Why You’ll Love this Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this Buttermilk Coffee Cake recipe for its perfect balance of moistness and flavor.
Each bite offers a delightful combination of rich, buttery goodness and warm spices. I can’t help but enjoy how the crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft cake beneath.
It’s ideal for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for unexpected guests or lazy weekends.
Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation forever. You’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Buttermilk Coffee Cake
When it comes to baking something sweet and comforting, Buttermilk Coffee Cake is a classic that never disappoints. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, who can resist the combination of fluffy cake and that delightful crumb topping?
The best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry, just waiting for the perfect excuse to come together in a delicious way. So, let’s gather what you need to make this scrumptious treat.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Buttermilk Coffee Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional)
Now, a quick note about these ingredients: the buttermilk is a real game changer here. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. Just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up, and voilà, you’ve got yourself a buttermilk stand-in.
Also, feel free to play around with the nuts—walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip them entirely. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; you can easily make it your own.
How to Make Buttermilk Coffee Cake
Alright, let’s plunge into the sweet world of Buttermilk Coffee Cake. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. While that’s warming up, grab a 13x9x2-inch baking pan and give it a good greasing, making sure to get the bottom and about half an inch up the sides. No one wants their cake to stick like a clingy friend, right?
Now, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once you’ve got those cozy ingredients mingling, it’s time to cut in 2/3 cup of butter. You can use a pastry cutter or even your trusty hands (just make sure they’re clean!).
You want to get the mixture to look like coarse crumbs—think of it as a sandy beach, but with less sun and more flour. Set aside a half cup of this crumb mixture; we’ll need it later for that tasty topping. Now, stir in 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the remaining mixture. The smell of those spices is going to make your kitchen feel like a bakery.
Next, let’s move to the wet ingredients. In another bowl, combine 2 beaten eggs and 1 1/3 cups of buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can whip up a quick substitute—just mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
Now, pour this eggy-buttermilk goodness into your flour mixture all at once. Give it a gentle stir, just until it’s combined. You don’t want to overmix; we’re not making bread here. Once that’s done, spoon the batter into your prepared pan.
Now, take that reserved crumb mixture and mix it with 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (if you’re using them) and sprinkle it all over the top. This is where the magic happens—those crunchy bits will bake up beautifully.
Finally, pop your cake in the oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The anticipation will be real, but trust me; the wait is worth it.
Once it’s out, let it cool slightly and serve it warm. There’s just something about that first bite of fluffy cake with a hint of spice and that crumbly topping that feels like a warm hug. Enjoy your cozy slice of Buttermilk Coffee Cake, and don’t blame me if you end up going back for seconds—it’s that good.
Buttermilk Coffee Cake Substitutions & Variations
Although traditional buttermilk coffee cake is delicious, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
For a dairy-free option, replace buttermilk with almond or coconut milk mixed with a little vinegar. If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
You can also swap in different nuts or add fruits like blueberries or apples for a fresh twist. Want extra flavor? Try adding lemon zest or a dash of vanilla extract.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—each variation can create a unique coffee cake that suits your taste!
What to Serve with Buttermilk Coffee Cake
Buttermilk coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and sides, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.
I love serving it with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea, as the flavors complement each other beautifully.
If you want to add a rejuvenating twist, consider offering fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples on the side.
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate your experience even more.
Whatever you choose, these pairings enhance the deliciousness of the coffee cake, turning a simple treat into a delightful feast.
Additional Tips & Notes
When baking buttermilk coffee cake, I find that a few tips can make a significant difference in the outcome.
First, always use room temperature ingredients; this helps the batter mix evenly. If you want a richer flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract.
For extra moisture, don’t overmix the batter; just combine until you see no dry flour. I love adding a streusel topping for crunch, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler cake.
Finally, let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving; it enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier. Enjoy!