Satisfy your sweet tooth in the morning with this easy and delicious Gingerbread Coffee Cake recipe. Perfect for holiday brunches or as a special treat for yourself!
Hey there! As the holidays get closer, I can’t help but crave all things cozy and festive. And you know what’s at the top of my list? Gingerbread coffee cake! It’s the perfect mix of warm spices, sweet cake, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with holiday cheer.
So, let’s dive into the world of gingerbread delight together! We’ll chat about its history, fun variations, and my top tips for baking a cake that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
A Little History Lesson: Gingerbread Through the Ages
Did you know gingerbread has been around for ages? Like, way back to ancient Greece and Egypt! It became a big deal in Europe during the Middle Ages, and by the 19th century, gingerbread houses were a Christmas must-have. Today, we’re still obsessed with gingerbread cookies, cakes, and of course, our beloved coffee cake.
Gingerbread Coffee Cake: So Many Delicious Options
The classic gingerbread coffee cake recipe is amazing, but there are tons of ways to mix things up! Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Gingerbread Coffee Cake: This is the OG, with a moist spiced cake, a swirl of cinnamon, and a crumbly topping.
- Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: This one’s a little fancy, with a layer of creamy, tangy cream cheese filling.
- Coffee Cake with Pecans: Adding pecans gives it a yummy crunch and nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free: There are gluten-free versions so everyone can enjoy the fun!
- Vegan: Plant-based options are available too, using ingredients like applesauce or mashed banana.
Baking Tips: How to Make the Perfect Coffee Cake
Baking a gingerbread coffee cake is pretty easy, but here are a few tips to make it extra special:
- Fresh Spices: Use good quality spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until everything comes together, so your cake stays nice and fluffy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Baking Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated so your cake bakes evenly.
- Cool Before Frosting: If you’re adding frosting, let the cake cool completely first.
Serving and Storing Your Gingerbread Coffee Cake
Gingerbread coffee cake is best served warm and is delicious on its own or with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container for a few days or freeze them for later.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes! You can make it a few days in advance or freeze it.
You can try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but the texture might change a bit.
Totally! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips are all yummy additions.
Similar Recipes
If you enjoy this recipe, you will like the coffee cake recipes below:
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Gingerbread Coffee Cake: A Cozy Holiday Recipe
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth and spice of Gingerbread Coffee Cake! This classic holiday treat is perfect for cozy gatherings. Get the recipe and baking tips now.
Ingredients
- 3/4 c. dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 stick butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 c. unsulphured molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp. candied ginger, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 c. sour cream
- 1/4 c. whole milk
Streusel
- 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/4 c. darl brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 c. pecans, chopped (optional)
- 3 tbsp. butter, melted
Icing Drizzle
- 2 tbsp. butter, melted
- 2 c. powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees and spray a 9 inch springform pan with baking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, melted butter, molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, candied ginger (optional), baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Whisk the flour mixture (dry ingredients) into the sugar mixture. Add sour cream and milk, whisking until combined. Pour into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel on top of the coffee cake.
- Bake until a toothpick can be inserted in the center and comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and let continue to cool.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and drizzle on top of the cake. Allow to set, about 10 minutes; serve and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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