The Best Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipes: Moist, Flavorful, and Irresistible

 

Buttermilk coffee cake is the perfect brunch treat if you're looking for something soft, tasty, and crowd-pleasing. This version has a rich cinnamon streusel, a nutty crumble, and a delicate, buttery cake.

The key?

You get a delicate tang and long-lasting moisture with buttermilk coffee cake, which makes it ideal for eating fresh or warm with your morning brew.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8

What Makes Buttermilk Coffee Cake Special?

The foundation of a traditional buttermilk coffee cake is threefold:

Buttermilk's tangy moisture, which keeps the crumb soft and fresh.

A crunchy, fragrant contrast is produced by the cinnamon streusel topping.

Easy method—no complicated procedures or tools are required.

My Expert Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Ingredients at room temperature: For optimal integration, make sure the butter and buttermilk are not chilled.

Butter grating tip: To make the cake fluffier, grate cold butter into the dry mixture in pea-sized chunks.

Pay close attention when baking: When a toothpick shows moist crumbs, not dry, it's moist perfection. Remove.

Ingredient List

Cake batter:

• 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda
• Half a cup of unsalted, softened butter
• One cup of buttermilk

Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup of butter
• 3/4 cup of sugar, light brown
• One teaspoon of cinnamon
• Chopped pecans (optional, but adds crunch): half a cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Combine:

• Set the oven's temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a pie plate or 8-inch pan.
• Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Form the batter:

• Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Don't overmix; just stir in the buttermilk until combined.

Make the Topping:

• Melt butter in the microwave for about a minute, then add cinnamon and brown sugar. Finally, fold in pecans.

Assemble and Bake:

• After pouring the cake batter into the pan, evenly distribute the streusel on top.
• When a toothpick is inserted, it should come out clean or with moist crumbs after 35 to 38 minutes of baking.
• Serve warm or at room temperature after a little cooling.

Why This Recipe Ranks Above the Rest?

Balanced sweetness: A cake with less sugar lets the streusel take center stage.

Ideal texture: Buttermilk provides a subtle tang and lasting moisture.

Accessibility: No mixers are needed, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Fresh fruit pairing: To balance out the richness, serve with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.

Coffee or tea companion: Ideal with your morning espresso or afternoon tea.

Mix-ins: For a fruity twist, add chopped blueberries or apples; simply reduce the streusel accordingly.

Double layer version: Bake in a springform pan by dividing the batter in half, adding the streusel in the middle, and then covering and baking.

Nutrition

Calories	240 KCAL
Carbohydrates	38 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated fat	5 g
Polyunsaturated fat	1 g
Monounsaturated fat	2 g
Trans fat	1 g
Cholesterol	23 MG
Sodium	158 MG
Potassium	57 MG
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Vitamin A	269 IU
Calcium	29 MG
Iron	1 MG

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use buttermilk substitute?

Combine 1 cup milk with 1 TBSP lemon juice or white vinegar; stir and rest 5 minutes.

Is streusel necessary?

Yes. The crunchy streusel contrasts with the cake’s soft crumb and is essential for flavor.

How to store leftovers?

Wrap cooled cake in plastic and refrigerate; it stays moist for up to 5 days. Warm slices before serving.

You can also try this buttermilk apple coffee cake recipe if you like.

Tender cake, juicy apples, and a delectably sweet topping combine to make this simple buttermilk apple coffeecake.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 280 KCAL

Ingredients to Make This Simple Buttermilk Apple Coffee Cake

For the cake:

• One and a half cups of all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• Half a cup of softened unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup of sugar, granulated
• Two large eggs
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• One cup of buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups of chopped, peeled apples (roughly two medium apples)

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup of sugar
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions to Make This Simple Buttermilk Apple Coffee Cake

1. Set the oven's temperature to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and dust it with flour.
2. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy in a different bowl.
4. Add vanilla extract and eggs and beat until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients gradually, switching with the buttermilk, and stir until just combined.
6. Add the chopped apples and fold gently.
7. Fill the prepared pan with the batter.
8. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the batter after combining them in a small bowl.
9. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean after 40 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information

Calories	280
Total fat	14 g
Saturated fat	8 g
Carbohydrate	38 g
Fiber	3 g
Protein	3 g
Vitamin A	6%
Calcium	3%
Iron	4%
Vitamin C	4%
Vitamin D	1%

You can also try this buttermilk pecan coffee cake recipe if you like.

Crunchy pecans and buttery richness combine in Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake to create a delightfully sweet treat that is appropriate for any occasion.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 310 KCAL

Ingredients to Make This Pecan Coffee Cake

For the cake:

• One and a half cups of all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda
• Half a teaspoon of salt and half a cup of softened unsalted butter
• One cup of sugar granules
• Two large eggs
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• One cup of buttermilk
• Half a cup of pecans, chopped

Regarding the topping:

• 1/4 cup of sugar
• Half a cup of pecans, chopped

Instructions to Make This Pecan Coffee Cake

1. Turn the oven on to 175°C (350°F). Coat a 9-inch cake pan with flour and grease.
2. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and whisk to combine.
3. Cream the butter and sugar in a different bowl until they are fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat.
5. Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing just until combined, and then switch to the buttermilk.
6. Add chopped pecans and fold.
7. Fill the prepared pan with the batter.
8. Sprinkle the sugar and pecans over the batter after combining them in a small bowl.
9. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean after 40 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information

Calories	310
Total fat	16 g
Saturated fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	39 g
Fiber	3 g
Protein	4 g
Vitamin A	8%
Calcium	3%
Iron	4%
Vitamin C	2%
Vitamin D	1%

You can also try this buttermilk banana coffee cake recipe if you like.

Perfect for any time of day, this moist banana coffee cake has a buttery crumble topping and a tangy buttermilk base.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 310 KCAL

Ingredients to Make This Buttermilk Banana Coffee Cake

For the cake:

• Two cups of all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon of baking soda
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
• One cup of sugar granules
• Two large eggs
• Two mashed medium-ripe bananas
• Half a cup of buttermilk
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the streusel topping:

• Half a cup of all-purpose flour
• One-third cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of sugar, granulated
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions to Make This Buttermilk Banana Coffee Cake

1. A 9-inch baking pan should be greased and the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Beat eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla into a separate bowl after creaming sugar and butter until fluffy.
4. Add the buttermilk and dry mixture in turns, stirring until the batter is smooth.
5. Fill the prepared pan with the batter.
6. Mix the flour, sugars, and cinnamon for the streusel. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
7. Evenly distribute the streusel on top of the cake batter.
8. A toothpick should come out clean after 40 minutes of baking. Before serving, let it cool.

Nutritional Information

Calories	310
Total fat	14 g
Saturated fat	8 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fiber	2 g
Protein	4 g
Vitamin B6	5%
Potassium	6%
Iron	5%
Calcium	4%
Vitamin A	3%

Conclusion

More than just a delicious treat, a well-made buttermilk coffee cake is evidence that basic ingredients combined with careful preparation can produce amazing results.

This recipe strikes the ideal balance of nutty crunch, cinnamon aroma, and tangy moistness, whether you're baking for family, brunch guests, or just yourself. You'll see why this cake belongs on every breakfast table after you give it a try.

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