Grandma's New England Coffee Cake Recipe
Grandma’s New England coffee cake is a cozy, nostalgic treat with a tender crumb, cinnamon swirl, and buttery streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s easy to make with pantry staples. This recipe brings warmth and tradition to any gathering.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (small, medium, large)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg optional, for warmth
For the Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside for layering later. This creates the cake’s signature swirl.
Make the Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly, then add nuts if desired. This topping adds crunch.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even leavening. Set aside for the batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use a mixer for 2-3 minutes. This makes the cake tender.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract and blend. This adds richness and flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then half the sour cream. Repeat, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix to keep the cake soft.
Layer the Batter and Swirl
- Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it. Top with the remaining batter, spreading carefully.
Add Streusel and Bake
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown.
Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack or serve directly from the pan. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.