Old Fashioned Coffee Cake

This Old Fashioned Coffee Cake is delicious and nostalgic. A simple buttermilk coffee cake with a brown sugar crackly topping. I like to serve this still warm with a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Yields about 12 servings.

It’s starting to feel like fall.

Michigan mornings and evenings are starting to dip in the cooler temps which has got me in a baking mood. I’m not one to wish summer away, but I’m also not going to lie and say that I’m not looking forward to fall. I recently came across this old fashioned coffee cake recipe on instagram and immediately knew I had to make it. The method is unlike any coffee cake recipe I’ve ever saw or have made in the past. And if you know me, you know I love a good vintage recipe; like this zucchini cake or pineapple carrot coconut bundt cake!

However, I did make a few changes like, significantly reducing the amount of sugar, using butter instead of shortening and I made a simple vanilla powdered sugar glaze – which isn’t necessarily traditional, but oh well I wanted it. The results were incredible! A tangy, tender yet slightly dense cake (as it should be!) with a crackly cinnamon and brown sugar topping. It’s especially delicious when served while still a little warm and with the glaze drizzled over top.

It’s great for cozy weekend mornings, breakfast or brunch and definitely perfect for the holidays. This recipe is a keeper.

To Make This Old Fashioned Coffee Cake You Will Need:

• buttermilk – Lends subtle tangy flavor and makes the cake lighter and more tender.
• baking powder – Will create lightness in the batter, which makes it rise.
• unbleached all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the coffee cake.
• granulated sugar (white) – Adds sweetness and flavor.
• fine salt – Use either sea salt or pink himalayan.
• unsalted butter – Adds moisture, richness and flavor. You’ll need both softened and melted.
• dark brown sugar – Also lends sweetness, subtle caramel-like flavor.
• cinnamon (ground) – Lends distinct warm and woodsy flavor.

for the powdered sugar glaze:

• powdered sugar
• pure vanilla extract
• milk

Preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13 or 2-quart oven-safe baking dish.

Make The Cake Batter:

Add 1 teaspoon baking powder to 2 cups buttermilk.

Whisk to combine and set off to the side.

Next in a large mixing bowl, measure and add 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon fine salt.

Whisk to combine. Add in 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients.

Once blended it should resemble coarse sand.

Next, pour in the activated buttermilk. It should be thicker and foamy.

Then use a rubber spatula to mix until incorporated.

The batter should be very thick.

Measure out 3/4 cup of the coffee cake batter and set off to the side.

Transfer the remaining batter to the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to press and spread evenly.

Make The Cinnamon Brown Sugar Topping:

In a medium bowl, measure and add 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1 cup melted (and cooled slightly) unsalted butter.

Whisk to combine before adding in the reserved 3/4 cup of cake batter.

Stir to combine and then pour over top of the batter.

Spread evenly with the back of a spoon.

Then use the spoon to cut into the batter in a random pattern.

Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the middle is set. A tester should come back clean after inserted into the middle.

Allow the coffee cake to cool slightly, about 30 minutes, before serving.

I like to make a glaze for drizzling over top, this is optional but adds a touch of vanilla sweetness that is delicious with the cinnamon coffee cake.

How To Make Vanilla Glaze:

Sift 1 cup of powdered sugar in a bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of whole milk. Whisk until smooth. Add small splashes of milk if needed to thin.

Scoop and serve into bowls and prepare to fall in love.

Click Here For More Fall Baking Recipes!

Enjoy! And if you give this Old Fashioned Coffee Cake recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

This recipe was adapted form Grandma Jenson’s Coffee Cake Recipe.