Christmas Coffee Cake
Christmas Coffee Cake is a rich, old-fashioned sour cream coffee cake with a sweet walnut-cinnamon sugar swirl layered throughout. It’s moist, tender, and perfect for holiday mornings, brunch, or dessert.
Serve it warm or at room temperature — optionally dusted with powdered sugar.
Christmas Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 2 sticks margarine (very soft) or butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 pint (1 cup) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup crushed walnuts
- 4 tablespoons sugar (for the swirl)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for the swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a tube pan (chiffon or angel food pan).
- In a large bowl, beat the very soft margarine until fluffy. Add sugar and beat well.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
- Mix 1 cup flour with ½ teaspoon baking powder and add to the batter; mix well. Repeat with the remaining 1 cup flour and ½ teaspoon baking powder.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed walnuts, 4 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
- Spoon half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the walnut-cinnamon mixture.
- Add the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the walnut-cinnamon mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan before slicing.
Bake time: about 1 hour
Servings: 12–15
Christmas Coffee Cake FAQ
Do I have to use margarine?
The original recipe calls for margarine, but butter can be substituted for a richer flavor. Make sure it is very soft for easy mixing.
What pan should I use?
A tube pan (chiffon cake pan or angel food pan) works best for even baking and a nice shape.
How do I know when it’s done?
The cake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
How should I store this coffee cake?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.