Viola’s Coffee Cake is a classic, moist dessert with a tender crumb, topped with a crunchy walnut-cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cake is easy to make and ready in about 1 hour, served with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Jump to RecipeViola’s Coffee Cake Recipe Ingredients
For the Crumb Topping:
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla paste
- 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature, plus additional for serving
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
How To Make Viola’s Coffee Cake
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/gas 4). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla paste and sour cream, and beat until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Make the Batter: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared springform pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature. Remove from the pan, slice, and serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Recipe Tips
- Why use room-temperature ingredients? Room-temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream blend smoothly, ensuring a light and even batter.
- How do I know the cake is done? A cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and store at room temperature. Add sour cream topping just before serving.
- What if I don’t have a springform pan? Use a 9-inch round cake pan, but line with parchment for easier removal, and check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
What To Serve With Viola’s Coffee Cake
This versatile cake pairs wonderfully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea for a classic coffee cake experience
- Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or blueberries, for a bright contrast
- A scoop of vanilla yogurt as an alternative to sour cream
How To Store Viola’s Coffee Cake
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness, especially if serving with sour cream. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Viola’s Coffee Cake Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~9g
- Sugar: ~25g
- Fiber: ~1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods used.
FAQs
Yes, pecans or almonds can replace walnuts for a similar crunch and flavor.
Substitute with 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.
Yes, a 9×9-inch square pan works, but baking time may be 40–45 minutes; check for doneness with a toothpick.
Try More Recipes:
Viola’s Coffee Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes45
minutes350
kcalA moist and tender coffee cake with a crunchy walnut-cinnamon topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert, served with a dollop of sour cream.
Ingredients
- For the Crumb Topping:
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- For the Batter:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla paste
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature, plus additional for serving
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/gas 4). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar in a stand mixer for 3–5 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla paste and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add to the batter and mix until just combined.
- Spread batter in the pan and sprinkle with crumb topping. Bake for 45 minutes until a tester comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a rack to room temperature, then remove and slice. Serve with sour cream, if desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing before serving.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
