Name: Dorie Greenspan’s Coffee Crunch Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee; 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping); 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping); 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

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This coffee cake is everything you want in a cozy, comforting slice. Each bite is a dreamy combination of tender crumb, rich coffee flavor, and a sweet crunchy topping that delivers a satisfying contrast. With a warm aroma that fills the kitchen and a golden, buttery top that begs you to take a piece, this is the kind of cake you’ll want to make on repeat.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe comes straight from the genius of Dorie Greenspan, whose baking magic never disappoints. Her coffee crunch coffee cake is the kind of recipe that feels like it’s been passed down through generations, yet still tastes fresh and exciting. There’s something incredibly homey about it, like a warm hug baked into a pan. The combination of soft cake and caramelized crunch speaks to her mastery of balancing textures in the most delightful way.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Coffee cakes have long been a staple in American kitchens, often enjoyed alongside a hot cup of joe in the morning or during a cozy afternoon break. The name “coffee cake” doesn’t always mean there’s actual coffee in the recipe, but in Dorie’s version, the flavor is front and center. Inspired by classic crumb-topped cakes and coffee-flavored desserts, this particular twist elevates the traditional with a bold coffee punch and a crackly, sweet topping that takes it over the edge.

Why You’ll Love Dorie Greenspan’s Coffee Crunch Coffee Cake

Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer. Here’s why:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and it travels beautifully for potlucks or picnics.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under an hour, with straightforward steps and minimal fuss.

Customizable: Add nuts, a swirl of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of glaze for your own spin.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone will be asking for seconds—this cake disappears fast.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it the night before and enjoy it the next day without missing a beat.

Great for Leftovers: Stays moist and tasty for days, just a quick warm-up and it’s as good as new.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

For a cake that bakes up soft inside and golden on top, keep these tips in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and even texture.
Brew a strong coffee for deeper flavor. Instant espresso works in a pinch.
Don’t overmix the batter or the cake will be tough. Fold gently.
For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the topping before baking.
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing so the topping sets properly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few kitchen staples will help you pull this off like a pro:

Mixing Bowls: For both wet and dry ingredients.

Electric Mixer: Stand or handheld, to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.

Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients evenly.

Spatula: Perfect for folding and scraping down the sides.

8-inch Square Baking Pan: Ideal size for thick, even slices.

Wire Rack: To cool your cake without steaming the bottom.

Ingredients in Dorie Greenspan’s Coffee Crunch Coffee Cake

This cake shines because each ingredient brings something unique to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. The sturdy base that provides structure without heaviness.
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. Helps the cake rise into that beautiful soft crumb.
Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. Reacts with the acidity of sour cream for extra lift.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened. Adds richness and that classic buttery note.
Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup. Sweetens and helps create a light, tender crumb.
Large Eggs: 2. Bind everything together while adding moisture.
Sour Cream: 1 cup. Makes the cake moist, slightly tangy, and super tender.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and depth.
Strong Brewed Coffee: 1/4 cup. The hero flavor that brings bold richness.
Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (for topping). Caramel notes and sweet crunch.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: 1/2 cup (for topping). Adds a nutty bite and crunch.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (for topping). Gives warmth and a cozy aroma.
Butter (for topping): 2 tablespoons, melted. Helps create that irresistible crunch layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

No stress if you’re missing a few things. Here’s how to swap smart:

Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works just as well and adds similar tang.

Coffee: Use instant espresso mixed with water for a quick fix.

Butter: If you’re out, you can use margarine, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Nuts: Try chopped almonds or leave them out if you’re nut-free.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar gives a similar caramel flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sour Cream: This humble ingredient is the secret to an ultra-moist cake. It brings a slight tang and keeps the texture lush without being heavy.

Strong Brewed Coffee: Infuses the batter with deep roasted flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet topping.

Instructions for Making Dorie Greenspan’s Coffee Crunch Coffee Cake

Let’s bake this beauty together. Here are the steps to bring it to life:

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream, coffee, and vanilla.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Assemble the Dish:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped nuts, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and crackly.
Finishing Touches:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into generous squares and serve slightly warm with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This cake has it all when it comes to contrast. The inside is incredibly tender and soft thanks to the sour cream and butter. Meanwhile, the crunchy topping adds a caramel-like bite, with the nuts bringing even more texture. The coffee flavor runs through subtly but distinctly, adding a deep richness that lingers after every bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make it foolproof:

Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off for accuracy.
Toast the nuts lightly before adding to the topping for extra flavor.
Don’t skip the cooling time—it helps everything set nicely.

What to Avoid

A few missteps to steer clear of:

Overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
Using cold butter or eggs, which makes it harder to blend.
Pouring topping unevenly, which can cause some areas to be overly sweet or dry.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 340

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake is a make-ahead dream. Bake it the night before and store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the microwave or a low oven to bring back the fresh-baked flavor.

How to Serve Dorie Greenspan’s Coffee Crunch Coffee Cake

Serve this beauty warm with coffee for brunch, or top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It also pairs perfectly with spiced tea or a chai latte. Add some fresh berries on the side for a burst of color and freshness.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn those extra slices into something new:

Cube and layer into a parfait with yogurt and fruit.
Warm it and top with ice cream for a dessert-for-breakfast vibe.
Crumble over pudding or custard as a crunchy topping.

Additional Tips

Store cake in a cake dome or airtight container to keep it moist.
Add a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for a flavor twist.
Dust with cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a bittersweet finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Serve it on a vintage cake stand with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few scattered nuts for texture. Add a small espresso cup beside each slice for that full cozy café moment.

Variations to Try

Mocha Crunch Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a mocha spin.
Cinnamon Swirl Version: Swirl cinnamon sugar through the middle of the batter before topping.
Coconut Crumble Top: Replace nuts with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Lemon Coffee Cake: Add lemon zest and a hint of juice to brighten the base.
Nut-Free Option: Simply skip the nuts in the topping and go heavy on brown sugar and cinnamon.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this cake in a round pan?
A1: Yes, just use a 9-inch round pan and check for doneness a few minutes early.

Q2: Is it okay to use instant coffee?
A2: Absolutely. Dissolve it in hot water and you’re good to go.

Q3: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A3: Butter gives the best flavor, but a neutral oil can work in a pinch.

Q4: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A4: Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute with a similar tang.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q6: How do I keep the topping crunchy?
A6: Let the cake cool uncovered so the topping stays crisp.

Q7: Can I skip the nuts?
A7: Of course. It’ll still be delicious and crunchy from the sugar.

Q8: How long does it stay fresh?
A8: It’s best within 3 days but stays moist for up to 5.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, just use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time slightly.

Q10: Should I refrigerate it?
A10: No need. Room temp is fine unless your kitchen is very warm.

Conclusion

Dorie Greenspan’s Coffee Crunch Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something special. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor and texture that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for guests or sneaking a slice all to yourself, trust me, it’s worth every bite.