Have you ever searched for the “best cake recipe ever”? If so, you might have stumbled upon the culinary world of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Known for her heartwarming recipes and approachable style, The Pioneer Woman has become a go-to source for delicious, comforting food. Inspired by her famous coffee cake, this recipe takes a classic and makes it even more irresistible. Get ready to experience a slice of heaven with this delightful cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Inspired by the Pioneer Woman
Inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s Coffee Cake Miracle
The original recipe from The Pioneer Woman is often described as a “miracle” – and for good reason. It’s a coffee cake that’s both incredibly moist and wonderfully flavorful. This adapted version stays true to that spirit, offering a similar taste and texture with a few simple tweaks for ease and a slightly tangy twist. While the original recipe is fantastic, this variation embraces the magic of buttermilk and simplifies the mixing process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Pioneer Woman inspired cake recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
The Quintessential Coffee Cake Recipe (Adapted)
This recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s famous coffee cake, making it slightly simpler while retaining all the comforting flavors and textures that make it so beloved. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is easy to prepare and even easier to devour.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 7/8 cup (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 scant tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan with butter and set aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Cake Batter: Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and 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 fingers to mix everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using, stir in the chopped nuts.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the 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 golden brown and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
Unbaked coffee cake in a square pan ready for the oven
Tips for Baking Perfection
- Buttermilk Magic: Using buttermilk instead of regular milk adds a subtle tang and extra moisture to the cake, resulting in a more tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
- Nutty or Not? The recipe includes optional nuts in the topping. For a classic coffee cake flavor, you can omit the nuts entirely. However, if you love nuts, almonds or pecans add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Brown Sugar Sweetness: The recipe calls for lightly packed brown sugar in the topping. This ensures the topping is perfectly sweet without being overly sugary.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for the most tender results.
- Serving Suggestions: This coffee cake is delicious on its own, warm or at room temperature. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
Slices of coffee cake on a white plate, showing crumb and topping
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Cake
This adapted Pioneer Woman coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture, crumbly topping, and comforting flavors make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Bake up a slice of happiness and experience the joy of homemade goodness. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own personal touch, this cake is sure to bring smiles to your table. So, preheat your oven and get ready to bake a cake that will be remembered and requested again and again!
