Dessert

Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe

ByHarper Ellington November 27, 2025November 27, 2025

Introduction

This classic coffee cake is a delightful treat with a tender crumb and a cinnamon-nut streusel swirl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it combines rich buttery flavor with a moist texture from sour cream.

A round cinnamon coffee cake with a rough textured top covered in a layer of cinnamon sugar and scattered small brown nut pieces. The cake is cut into several slices, with one slice pulled out showing the inside, which has two visible layers: a light yellow soft cake layer and a darker cinnamon swirl layer running through the middle. The cake sits on a white marbled surface with crumbs scattered around. A knife with a dark wooden handle lies partially under the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2-3/4 cups sugar, divided
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sour cream
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, about five to seven minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then beat in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just enough after each addition to keep the batter smooth—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
Step 7: Spoon one-third of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle one-third of the cinnamon-nut mixture over the batter. Repeat layering twice more with the remaining batter and topping.
Step 8: Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor and a slightly lighter texture.
Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to change the nutty flavor.
For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.
Serve warm with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for added richness.

Storage

Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a round cinnamon swirl coffee cake on a white cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has one slice already removed, revealing two clear layers inside: a light yellow cake layer with dark cinnamon swirls running through it, and a topping layer covered with a crumbly cinnamon sugar mixture and small nut pieces. Three slices are cut and placed beside the cake, showing the creamy yellow inside with dark cinnamon veins and crumbly topping visible. A knife with a brown wooden handle rests next to the cake, and a glass pot of coffee is nearby. In the top left corner, there is a stack of white plates with a red cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure that your baking blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately to help maintain the cake’s structure.

Can I use a different pan instead of a tube pan?

A tube pan helps the cake bake evenly, but you can use a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keep an eye on baking time and check doneness with a toothpick, as it may vary slightly.