Moist Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe with Rich Flavor

Starting the day with a slice of this walnut coffee cake feels like a small celebration. The cake is light and tender, balanced by warm cinnamon and a creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese filling. A generous streusel made with chopped Fisher walnuts provides a satisfying crunch, and a simple maple glaze gives each slice a glossy, sweet finish. Whether you bake it for a casual brunch, a special occasion, or just because, this cake is comforting, easy to love, and reliably delicious.

Why You’ll Love Walnut Coffee Cake

• Rich cinnamon flavor: Warm cinnamon and a hint of allspice give this coffee cake a cozy, inviting aroma and taste.
• Creamy filling and crunchy topping: A smooth cream cheese layer contrasts perfectly with a buttery walnut streusel for texture and depth.
• Quick to assemble: The cake requires minimal active prep—about 25 minutes—so it’s great when you want something impressive without a long effort.
• Versatile for any occasion: Serve it at brunch, bring it to a gathering, or enjoy a slice with coffee for a special treat.
• Maple glaze finish: A simple maple syrup glaze adds sweetness and shine to each slice, enhancing the overall flavor.

Ingredients Needed To Make Walnut Coffee Cake

See the recipe card below for exact measurements and to convert units.

• All-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free flour
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Kosher salt
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Sour cream
• Butter (room temperature)
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Powdered sugar
• Fisher walnuts (chopped)
• Cinnamon and ground allspice
• Packed brown sugar
• Milk
• Maple syrup

How To Make Walnut Coffee Cake

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9-inch pan by greasing it or spraying with nonstick spray.
2. Make the cream cheese filling by beating room-temperature cream cheese with vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth; set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing until combined.
4. Fold in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—until the batter is smooth.
5. Combine chopped walnuts, flour, cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar, and butter to form the streusel topping.
6. Layer half the batter in the pan, spread the cream cheese filling, sprinkle half the streusel, add the remaining batter, and top with the remaining streusel.
7. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool, then drizzle with the maple glaze and serve.

Commonly Asked Questions

How should I store the Walnut Coffee Cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze the Walnut Coffee Cake?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.

Can I use a different nut in the streusel?

Yes—pecans or almonds work well and offer a different but delicious crunch that complements the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when it’s golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If batter sticks to the toothpick, return to the oven and check every 5 minutes.

Can I make the cake a day ahead?

Yes. Making it a day ahead can deepen the flavors. Store at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving.

What if my streusel is too dry?

If it’s too crumbly, add a little more softened butter until it holds together in small clusters that are easy to sprinkle over the batter.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze is optional. It adds sweetness and visual appeal, but the cake is delicious without it if you prefer a simpler finish.

Walnut Coffee Cake

Danielle Cochran

A tender cake layered with a sweet cream cheese filling, crunchy walnut streusel, and a maple glaze—perfect for gatherings or a cozy morning.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 1 hr 10 mins

Cooling Time 30 mins

Total Time 2 hrs 5 mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan (3-inch sides) or similar 9″ round pan
• Mixing bowls (3)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula and fork
• Toothpick for testing doneness

Ingredients

Coffee Cake Batter

• 2 cups 1:1 gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder for GF (or 2 tsp if using all-purpose)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 2 eggs
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 1 cup butter room temperature
• 3 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Streusel Topping

• 1 ½ cups chopped Fisher walnuts
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 8 tbsp butter room temperature

Glaze

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp milk
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

 

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

• Beat cream cheese with vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9″ round baking dish.
• Cream sugar and butter on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
• Gradually add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

• Combine walnuts, flour, cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar, and butter. Use a fork to mix until crumbly.

Assemble the Coffee Cake

• Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it.
• Sprinkle half the streusel over the cream cheese layer, add the remaining batter, then top with the remaining streusel.

Bake and Cool

• Bake 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Glaze

• Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Slice and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 260 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 32 g

This walnut coffee cake is a reliable favorite—tender, flavorful, and satisfying. With a creamy filling, crunchy streusel, and sweet glaze, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for mornings, brunches, and gatherings.

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