Originally posted on April 29, 2019 @ 4:39 pm
There’s something truly special about Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake. This timeless recipe has been passed down through generations, embodying the warmth and comfort of family gatherings in every bite.
The perfect balance of tender crumb, cinnamon-swirled streusel topping, and subtle vanilla undertones makes this cake a beloved classic in New England kitchens and beyond. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a delightful afternoon treat, this coffee cake promises to bring a smile to your face and a cozy feeling to your heart.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making this cherished recipe. You’ll learn why this coffee cake stands out, the essential ingredients and equipment needed, and some handy tips to make your baking experience easier and more enjoyable.
Plus, I’ll share some variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Ready to bake a slice of nostalgia?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This coffee cake is a treasure for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just basic pantry staples that you likely already have at home.
The texture is wonderfully tender and moist, thanks to the use of sour cream or yogurt, which also adds a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
The cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and a warm spice flavor that complements the soft cake beneath. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect to pair with your morning coffee or tea.
Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it any time you crave a comforting treat.
Best of all, this recipe has a heartwarming story behind it—baked lovingly by Grandma, it connects us to simple pleasures and family traditions. If you love baking recipes with a bit of history and a lot of flavor, this one is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch
Equipment
- Baking pan (9×9 inch square or 8×8 inch works well)
- Mixing bowls (large and medium size)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Fork or pastry cutter (for streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer, spreading gently to cover.
- Top with the remaining streusel**, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Tips & Variations
“For a moister coffee cake, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.”
Feel free to customize this coffee cake to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Add fruit: Incorporate 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat.
- Nut-free streusel: Omit nuts if you have allergies or simply prefer a classic streusel topping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make it vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use vegan butter and plant-based yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a wonderful breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
For a more indulgent experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a smear of cream cheese frosting. It’s also delightful alongside fresh fruit or a light fruit compote.
If you’re looking for more cozy baked treats, you might enjoy our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or the Best Vegan Cheese Scone Recipe for Fluffy, Tasty Bakes.
Conclusion
Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartwarming slice of tradition that brings comfort and joy to any kitchen. Its simple ingredients and approachable steps make it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Whether you bake it for a special occasion or a casual coffee break, this coffee cake is sure to become a beloved favorite. Its tender crumb, rich cinnamon streusel, and nostalgic charm make every bite unforgettable.
So next time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones, give this recipe a try. And if you ever want to explore more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals or our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Grandma's New England Coffee Cake
Description: A classic moist and tender coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat with coffee.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts for the streusel.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the streusel, then add remaining batter and top with remaining streusel.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 44 g
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