There’s just something magical about Christmas morning, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the excited chatter, and the delicious aroma wafting through the house. That’s where my Christmas Morning Coffee Cake comes in, and trust me, it’s a game changer! This cake is soft, moist, and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Imagine sitting around the table with family, the tree lit up in the corner, and everyone savoring a slice of this delightful treat paired with their morning coffee. It’s the perfect way to start the day!
This recipe is special to me because it’s a tradition that gets passed down every year. I remember my mom making it while we opened presents, and now I whip it up with my kids, filling the house with that nostalgic scent of butter and brown sugar. The best part? It comes together in just under an hour, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday spirit with loved ones. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create some delicious holiday memories together!
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it gets your cake off to a great start! You want all that warmth to help the ingredients meld together beautifully. So, go ahead and turn it on while you tackle the mixing – it’ll be ready just in time!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab your mixing bowl and let’s cream together that softened butter and sugar! Make sure your butter is at room temperature; it should be soft enough to make a dent with your finger. This step is all about aerating the butter, so you’ll want to beat it until it’s light and fluffy. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes of good mixing. Once you see that beautiful pale yellow color, it’s time to add the eggs. Toss those in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want everything to be combined nicely before moving on to the next step!
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now comes the fun part – adding the flour and milk! Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. I usually start with a third of the flour, mix it in until just combined, then add half the milk. Repeat this process until everything is in the bowl. This helps prevent those pesky lumps and ensures your batter is smooth and silky. Just remember, don’t overmix! You want a lovely, velvety batter without any flour streaks.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Time to prepare your baking pan! Make sure it’s greased well so your coffee cake comes out perfectly after baking. Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle half of that delicious streusel topping over the batter. This gives each slice that sweet, crumbly goodness we all love! Carefully add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the streusel. I love that layered look – it’s what makes this cake so special!
Baking Time
Pop your baking pan into the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready! If it seems wet, give it a few more minutes and check again. Once it’s done, let it cool a bit before slicing. You want those warm, sweet smells to fill your kitchen – it’s pure holiday bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Morning Coffee Cake has so many reasons to fall in love with it, and I can’t wait to share them with you! Here’s why it’s become a staple in my holiday celebrations:
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delightful cake ready to bake in no time, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities!
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of brown sugar and streusel topping creates a sweet, crunchy layer that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is like a cozy hug!
- Perfect Texture: This cake is soft and moist, making it the ideal companion to your morning coffee or tea. You won’t want to stop at just one slice!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Everyone loves the warm, inviting aroma that fills the house as it bakes, creating a delightful atmosphere.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm straight out of the oven or let it cool to room temperature. You can even dress it up with a drizzle of icing for a festive touch!
Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, just like it has in mine!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Morning Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned over the years. These little tricks will help you achieve that dreamy texture and irresistible flavor!
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
One of the best tips I can give you is to let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before using them. This helps them blend together more smoothly, giving you a light and fluffy batter. I usually take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before I start mixing!
Don’t Skip the Streusel Topping
The streusel topping is what makes this cake so special! If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping mix. It adds a lovely warmth that pairs beautifully with the cake. And if you have some oats lying around, you can toss a handful into the streusel for extra crunch!
Try Different Nuts
If you decide to use nuts in your streusel, feel free to get creative! While I love pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful flavor too. Just chop them roughly so you get a nice crunch in every bite. And if someone has a nut allergy, you can easily leave them out without missing a beat!
Keep an Eye on Baking Time
Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while it bakes through. Trust your nose – the scent will tell you when it’s getting close!
Store It Properly
If you have any leftovers (which is a big if around my house!), be sure to store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’ll stay moist for a couple of days at room temperature. You can also freeze slices for a quick treat later on! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.
These simple tips will help you create a Christmas Morning Coffee Cake that will wow your family and friends. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
As much as I love sharing this recipe, I want to remind you that the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided estimates for calories and other nutritional values, they’re not provided precisely. Always feel free to adjust according to your preferences and dietary needs!
Here’s a rough breakdown per slice (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin A: 500 IU
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 1mg
Enjoy every delightful slice of your Christmas Morning Coffee Cake without worry, knowing you can make this holiday favorite fit your lifestyle!
FAQ Section
Q1. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven. Alternatively, you can bake it the day before and simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy it cold!
Q2. What can I use instead of eggs?
If you need a substitute for the eggs, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. Generally, 1/4 cup of either works well for each egg. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious!
Q3. How should I store leftovers?
To keep your Christmas Morning Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They’ll stay good for a couple of months!
Q4. Can I add different mix-ins to the cake?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even fresh berries can be delightful additions. Just be cautious not to overload the batter, as too many extras can affect the cake’s texture.
Q5. What’s the best way to serve this coffee cake?
You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it’s lovely on its own! If you want to elevate it a bit, drizzle some icing on top or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you find yourself with any leftover Christmas Morning Coffee Cake (which is a big if in my house, but just in case!), here’s how to store it to keep it fresh and delightful.
First off, let that cake cool completely before you do anything else. Once it’s nice and cool, you can store it in an airtight container. This keeps the moisture in and prevents it from drying out. It should stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re like me and want to stretch it out a bit longer, you can freeze it!
To freeze the cake, slice it up and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, pop the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out just what you need whenever the craving strikes! It’ll keep well in the freezer for about two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored cake, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot! You’ll be amazed at how delicious it still is, making every bite feel like a cozy holiday morning all over again.
For more festive ideas, check out my Pinterest page!
Christmas Morning Coffee Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Pan
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
For the Streusel Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into a greased baking pan. Sprinkle with half of the streusel topping. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.