Fluffy and Rich Walnut Coffee Cake Recipe

There’s something about starting the day with a slice of cake that just feels right, especially when it’s this walnut cake. It’s fluffy with just the right amount of richness, thanks to the cinnamon flavor and creamy filling from the cream cheese. And let’s not forget the best part—the perfect crunch from Fisher Nuts Brand Walnuts. These walnuts are seriously a pantry staple of mine; they add that perfect crunch, whether you’re baking or just snacking. The combination of all these elements makes for a cake that’s not just delicious, but comforting in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself or serving guests!

Why You’ll Love Walnut Coffee Cake

• Delicious Cinnamon Flavor: The coffee cake is packed with warm, comforting cinnamon and allspice, making each bite feel like fall in a slice.
• Creamy & Crunchy Combo: The cream cheese filling adds a rich creaminess, while the Fisher Nuts walnuts in the streusel topping give the perfect crunch.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 25 minutes of prep time, this cake comes together easily, making it perfect for when you need something tasty without hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, this cake is ideal for gatherings or a sweet snack at home.
• Maple Glaze Magic: The drizzle of maple syrup glaze on top takes the flavor over the top, adding a touch of sweetness and shine to every slice.

Ingredients Needed To Make Walnut Coffee Cake

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe. 

• All-purpose flour or GF flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Kosher salt
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Sour cream
• Butter, room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese, room temperature
• Powdered sugar
• Fisher Walnuts, chopped
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground allspice
• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Maple syrup

How To Make Walnut Coffee Cake

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish.
2. Make the cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Add the dry ingredients and mix everything together until combined.
5. Prepare the streusel topping by mixing walnuts, cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
6. Layer the cake batter, cream cheese filling, and streusel topping in the baking dish.

7. Bake the cake until it’s fully cooked and a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Let the cake cool, then drizzle the glaze over the top. Enjoy!

Commonly Asked Questions

How should I store the Walnut Coffee Cake?

To keep your walnut cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerating it will help maintain its freshness, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze the Walnut Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the walnut cake. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature and drizzle with glaze before serving.

Can I use a different type of nut for the streusel topping?

If you’re not a fan of walnuts or want to try something different, feel free to substitute with another nut like pecans or almonds. They’ll still provide a great crunch and complement the cake’s flavor beautifully.

How can I tell when the Walnut Coffee Cake is done baking?

The cake is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If there’s any batter on the toothpick, bake it a bit longer, checking every 5 minutes until fully cooked.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This walnut cake can be made a day ahead, which actually allows the flavors to develop even more. Just store it at room temperature and add the glaze right before serving.

What can I do if my streusel topping is too dry or crumbly?

If your streusel mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a bit more softened butter to bring it together. You want it to hold together in small clumps, so it’s easy to sprinkle over the cake.

Can I skip the glaze?

While the glaze adds a nice sweet finish, you can certainly skip it if you prefer a more rustic look. The cake itself is flavorful enough on its own, and the glaze is just an extra touch to enhance the sweetness.

Walnut Coffee Cake

Danielle Cochran

This walnut cake combines a tender crumb, creamy filling, crunchy streusel topping, and a sweet glaze, making it perfect for any gathering or celebration!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Cooling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan with 3-inch sides
• Mixing bowls (3)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Fork
• toothpick

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

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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 flour
• 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 Fisher Walnuts chopped
• 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

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Instructions

 

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ round baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
• In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter on high speed for 3 minutes until fluffy.
• Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) to the wet mixture. Mix until well combined.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

• In a separate bowl, combine walnuts, flour, cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar, and butter. Use a fork to mix until crumbly.

Assemble the Coffee Cake

• Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
• Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the cream cheese layer.
• Add the remaining cake batter on top, spreading evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the batter.

Bake and Cool

• Bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.

Prepare the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
• Serve and Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 260mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32g

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This walnut cake is truly one of those recipes that makes any morning feel a little more special. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or sharing it with friends and family, the combination of the creamy filling, crunchy streusel topping, and sweet glaze is unbeatable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this cake for every occasion—it’s just that good!