There’s something truly special about a classic coffee cake that brings warmth and comfort to any morning. Our Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake recipe has been a beloved staple in our family for generations. It’s the perfect balance of tender crumb and cinnamon-spiced streusel topping that makes every bite unforgettable.
Originating from the charming kitchens of New England, this coffee cake captures the essence of cozy weekends and family gatherings. We love how simple ingredients come together to create a treat that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
To recreate Grandma’s Of New England Coffee Cake exactly as we remember, it’s essential to use the right balance of ingredients. Below we break down the key ingredients into dry, wet, and topping components so you can prepare this classic with precision and ease.
Dry Ingredients
We begin with the foundation of our cake—a combination of flour, leavening agents, and spices that create the tender crumb and signature depth.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for lightness)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness that complement the dry mix to make a soft yet sturdy cake.
- 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature for better mixing)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
The delicious cinnamon-spiced streusel topping is a hallmark of this New England coffee cake, providing a delightful crunch and sweet contrast.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | Light or dark brown sugar |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | Freshly ground preferred |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup | Cold and cut into cubes |
| Chopped nuts (optional) | ½ cup | Walnuts or pecans |
“The streusel topper is what brings this coffee cake to life—its buttery crunch and warm cinnamon notes perfectly complement the soft cake beneath.”
With these ingredients on hand, we are ready to move on to mixing and baking steps that honor Grandma’s authentic New England recipe.
Equipment Needed
To bake Grandma’s Of New England Coffee Cake perfectly, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Each tool supports the process from mixing to baking, ensuring our coffee cake reaches that perfect tender crumb and cinnamon-spiced streusel topping just like Grandma made it.
Essential Baking Tools
- Mixing Bowls
Use a large bowl for combining dry ingredients and a medium one for wet ingredients. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best for efficient mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision matters. We rely on both dry and liquid measuring cups plus a full set of measuring spoons to accurately measure the baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and wet ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
A hand mixer or stand mixer speeds up creaming butter and sugar and ensures even incorporation of eggs and buttermilk for a smooth batter.
- Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer
Sifting the dry ingredients, particularly flour, baking powder, and baking soda, avoids lumps and promotes an airy cake texture.
- Spatula
A rubber spatula is perfect for scraping down the bowl sides and folding in dry ingredients without overmixing.
- 9×9 Inch Baking Pan or Comparable Size
Grandma’s coffee cake cooks beautifully in this square pan. We recommend greasing it well or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cooling Rack
Once baked, cooling the cake on a wire rack prevents sogginess and helps maintain the streusel’s crispness.
- Knife or Toothpick
Use this for testing doneness before removing the cake from the oven.
Equipment Summary Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine dry and wet ingredients | Stainless steel or glass preferred |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Accurate measurement of ingredients | Use dry cups for flour, liquid for wet |
| Hand or Stand Mixer | Cream butter & sugar, mix batter | Mix evenly for smooth texture |
| Sifter or Fine Mesh | Remove lumps from dry ingredients | Results in lighter crumb |
| Rubber Spatula | Fold ingredients, scrape bowl sides | Prevent overmixing |
| 9×9 Inch Baking Pan | Bake coffee cake | Grease or line for easy removal |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cake post-baking | Maintains topping crunch |
| Knife or Toothpick | Test cake doneness | Insert into center; should come out clean |
By assembling these tools beforehand, our journey baking Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake becomes smooth and enjoyable. Let’s prepare for mixing and baking as we bring this nostalgic recipe to life.
Prep Work
Before we start mixing our Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake, it’s crucial to handle the initial prep properly. This ensures everything flows smoothly and our cake bakes evenly with that classic texture and flavor.
Preparing the Pan
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan thoroughly using butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal and to protect the streusel topping.
- Lightly flour the pan after greasing to add an extra non-stick layer and to help the cake rise uniformly.
“Proper pan prep sets the foundation for a beautifully baked coffee cake with a perfect crust.”
Prepping Ingredients
Organizing and prepping each ingredient accurately boosts our confidence and recipe success. Here’s how we get everything ready:
| Ingredient Group | Preparation Details |
|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to avoid lumps and evenly distribute leavening agents. |
| Wet Ingredients | Crack eggs at room temperature into a bowl to ensure smooth incorporation. Measure buttermilk precisely and have melted butter cooled to avoid cooking eggs prematurely. Add vanilla extract last to preserve its aroma. |
| Topping | Cut cold butter into small cubes for better blending with brown sugar and cinnamon. Chop nuts finely (optional) for consistent texture in streusel. |
Tip: Measure ingredients accurately with standard measuring cups and spoons for consistent results every time we bake.
By properly preparing our ingredients and pan beforehand, we ensure our Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake turns out tender, flavorful, and visually stunning.
Directions
Let’s bring together Grandma’s Of New England Coffee Cake with precision and care. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Making the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×9 inch baking pan by greasing, lining with parchment, and lightly flouring it.
- In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Stir gently until you have a smooth, thick batter — do not overmix to keep the crumb tender and light.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Preparing the Crumb Topping
- In a cold bowl, combine the topping ingredients: brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cold butter cut into small cubes.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Optionally add chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spread the crumb topping evenly over the batter in the baking pan, covering every inch to create the delightful cinnamon-spiced streusel layer Grandma loved.
Baking the Coffee Cake
| Step | Time (Minutes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bake in preheated oven | 40-45 | Test for doneness at 40 minutes |
| Check | – | Insert toothpick; it comes out clean |
| If not done | Additional 5-10 | Continue baking but watch carefully |
- Place the pan in the center rack of your oven.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Around the 40-minute mark, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- If needed, bake for an extra 5 to 10 minutes—avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
Cooling and Serving
- Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps the crumb set and makes slicing easier.
- Gently remove the cake from the pan using the parchment paper.
- Let it cool completely on the rack to keep the topping crisp.
- Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea for a truly nostalgic New England morning ritual.
Storage Tips
Proper storage preserves the flavor, moisture, and texture of Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake, ensuring every bite tastes as wonderful as the first.
Storing at Room Temperature
- Allow the coffee cake to cool completely on a cooling rack before storage.
- Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its soft crumb and crisp streusel topping.
Refrigeration
- If holding beyond 2 days, wrap the coffee cake in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring to room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven (300°F for 10 minutes) to refresh texture and flavor.
Freezing for Longer Storage
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat gently if desired.
| Storage Method | Packaging | Max Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Plastic wrap or airtight container | 2 days | Serve as is, or warm slightly |
| Refrigerator | Plastic wrap + airtight container | 5 days | Warm at 300°F for 10 minutes |
| Freezer | Plastic wrap + foil + freezer bag | 3 months | Thaw overnight; warm if preferred |
Important Notes
- Avoid storing coffee cake uncovered to prevent it from becoming stale.
- Streusel topping maintains best texture when allowed to cool on a rack before wrapping.
- Warming the cake revives the cinnamon aroma and soft crumb reminiscent of Grandma’s kitchen.
By following these storage tips, we keep the heartwarming essence and classic taste of our Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake fresh for family and friends to enjoy anytime.
Conclusion
Baking Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake is more than just making a dessert—it’s about creating a moment filled with warmth and tradition. With the right ingredients, tools, and a bit of care, we can bring a slice of nostalgic comfort into our homes.
This recipe invites us to slow down, enjoy the simple pleasures, and share something truly special with those we love. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a cozy morning ritual, this coffee cake never fails to brighten the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake special?
Grandma’s New England Coffee Cake is special because of its tender crumb combined with a cinnamon-spiced streusel topping, evoking warmth and nostalgia. It’s perfect for pairing with morning coffee or tea.
What are the key ingredients for this coffee cake?
The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt (dry); buttermilk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla (wet); and a cinnamon-brown sugar streusel with cold butter and optional nuts for the topping.
What tools do I need to bake this coffee cake?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a hand or stand mixer, a sifter, a rubber spatula, a 9×9 inch baking pan, a cooling rack, and a knife or toothpick for testing doneness.
How should I prepare the baking pan before adding the batter?
Grease the 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
Yes, chopped nuts can be added to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor, but they are optional based on your preference.
How should I store leftover coffee cake?
Cool the cake completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat the coffee cake?
Reheat in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its softness and flavor before serving.