Start Your Day Right with This Heavenly Cinnamon Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious coffee cake recipe to serve for breakfast or dessert, look no further! This is my grandfather’s favorite coffee cake recipe that has been passed down through our family for generations. Made with simple ingredients such as sour cream, vanilla instant pudding mix, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and flour, this coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser and a classic favorite.

Every time I bake this coffee cake, it brings back fond memories of my great-grandfather who loved to enjoy a slice with his morning coffee. This recipe holds a special place in our family because it’s not just any ordinary coffee cake – it’s one close to our hearts.

Not only is this recipe easy to make and perfect for serving to guests, but it’s versatile and can be customized to your personal taste preferences. Whether you prefer it served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or paired with a cup of hot coffee, this sour cream coffee cake is sure to become one of your family’s favorites too.

Give it a try and taste what has quickly become one of my 7 favorite coffee cake recipes. You won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandfather's Favorite Coffee Cake
Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a classic and crowd-pleasing coffee cake recipe, look no further than my Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake Recipe. This is not your average coffee cake – it’s made with sour cream, vanilla instant pudding mix, and cinnamon sugar for a moist and flavorful crumb.

One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it uses sour cream in the batter, which adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the cake. Not to mention, it keeps the cake nice and moist even after a few days. Plus, the vanilla instant pudding mix in the batter gives it a delicious flavor that you won’t find in other coffee cakes.

But perhaps the best reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make substitutions or variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, try adding chopped nuts, blueberries or sliced apples for an extra burst of flavor. Or swap out the cinnamon sugar topping for a streusel topping made with brown sugar and butter.

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a dessert after dinner, or bringing it to a potluck, my Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake Recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite. It has been passed down through generations in my family and is one close to our heart – enjoy this easy coffee cake recipe and make memories with your loved ones!

Ingredient List

 Savor the unbeatable comfort of my Grandfather's Favorite Coffee Cake.
Savor the unbeatable comfort of my Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake.

Before we start, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients for Grandfather’s favorite coffee cake recipe. This crowd favorite classic coffee cake utilizes sour cream to make it tender and moist, with an added vanilla instant pudding mix to offer a subtle flavor and irresistible texture. Here are all the ingredients you need:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of sour cream
  • 1 packet (3.4oz) of vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar swirl:

  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

And for the streusel topping:

  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons or 1/2 stick unsalted butter, cubed

We recommend that you gather everything before starting to avoid any possible mistakes in baking this delicious treat!

The Recipe How-To

 Taste the history of my family's much-loved recipe.
Taste the history of my family’s much-loved recipe.

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive in and make Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake recipe! Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or equivalent.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, vanilla instant pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, and oil. Beat until smooth. Spread half of this mixture into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In another bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the prepared pan.

Step 4: Add the Rest of Batter

Spread the rest of the batter on top of the cinnamon-sugar layer.

Step 5: Add More of Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Now you’re ready to serve this delicious Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake! Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

 The perfect sweetness to perk up your mornings.
The perfect sweetness to perk up your mornings.

As with any recipe, there are always ways to make it your own. Here are some variations and substitutions that you can try with Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake Recipe:

– Instead of using sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a tangy flavor.

– For a different twist, you can swap out the regular yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding for chocolate or caramel flavors.

– To add more texture and crunch to the cake, consider adding in some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

– If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add in some fruits such as apples or cherries to create a fruity coffee cake.

– For those who prefer a lighter version of this cake, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, almond flour or oat flour.

– You can also experiment with the streusel topping by adding shredded coconut or using brown sugar instead of regular sugar.

– If coffee is not your cup of tea, you can omit it entirely from the recipe and make a cinnamon crumb cake instead.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to modifying this classic coffee cake recipe. All you have to do is let your creativity run wild and turn this crowd favorite into one that is uniquely yours!

Serving and Pairing

 The aroma will awaken your senses and your appetite.
The aroma will awaken your senses and your appetite.

Once your Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake is out of the oven and perfectly baked, it’s time to serve and enjoy!

This coffee cake is a versatile dessert that can be served on any occasion, including breakfast or brunch. Its sweet and fluffy texture isn’t too bold or overpowering, making it a great option for those who want a sweet treat without being overwhelmed with sugar.

Pair it with some freshly brewed coffee or tea, and you’ve got a satisfying combination. Hot cocoa may also be a delicious pairing on colder days.

For those looking to go beyond the classic serving of coffee cake, try topping each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add an extra indulgent touch.

The Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake also pairs well with fruit sides such as fresh berries or sliced apples. You can even make it more decadent by pouring a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top.

If you’re feeling creative, try adding some crumbly cinnamon or streusel toppings before baking the cake to create an extra crunch.

With this classic and crowd-pleasing coffee cake recipe, you’ll surely impress everyone at your next gathering. So why not give it a try and watch it become an instant hit?

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 A classic coffee cake that never gets old.
A classic coffee cake that never gets old.

Making a cake ahead of time is always a good idea, especially when it’s your grandfather’s favorite coffee cake recipe. The great thing about this cake is that it can be made up to two days in advance, so you don’t have to worry about doing it last minute. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat the cake to keep it fresh and delicious.

Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated in an airtight container, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving. This will help the cake regain its texture and moisture.

To reheat the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the cake on a baking sheet or in a cake pan. Cover the top of the cake with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds each.

If you happen to have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a labeled freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them again, thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat following the instructions above.

This make-ahead coffee cake is perfect for busy mornings or as an after-dinner treat. It is versatile, flavorful and easy to store, making it a crowd-pleaser among all ages. With these tips for storing and reheating, you don’t have to worry about wasting any leftover pieces of this delightful dessert or missing out on enjoying a slice anytime you want!

Tips for Perfect Results

 A slice of nostalgia, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
A slice of nostalgia, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Baking a cake can sometimes seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can make a cake that is as delicious as it is beautiful. Here are some tips to make sure that your Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Room temperature ingredients mix together more easily than cold ones. Make sure to take the eggs and sour cream out of the refrigerator an hour before you start baking.

2. Don’t Overmix Your Batter

Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough and dense. Mix until just combined and then stop.

3. Measure Ingredients Carefully

A little too much or too little of an ingredient can significantly affect the outcome of your cake. Be sure to use measuring cups and spoons, and level off your measurements.

4. Use Quality Ingredients

Grandfather’s recipe calls for basic ingredients but using high-quality flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla instant pudding mix, cinnamon and other ingredients will improve the overall quality of the final product.

5. Add the Streusel Topping at the Right Time

Adding the streusel topping before or after it’s required can affect how it sticks to the batter during baking. Follow recipe instructions carefully for perfect results.

6. Let Cool Before Serving

Allowing the cake to cool allows time for any excess moisture to evaporate and for flavors to develop properly. A warm coffee cake may taste good but it won’t be as good as a room-temperature cake.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake that would be passed down from generations-to-generations.

Bottom Line

There is nothing quite like the taste and aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake, especially when it’s your grandfather’s favorite recipe. The ingredients list may seem lengthy, but trust me, it’s worth it! The combination of flavors will leave you wanting more.

With the perfect blend of sour cream, vanilla instant pudding mix, cinnamon, sugar, and chopped nuts, this classic coffee cake recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite. Don’t let the name “Swedish Flop” fool you – it’s anything but a flop! The streusel topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture that make this easy coffee cake one that you’ll want to serve at every breakfast or brunch.

If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, try some variations like Grandpa Apple Nut Coffee Cake or Boston Coffee Cake. You can also experiment with different cake mixes to create new flavor combinations.

Overall, baking a coffee cake from scratch is a great way to show your loved ones how much they mean to you. Your family and friends will appreciate the effort and the delicious results. So go ahead, preheat that oven and start baking!

Grandfather's Favorite Coffee Cake

Grandfather’s Favorite Coffee Cake Recipe

This cake is incredibly good and you would never know it uses a boxed cake mix. I'll never forget the smile on my grandfather's face when he presented me with a piece of my grandmother's new found recipe (15 yrs. ago!). I now enjoy watching family and friends reaction as they take a bite! EDIT: Please do not use a food processor for this recipe- The reviews do not come out as favorably as when the recipe is made as written. (I'm not sure of the original source of this recipe, I just know that my grandmother has an eye for picking out good recipes!)
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 5 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cake
Calories 5324.7 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (I use walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box yellow cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 (1 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup cooking oil
  • 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream (the small size container)

Instructions
 

  • Mix together sugar, cocoa, nuts, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Mix together cake mix, vanilla pudding, eggs, oil, and sour cream. Beat full speed with mixer for 2 minute.
  • Pour into a greased tube pan alternately with dry mix, ending with dry mix on top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 65 minutes.
  • Note: Do not put dry mixture too close to the edge of pan, as it will make it difficult to cut.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1336gCalories: 5324.7kcalCarbohydrates: 579.7gProtein: 79.6gFat: 309.9gSaturated Fat: 70.1gCholesterol: 961.6mgSodium: 5131.1mgFiber: 19.6gSugar: 358.7g
Keyword < 4 Hours, Beginner Cook, Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Easy, Oven, Sweet
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