Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe is a soft, buttery cake layered with a sweet mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and crunchy walnuts.
Despite its name, it usually contains no coffee and is traditionally served alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The cake is rich, tender, and slightly buttery, offering a balanced sweetness and nutty crunch in every bite.
I decided to make this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe after seeing a similar recipe being prepared on a cooking show, which inspired me to try it myself.
I will now guide step by step through the process of making this cake, from preparing the batter and filling to baking and serving.
Why We Love This Recipe?
We love this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe because it combines a soft, tender crumb with layers of sweet cinnamon and crunchy walnuts.
Every bite delivers rich flavor and a delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for another slice. The recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it easy to prepare at home.
The cinnamon walnut filling adds warmth and depth throughout the cake. It works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Friends and family always enjoy the homemade taste, and the Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe stays moist and flavorful for several days after baking.
How To Prepare Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Yield: 10 servings
Equipment Needed
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- 9-inch bundt cake pan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For The Cake Batter
- 250g all purpose flour
- 5g baking powder
- 2.5g baking soda
- 3g salt
- 113g unsalted butter, softened
- 120g sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 120ml milk of choice
- 200g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5ml vanilla extract
- 56g vegetable oil
For The Cinnamon Walnut Filling
- 120g walnuts, finely chopped
- 100g brown sugar
- 5g ground cinnamon
- 28g butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch bundt cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar
Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs And Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Finish The Batter
Add the sour cream and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir just until no dry streaks remain.
Step 6: Make The Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the walnuts are coated and the filling resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Layer The Cake
Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon walnut mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool further before slicing.
Step 10: Serve
Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon sugar filling and crunchy walnuts create a rich, comforting texture in every bite.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
About This Recipe
Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe is a delicious homemade cake featuring a soft, moist crumb layered with a sweet cinnamon walnut filling.
The combination of warm cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and tender cake creates a comforting flavor that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe is easy to prepare and delivers bakery style results at home.
The rich texture from sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps the cake wonderfully moist, while the cinnamon filling adds a delightful sweetness in every bite.
It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. The main specialty of this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe is its irresistible combination of a moist, buttery cake and a flavorful cinnamon walnut filling that adds both sweetness and a satisfying crunch to every slice.
Hot Tips For Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
➢Use room temperature butter, eggs, and dairy ingredients to create a smoother batter and a softer cake texture.
➢ Toast the walnuts for a few minutes before mixing them into the filling to bring out a richer nutty flavor.
➢ Spread the batter gently over the cinnamon walnut layer to keep the filling evenly distributed throughout the cake.
➢ Check for doneness a few minutes before the baking time ends since overbaking can dry out the crumb.
➢ Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the layers can set and hold their shape neatly.
Usage Suggestions Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
1. Serve a slice alongside freshly brewed coffee for a classic breakfast combination that highlights the cake’s warm cinnamon aroma and crunchy walnut filling.
2. Present as part of a brunch spread featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, and assorted pastries for a satisfying sweet option.
3. Enjoy slightly warmed and topped with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
4. Pack individual slices for office snacks, school lunches, or afternoon refreshments that provide a sweet and nutty treat.
5. Arrange on a dessert table during family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weekend get togethers to offer guests a homemade bakery style cake.
Best Variations
➣ Apple Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake adds diced apples to the batter for extra moisture and a naturally sweet fruit flavor.
➣ Maple Walnut Coffee Cake replaces part of the sugar with pure maple syrup, creating a rich caramel-like taste.
➣ Chocolate Chip Walnut Coffee Cake includes mini chocolate chips between the layers for pockets of melted chocolate in every slice.
➣ Cream Cheese Cinnamon Coffee Cake features a smooth cream cheese layer in the center, adding a tangy contrast to the sweet filling.
➣ Banana Walnut Coffee Cake incorporates mashed ripe bananas into the batter, producing a soft texture and deeper flavor.
Storage And Shelf Life Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigeration keeps it fresh for about 5 to 6 days while maintaining flavor and texture.
For longer storage, freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Proper storage preserves the moist crumb, cinnamon aroma, and walnut crunch, ensuring every slice remains soft, flavorful, and enjoyable over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Substitute For Sour Cream In This Recipe?
Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as alternatives to sour cream.
Can I Use Different Nuts Instead Of Walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work well and provide a similar crunchy texture.
How Do I Know When The Cake Is Done Baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can This Cake Be Made Gluten Free?
Using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all purpose flour can make it gluten free.
Is It Possible To Prepare The Batter Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the batter can be refrigerated overnight before baking.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe is one of my favorite homemade treats because it is easy to make, wonderfully moist, and packed with delicious cinnamon and walnut flavors.
I truly enjoyed baking it, and the results were a complete success. The sweet cinnamon filling and tender cake make every bite irresistible.
I hope this Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe inspires you to bake it in your own kitchen soon. Give it a try, and let me know how delicious it turns out for you!
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Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- 9-inch bundt cake pan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For The Cake Batter
- 250 g all purpose flour
- 5 g baking powder
- 2.5 g baking soda
- 3 g salt
- 113 g unsalted butter softened
- 120 g sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 120 ml milk of choice
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- 56 g vegetable oil
For The Cinnamon Walnut Filling
- 120 g walnuts finely chopped
- 100 g brown sugar
- 5 g ground cinnamon
- 28 g butter melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch bundt cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar
- Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs And Vanilla
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Finish The Batter
- Add the sour cream and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir just until no dry streaks remain.
Step 6: Make The Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the walnuts are coated and the filling resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Layer The Cake
- Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon walnut mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter on top.
Step 8: Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool further before slicing.
Step 10: Serve
- Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon sugar filling and crunchy walnuts create a rich, comforting texture in every bite.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Protein :5 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 25 gHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!