Heavy cream: Amply moistens the batter and delivers a decadent texture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add lift to the cake.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with irresistible aromatic depth.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient ensures a tender crumb and subtle tangy finish.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses sweet spice and warmth into the swirl.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and perfect gooeyness to the swirl layer.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Lend a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon swirl.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The final touch for a beautiful and slightly sweet finish on top.
How to Make Cream Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Set yourself up for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9-inch round or square cake pan. This will ensure your Cream Coffee Cake pops out easily and has perfectly golden sides.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step distributes the leaveners and salt evenly so every bite of cake is consistently delicious.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the softened butter to your dry mix and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your hands until you have a mixture that looks like coarse crumbs. This little bit of effort ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture rather than a dense cake.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. This creamy mixture is the secret to that ultra-moist, rich crumb that makes Cream Coffee Cake unforgettable.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently—just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this keeps the cake tender and light.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts (if using). This is the magical ripple of spice and texture that runs through your Cream Coffee Cake.
Step 7: Layer and Assemble
Spoon half of the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle over half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with the rest of the batter and finish with the remaining cinnamon mixture for a gorgeous layered effect.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be deeply golden and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 9: Cool, Dust, and Serve
Allow your Cream Coffee Cake to cool slightly on a wire rack. Once it’s just warm, dust generously with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy while still a little warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor!
How to Serve Cream Coffee Cake
Garnishes
The crowning glory of Cream Coffee Cake is a luxurious dusting of powdered sugar, but you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or some extra chopped nuts on top for a bit of extra flair.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake is a star alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee, chai, or even a tall glass of milk. For brunch, serve it with bowls of fresh berries or a side of vanilla yogurt to make it extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your Cream Coffee Cake into small squares for a dessert platter, layer slices with whipped cream and fruit parfait-style, or serve with a scoop of ice cream for an elegant after-dinner treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), keep Cream Coffee Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake and bring to room temperature before serving to restore its soft, tender crumb.
Freezing
This cake is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked comfort, or reheat in a low oven wrapped loosely in foil until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make Cream Coffee Cake in advance for a brunch or party?
Absolutely! Cream Coffee Cake tastes amazing freshly baked, but it also keeps beautifully if made a day ahead. Simply store it tightly wrapped and add the final dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Is there a gluten-free way to make this?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, and check for doneness as baking times may vary slightly.
Do I have to use nuts in the swirl?
Nope! The nuts are entirely optional in Cream Coffee Cake. Leave them out for a classic cinnamon swirl or swap in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you prefer a nut-free crunch.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Whole milk or half-and-half will work in a pinch, but heavy cream gives that signature luxurious texture. Avoid using low-fat milk, as it can make the cake less moist and rich.
How do I add a cream cheese swirl?
For a bakery-style twist, blend 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and swirl it into the batter before baking. This adds a luscious, tangy layer which pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and sugar!
Final Thoughts
Cream Coffee Cake truly is a slice of comfort and celebration, perfect for lazy weekend brunches or anytime you want something special to share. If you’re craving a moist, rich, and effortlessly gorgeous cake, there’s no better recipe to try. Grab your favorite mug, share it with friends (or savor it all yourself!), and enjoy every delicious crumb.
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Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cream Coffee Cake, a moist and tender cake with a delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Make cinnamon-sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts if using.
- Layer batter: Pour half of the batter into pan, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For added flavor, swirl in a cream cheese mixture before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
