Picture this: you wake up to the twinkling lights of the tree, your home filled with the cozy scent of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven. That’s exactly what the Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe brings to your holiday table—a buttery-soft, cinnamon-swirled classic that invites everyone to linger a little longer over breakfast. There’s something magical about this coffee cake: the tender crumb, the generous crumb topping, and that irresistible hint of vanilla in every bite. Whether you make it the night before or serve it warm from the oven, this recipe has become a cherished tradition in countless kitchens, promising comfort, joy, and an extra dose of festive spirit on Christmas morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just a handful of staple ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tangy richness of sour cream to the warm hug of cinnamon, every element in the Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe shows up for a reason, giving maximum flavor and that perfect tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for structure; gives the cake its delicate, light texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps the cake brown for that irresistible golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich moisture; be sure to use it softened in the batter, and cold for the crumb topping.
- Sour cream: The not-so-secret ingredient for moist, tender cake; its slight tang balances all the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding a lovely lightness to the crumb.
- Milk: Loosens up the batter for that just-right consistency—use whole milk if you have it.
- Baking powder and baking soda: A dynamic duo that ensures the cake rises perfectly fluffy every time.
- Salt: Just a touch—that contrast makes every flavor pop.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out all the cozy, classic cake notes.
- Brown sugar & ground cinnamon (for swirl): The signature streak of sweet, spicy goodness running through the middle.
- All-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon & unsalted butter (for crumb topping): When these team up, you get a buttery, crunchy finish nobody can resist.
- Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract (for optional glaze): Creates a sweet little drizzle that makes the coffee cake extra special.
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts: Stir these into the crumb topping for a holiday-worthy crunch.
How to Make Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Make sure your morning starts stress-free! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish; this helps the cake pop out easily and ensures a beautiful, even bake.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
Grab a small bowl and stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple mix is what gives the Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe its trademark layer of spiced sweetness—set it aside while you assemble the batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork. You want the mixture to look sandy and crumbly—this bakes into those irresistible buttery pockets on top. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush this step!). Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream, milk, and vanilla. This forms a rich, velvety base for the cake.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Finish the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until incorporated—overmixing can make the crumb tough, so less is more here!
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mix all over, then top with the remaining batter, smoothing gently. This creates those signature streaks of spice in every slice.
Step 7: Add Crumb Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the top of the batter—don’t be shy. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell like pure holiday heaven!
Step 8: Glaze (Optional) and Serve
If you love a little extra sweetness, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a silky glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake right before serving. Now all that’s left is to slice and savor the joy.
How to Serve Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this cake is in its simplicity, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a ribbon of glaze makes it feel extra special. For some festive flair, sprinkle on a few extra cinnamon crumbs, or add toasted pecans or walnuts to the topping if you love a little crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve the Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe alongside a big bowl of fresh berries, creamy Greek yogurt, or a crisp fruit salad for a complete holiday breakfast. Of course, a steaming mug of good coffee or spiced chai is a must to round out the holiday magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your coffee cake into a centerpiece by cutting it into festive shapes with cookie cutters, or serve it on a cake stand dusted with powdered sugar “snow.” Individual slices look lovely wrapped with a little bit of twine for a take-home treat—perfect for sharing the holiday spirit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or tuck it in the fridge for up to a week. The crumb topping stays surprisingly crisp, making each slice just as dreamy the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—the crumb stays tender and the flavor only gets cozier.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, pop slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm the whole cake in a low oven until heated through. If you’ve added glaze, reheat gently to avoid melting it away—trust me, it’s worth the effort!
FAQs
Can I prep the Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cake, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning while you sip coffee and open stockings for that unbeatable aroma and texture.
What’s the best pan to use?
A 9-inch round or square baking dish works best for an even, perfect bake. Glass or light-colored metal pans deliver the most consistent results, but you can also use a ceramic dish if that’s what you have.
Can I make the Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously tender and moist.
How do I keep the crumb topping super crunchy?
Make sure your butter is cold when making the topping, and don’t overwork it—small chunks are a good thing! Also, avoid covering the cake while it’s still warm, as steam can soften the topping.
What other flavors can I add?
Feel free to stir a handful of chocolate chips, chopped dried cranberries, or orange zest into the batter for a fun holiday twist. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for deeper warmth.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or treating your loved ones to a familiar favorite, this Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe guarantees warmth and cheer with every slice. Give it a try this season; your mornings—and your memories—will be sweeter for it.
Print
Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Christmas-Morning Coffee Cake. A tender sour cream cake with a sweet cinnamon swirl, buttery crumb topping, and optional glaze, perfect for holiday breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish.
- Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl; set aside.
- Make the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Refrigerate.
- Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla.
- Whisk together dry ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Pour half of the batter into the dish, sprinkle with cinnamon swirl, add remaining batter, top with crumb topping.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Optional: Whisk glaze ingredients, drizzle over warm cake before serving.
Notes
- This coffee cake is ideal for prep ahead and warming up in the morning.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
