Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe

There is nothing quite like the comforting, spicy allure of a Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe to warm up your kitchen and your soul, especially during the holiday season. This coffee cake is the perfect blend of tender, moist crumb infused with cozy spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, all sweetened naturally with molasses and maple syrup. Topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb that adds texture and richness, it’s irresistible and guaranteed to become a cherished favorite for holiday brunches or anytime you want a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in cake form.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, from the aromatic spices that create depth, to the buttery crumbles that add that crave-worthy crunch and the moist cake base that holds it all together.

• Unsalted butter (crumb topping and cake): Using cold butter in the cake and melted butter in the crumb topping ensures distinct textures and rich flavor.
• Granulated & light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, while granulated sugar gives sweetness and crunch to the topping.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg: These warm spices are the signature of gingerbread, creating a cozy, festive taste.
• Cake flour and all-purpose flour: Cake flour keeps the crumb tender, while all-purpose flour adds a sturdy structure to the cake.
• Molasses: Deepens flavor with its rich, robust sweetness, a hallmark of traditional gingerbread.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a natural sweetness that lightens the texture without extra fat.
• Buttermilk: Provides tang and tender crumb, reacting with leaveners for perfect rise.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of complexity and pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cake rise to fluffy perfection while keeping the crumb light.
• Egg: Binds everything together, contributing to structure and richness.

How to Make Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy cake removal. Give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray, and you’re set for baking.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

Combine melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Stir until well blended. Then stir in cake flour just enough to combine the mixture. Be gentle here — overmixing can make the crumb tough instead of delightfully crisp.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, add all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the warming spices: ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir on low speed until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium-low speed until the butter is broken down into pea-sized pieces. This step can also be done by hand or with a pastry cutter if you prefer; the key is to keep the butter visible in small bits to create a tender, flaky crumb.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the egg, applesauce, molasses, buttermilk, and maple syrup until smooth in a separate bowl. This blend brings both moisture and rich, complex sweetness to the batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. It’s normal for the batter to look slightly chunky — resist the urge to overmix. Beat just until combined, about 2 minutes, to achieve the perfect tender crumb.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Break the crumb topping into small pieces using a fork or your hands and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe

Garnishes

This cake is lovely on its own, but you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze to enhance the presentation and add an extra touch of sweetness. A few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary on the side can bring a festive color contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this coffee cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a decadent dessert, perfect for a cozy night in.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and star anise for a charming holiday brunch table. You can also cut this cake into bite-sized squares for a delightful finger food option at parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh and moist for up to three days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then warm slightly for the freshest taste.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. This helps restore the crumb topping’s crispness while keeping the cake moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I make this gingerbread coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose and cake flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum included. This adjustment will keep the texture tender and the crumb intact.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

While you can, brown sugar adds moisture and a caramelized flavor that complements the spices perfectly, so using a combination of brown and granulated sugar is best for optimal taste and texture.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute such as almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar to keep the cake moist and flavorful.

Why does this recipe use both baking soda and baking powder?

Baking soda reacts with the acidic ingredients like molasses and buttermilk to give the cake lift, while baking powder provides consistent rise and lightness, ensuring the perfect tender crumb.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this coffee cake?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch, and soaked raisins or chopped crystallized ginger can enhance the flavor profile while keeping the cake moist and festive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that perfect blend of comfort, spice, and crumbly goodness to brighten up your holiday mornings or any cozy occasion, this Gingerbread Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and brings that inviting aroma that fills your home and heart with warmth. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a treasured staple in your baking repertoire!

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