Delicious Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
Introduction
This classic coffee cake is tender, moist, and filled with a delicious cinnamon walnut streusel. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

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: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Step 2: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: Add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream to the creamed mixture, beating just enough to keep the batter smooth after each addition.
- Step 5: Grease a 10-inch tube pan. Spoon one-third of the batter into the pan.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3/4 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
- Step 7: Sprinkle one-third of the cinnamon walnut mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Step 8: Repeat layering the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture two more times, finishing with the cinnamon topping.
- Step 9: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with your favorite seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top after cooling adds a rich touch.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter blend more smoothly.
- Use fresh sour cream for the best texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or oven before serving to restore moistness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will keep the cake moist while adding a slight tang.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the cake. It’s done when the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Delicious Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic Coffee Cake is a deliciously moist and tender cake layered with a cinnamon-sugar walnut topping that adds a perfect crunch and flavor. Made with sour cream for extra softness and baked in a tube pan, it’s a wonderful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack alongside your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 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
Cinnamon Walnut Topping
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 2 cups sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter creating a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-egg mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat gently after each addition just until the batter is smooth to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Walnut Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3/4 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts until combined.
- Layer the Batter and Topping: Spoon one-third of the batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan. Sprinkle one-third of the cinnamon walnut mixture evenly over the batter. Repeat layering two more times, ending with the cinnamon walnut topping on top.
- Bake the Cake: Place the tube pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then remove it carefully and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Use a greased tube pan to help the cake cook evenly and release cleanly.
- Do not overbeat the batter after adding flour to prevent a dense texture.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- For an extra moist cake, use full-fat sour cream.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: coffee cake, cinnamon walnut cake, sour cream coffee cake, breakfast cake, classic coffee cake

