Brown Butter Coffee Cake | Perfect Any Occasion

Brown Butter Coffee Cake is a rich, moist cake made by browning butter to bring out a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the cake.

This brown butter coffee cake combines tender cake batter with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar streusel topping, often sprinkled with nuts for extra texture.

The brown butter adds a unique, warm taste that makes every bite delicious and comforting. People who enjoy warm, aromatic desserts with a balance of sweet and nutty flavors will appreciate this cake.

Now, I will guide you step-by-step through making this flavorful and satisfying Brown Butter Coffee Cake recipe from scratch.

What Makes This Brown Butter Coffee Cake Special?

What makes this brown butter coffee cake special is the rich, nutty flavor that comes from browning the butter before mixing it into the batter.

This process adds depth and warmth, creating a moist and tender cake with a unique aroma. The combination of a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping and optional nuts adds texture and sweetness, making each bite irresistibly satisfying.

The balance of flavors and textures turns a simple coffee cake into a comforting and memorable treat.

How To Prepare Brown Butter Coffee Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420 kcal

Yield: About 8 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• 9-inch round or square baking pan
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan for browning butter
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Sifter for powdered sugar
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)

For the Brown Butter Coffee Cake:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
• ⅓ cup milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Glaze Topping:

• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 4-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Streusel

In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using. Set aside.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the browned butter, white sugar, and dark brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in sour cream, oil, and milk until fully combined.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the cake tender.

6. Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan lightly. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the streusel evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the streusel. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Add the Glaze and Cool

While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake before slicing.

Expert Tips For Brown Butter Coffee Cake

◆ The smell is your best guide when browning butter once it has a rich, nutty fragrance, immediately take it off the heat to avoid burning.

◆ Sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch together ensures even distribution and helps the cake rise evenly with a light texture.

◆ Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt gently at the end to maintain moisture and tenderness without deflating the batter.

◆ Swap walnuts for toasted coconut flakes or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for a unique flavor twist.

◆ A light-colored pan prevents over-browning of the cake’s edges and helps bake it more evenly compared to dark pans.

Our Favorite Ways To Serve It Up

We love serving brown butter coffee cake slightly warmed, which makes the crumb tender and the flavors more pronounced. It’s fantastic alongside a creamy latte or a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea.

For an extra special touch, try drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup over each slice, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.

A handful of toasted almonds or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top also adds a lovely crunch and warmth. This cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or a relaxing afternoon snack.

When to Serve Brown butter coffee cake

Brown butter coffee cake is ideal to serve during breakfast or brunch gatherings, adding a warm and comforting touch to the meal. It also works well as an afternoon snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Serving it slightly warm enhances the flavors and texture, making it especially inviting on cool mornings or relaxed weekends.

This brown butter coffee cake can also be enjoyed as a simple dessert after dinner, offering a sweet finish that is not too heavy.

Its rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb make it a welcome treat anytime someone craves a cozy and satisfying baked good.

Additions And Variations

1. Add Fresh Berries for a Fruity Twist

Incorporate 1 cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries into the batter before baking.

The juicy bursts of fruit add freshness and balance the rich brown butter flavor perfectly. Be sure to gently fold the berries into the batter to avoid breaking them up.

2. Swap the Nuts for Chocolate Chips

For a sweeter, indulgent version, replace the chopped walnuts or pecans in the streusel with ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. The melty chocolate adds a decadent layer that coffee lovers and chocolate fans will adore.

3. Add a Cream Cheese Swirl

Create a luscious cream cheese swirl by mixing 8 oz softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto the cake batter, then swirl lightly with a knife before adding the streusel topping. This variation adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the nutty brown butter.

How Do You Store This Brown Butter Coffee Cake?

To keep your brown butter coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you want it to last longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week just be sure to bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For extended storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

This brown butter coffee cake always feels like a little celebration in every bite. The browned butter adds such a rich, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon streusel topping.

If you want to personalize it, swapping nuts or adding a handful of chocolate chips in the streusel layer works wonderfully.

I hope you try this brown butter coffee cake soon and find as much joy baking and eating it as I do!

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