Cozy Gingerbread Coffee Cake With Warm Spices and Buttery Streusel

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Nothing captures the comfort of the holiday season quite like the aroma of gingerbread drifting through the kitchen. This Gingerbread Coffee Cake is soft, warmly spiced, and topped with a rich, buttery streusel that adds the perfect amount of crunch. It’s an irresistible treat for festive mornings, cozy evenings, or anytime you want something sweet to enjoy with a warm drink.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, eggs, and buttermilk, mixing until fully combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing.

5. Prepare the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.

6. Assemble and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the baking pan. Sprinkle the streusel over the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for the smoothest batter.
• Melted butter creates the perfect crumbly streusel texture.
• Mix the batter only until combined to keep the cake tender.
• Let kids help sprinkle the streusel—easy and fun!

Why This Recipe Works

• Warm spices add rich seasonal flavor.
• Buttermilk ensures a soft, moist crumb.
• Streusel topping delivers irresistible crunch.
• Perfect for breakfast, snacks, gatherings, or holiday brunch.

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

• No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes.
• Mild spice version: Reduce ginger or omit cloves.
• Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and plant-based milk with vinegar.

Variations

• Add ½ cup raisins or chopped nuts to the batter.
• Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze instead of powdered sugar.
• Add a light lemon icing for a citrus twist.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Bake the cake the night before and keep covered at room temperature. Dust with sugar before serving.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze slices for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

• Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, freshly baked feel.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
• Enjoy with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~290
• Carbohydrates: ~42g
• Fat: ~11g
• Protein: ~4g

(Values will vary slightly based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in a round pan?

Yes! A 9-inch round pan works great—just adjust baking time if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13 pan and bake 5–10 minutes longer.

Can I make it without molasses?

Molasses adds essential gingerbread flavor, but you can substitute with dark brown sugar in a pinch.

This Gingerbread Coffee Cake brings the warmth and joy of the holidays straight to your kitchen. It’s simple to make, loaded with cozy spices, and topped with irresistible streusel. Whether enjoyed in the morning or as a sweet treat after dinner, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Warm and Cozy Gingerbread Coffee Cake With Buttery Streusel

Soft, spiced gingerbread coffee cake topped with buttery streusel. Perfect for holidays, breakfast, or dessert. Simple, warm, and delicious every time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Coffee Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients

  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Cream Butter and Sugar

  In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, eggs, and buttermilk, mixing until fully combined.
• Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing.
• Prepare the Streusel

  In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
• Assemble and Bake

  Spread the batter evenly into the baking pan. Sprinkle the streusel over the top.

  Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool and Serve

  Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, use dark molasses.
• Be sure to measure spices accurately for the best balance.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing for clean cuts.

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