Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake

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Cook Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 9 servings

Ingredients

Crumble:

• Cooking spray
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packed cup light or dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

Cake:

• 6 ounces unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 packed cup light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) with the oven rack positioned in the center. Grease a 9-inch square pan with nonstick spray, then line the pan with parchment paper, allowing at least 2 inches of excess on each side to make removal easier later.

Step 2: Prepare the crumble topping. In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well combined. Add the butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture forms moist clumps. Set aside.

Step 3: For the cake batter, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well on medium speed after each addition. Scrape the bowl well after each egg.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add about half of this dry mixture to the mixer, mixing on low speed to combine. Scrape the bowl well.

Step 6: With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk in a steady stream until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Add the remaining dry ingredients to the mixer and mix until just combined.

Step 8: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.

Step 9: Sprinkle half of the crumble topping over the batter in an even layer.

Step 10: Add the remaining batter to the pan and spread it evenly on top of the crumble layer.

Step 11: Top the batter with the remaining crumble mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 12: Transfer the cake to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 13: Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the excess parchment paper to gently lift the cake from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.

Step 14: Slice the cake into 9 pieces and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 577

• Total Fat: 27g (35% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 17g (83% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 110mg (37% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 394mg (17% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 76g (28% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 37g
• Protein: 8g (15% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 122mg (9% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (16% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 147mg (3% Daily Value)

The History and Heritage of Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake

The Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake is a quintessential American treat with roots tracing back to European baking traditions. In the 18th and 19th centuries, German and Scandinavian immigrants brought with them recipes for simple yeast or butter cakes, often enriched with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Over time, these cakes evolved in the United States to include a streusel or crumb topping, a hallmark of modern coffee cakes. This particular combination of warm spices paired with a soft, moist cake has become a breakfast and brunch staple, especially popular in colder months when its rich aroma evokes comfort and homeliness.

Regional Characteristics

Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake is especially popular in the Northeastern United States and the Midwest. In Pennsylvania Dutch communities, similar recipes often include a denser dough and generous layers of nutty streusel, sometimes incorporating walnuts or pecans. In contrast, recipes from New England might be lighter and more buttery, emphasizing a delicate balance between cake and topping. The spices themselves vary slightly by regionsome bakers favor a stronger nutmeg flavor, while others highlight cinnamon as the dominant note.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional pound cakes or simple butter cakes, Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake is characterized by its layered structure and crumbly topping. The streusel not only adds texture but also infuses additional flavor, creating a contrast with the tender cake underneath. While coffee cakes may include fruits like blueberries or apples, this variety relies solely on spices and a buttery crumble, making it uniquely aromatic and slightly caramelized on top. Its balance of moistness and crunch sets it apart from other spiced cakes, which can often be denser or sweeter without the topping.

Typical Serving Occasions

This coffee cake is traditionally served at breakfast or brunch alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. It is also a favorite for holiday gatherings, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas, due to its warm, festive flavors. Bakeries and cafes often present it in slices, either as part of a breakfast buffet or as a sweet accompaniment to morning beverages. It also works well as an informal dessert for family meals, thanks to its approachable texture and universally appealing taste.

Interesting Facts

• The term coffee cake does not imply that coffee is used in the recipe; rather, it refers to the tradition of serving the cake alongside coffee.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg were once considered luxury spices, imported from distant lands, making early versions of this cake a special treat.
• The crumble topping, or streusel, originates from Germany and literally means strewn in German, reflecting the scattered butter-sugar-flour mixture on top.
• Variations of this cake sometimes include a light glaze of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese icing, adding even more richness and sweetness.
• Modern bakers often experiment by adding chopped nuts, orange zest, or cardamom to elevate the traditional flavor profile, yet the classic cinnamon-nutmeg combination remains timeless.

FAQ about Cinnamon Nutmeg Coffee Cake

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