Have you ever searched for the “best coffee cake ever”? You’re not alone! Many home bakers, in pursuit of that perfect balance of crumbly cake and sweet, cinnamon-kissed topping, have stumbled upon a recipe hailed as a “miracle” by the one and only Pioneer Woman. This recipe, adapted slightly for ease and speed without sacrificing any of the deliciousness, is about to become your go-to for brunches, potlucks, or simply a delightful weekend treat.
Close-up shot of a slice of Pioneer Woman Coffee Cake on a white plate, showcasing the crumbly texture and cinnamon streusel topping.
The Pioneer Woman Coffee Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Bake
This recipe draws inspiration from the renowned Pioneer Woman’s coffee cake, known for its incredible flavor and satisfying texture. We’ve streamlined it slightly for the modern home baker, making it even more accessible while retaining all the magic of the original. Get ready to experience a coffee cake that’s truly a cut above the rest.
Why This Pioneer Woman Coffee Cake Recipe Works
What makes this coffee cake so special? It’s the combination of a moist, tender cake base with a generous, buttery cinnamon streusel topping. The buttermilk in the cake adds a subtle tang and keeps it incredibly moist, while the streusel provides a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the cake. Even with a few simple tweaks to the original method for convenience, the result is a coffee cake that tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients for both the cake and the irresistible topping:
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅞ cup (¾ cup + 2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup chopped almonds or pecans (optional, for added crunch and flavor)
Overhead shot of the unbaked Pioneer Woman Coffee Cake batter in a square baking pan, ready for the streusel topping.
Baking Instructions: Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps to bake your own Pioneer Woman-inspired coffee cake:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a light and airy cake base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Incorporate Egg and Buttermilk: Add the egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients, mixing until incorporated. Then, add all of the buttermilk and mix until combined. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and whisk until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the Topping: In another large bowl, combine all the topping ingredients: softened butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using nuts, gently fold them in.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping generously over the batter. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
Slices of Pioneer Woman Coffee Cake arranged on a cooling rack, showcasing the golden-brown topping and moist cake interior.
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Coffee Cake
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined after adding the flour.
- Lightly Pack Brown Sugar: When measuring brown sugar for the topping, lightly pack it into the measuring cup for the best texture.
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the topping to your liking. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a classic coffee cake taste without nuts, simply omit the almonds or pecans from the topping.
Enjoy Your Homemade Coffee Cake
This Pioneer Woman Coffee Cake recipe is more than just a simple bake; it’s an experience. The aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, the anticipation of that first bite, and the joy of sharing it with friends and family – it’s all part of the magic. So, preheat your oven and get ready to create your own “miracle” coffee cake that will impress everyone who tries it. Happy baking!
