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Gingerbread Coffee Cake Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

This Gingerbread Coffee Cake is a delightful spiced treat perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings. Featuring warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, molasses, and a tender crumb texture, it’s topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble and an optional sweet glaze for added indulgence.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon clove (optional)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup Prairie Farms Sour Cream
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 cup Prairie Farms Buttermilk

Crumb Topping

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Glaze (Optional)

  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch pan generously and line it with parchment paper if desired to ensure easy removal of the cake. Set aside until ready to use.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. Then add molasses, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla bean paste, mixing until thoroughly combined for a smooth batter base.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Batter: Sift together or mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and optional clove in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. While mixing starts, slowly pour in the buttermilk and continue mixing just until the batter is fully formed with no dry spots remaining. The batter will be thick but consistent.
  4. Prepare Crumb Topping: In another bowl, combine all the crumb topping ingredients—flour, light brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or your fingers to blend them until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Spread the thick cake batter evenly into the prepared 9×9 pan. Then evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping by breaking it apart with your hands and spreading it evenly across the surface of the cake batter.
  6. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing to help set the structure and improve slicing.
  7. Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Alternatively, simply dust the coffee cake with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your warm, spiced gingerbread coffee cake!

Notes

  • The optional clove adds a deeper spice note but can be omitted if you prefer a milder spice flavor.
  • Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup but is not necessary if you grease the pan well.
  • Ensure the cake cools completely before glazing or slicing to avoid the glaze melting or the cake crumbling.
  • Butter can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free option but flavor may vary.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Coffee Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American