Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This coffee cake offers a harmonious blend of warm spices and a tender crumb. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg provides a comforting aroma and flavor, while the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Coffee Cake:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk, at room temperature

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture forms moist clumps. Set aside.

3. Make the Coffee Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix Batter: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Add the buttermilk in a steady stream, mixing until incorporated. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crumble topping over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out, and then sprinkle the remaining crumble topping evenly over the surface.

7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into 9 pieces and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
• Fruit Infusion: Fold in 1 cup of fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

How do I prevent my coffee cake from being too dry?

Ensure you measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Over-measuring flour can lead to a dry cake. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a dense texture.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk. To mimic the acidity of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

While the recipe calls for granulated and brown sugar, you can experiment with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cake.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with a tender, moist crumb. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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