Name: Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cake flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 cup cold butter; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe

If there’s a treat that captures the joyful spirit of wintery mornings and fills your kitchen with irresistible spiced aroma, it’s Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake. This moist, tender crumb-topped cake swirls together warming gingerbread spices, a hint of maple sweetness, and a buttery, crunchy topping perfect for savoring with your favorite cup of coffee or sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re starting a cozy weekend or gathering for a holiday brunch, this Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake is about to become a beloved tradition in your baking lineup.

Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake lies in its simple ingredients working together to create unforgettable flavor and texture. Each element is thoughtfully chosen, from bold spices to creamy buttermilk, guaranteeing every bite bursts with comforting nostalgia.

Cake flour: Gives the cake its delicate, tender crumb that’s signature to a truly great coffee cake.
Granulated sugar: Adds clean, balanced sweetness and helps the cake develop a lovely golden hue.
Cinnamon: Offers warmth and classic spice—absolutely essential to gingerbread’s beloved flavor.
Ginger: Brings a gentle heat and unmistakable zing that defines gingerbread.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Allspice: Contributes a subtle depth, rounding out the spice blend with a whisper of peppery clove and nutmeg notes.
Baking powder: Lends the cake a fluffy, appropriately light rise.
Baking soda: Works alongside buttermilk to give the crumb its soft, moist texture.
Cold butter: Creates extra tenderness and a delightfully rich taste in the cake itself.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together while adding richness and moisture.
Buttermilk: Gives just the right tang, keeps the crumb moist, and reacts with baking soda for perfect lift.
Maple syrup: Adds a cozy, woodsy sweetness that truly elevates this cake’s charm.
Brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and moisture to the crumbly topping.
Unsalted butter (melted): Ensures the crumb topping is irresistibly rich and perfectly crisp.
All-purpose flour: Gives just the right body and crunch to the topping.

How to Make Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Before you dive into the batter, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease or line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, making removal a breeze after baking. A well-prepped pan ensures your Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake comes out with its beautiful crumb topping intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice, baking powder, and baking soda. Take a minute to whisk these together so the spices disperse evenly, ensuring every single bite is packed with that wonderful gingerbread flavor.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, diced butter to your dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips to work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This classic technique is key for a tender, bakery-style crumb in your Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and maple syrup. The buttermilk brings a subtle tang while the maple syrup infuses your batter with natural sweetness and that unmistakably cozy flavor.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake—so go slow and easy! Scrape the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Your kitchen should already start to smell amazing at this point.

Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, then drizzle in melted butter. Stir until you have a sandy, thick crumb, then work in the all-purpose flour. You’re looking for a texture that forms clusters—those are the gold mines of any coffee cake slice.

Step 7: Add Topping and Bake

Evenly distribute the crumb topping over your batter, piling it generously so every bite is as indulgent as the next. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack so the topping sets into a perfect, crunchy cap.

How to Serve Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake

Garnishes

Add a dash of confectioners’ sugar just before serving for a snowy, festive look, or drizzle additional maple syrup for extra shine and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped crystallized ginger is a lovely finishing touch if you’re a ginger fan.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit—think citrus sections or ripe berries—or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt to keep things light and tangy. And, of course, don’t forget a big mug of your favorite coffee or chai for the ultimate cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake into generous squares and layer them on a wooden board for a rustic brunch display. For a playful twist, slice into bars and serve with popsicle sticks at a winter dessert party. Individual ramekins make adorable single-serve cakes if you’re looking to impress at a brunch or small gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days—though it rarely lasts that long. For longer freshness, store it in the fridge, making sure it’s well wrapped so the crumb topping stays crisp.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Once cooled completely, wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then foil, and tuck into a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds per slice) does the trick, or gently warm in a low oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp up the topping and make the spicy aromas bloom all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the cake flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and double-check that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free. The result should be just as tender and flavorful—nobody will know the difference.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time, so watch for a clean toothpick and golden color.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! Mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got a quick buttermilk substitute that works wonders in this Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Certainly! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even chopped dried cranberries are excellent additions to the crumb topping or folded right into the batter for extra texture and flavor.

How do I keep the crumb topping crunchy?

For the crunchiest topping, avoid covering the cake while it’s still warm, and let it cool completely before storing. If you prefer an ultra-crispy top, pop leftovers under your broiler for a minute or two—just watch closely!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the pure joy of baking and sharing Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake. It’s a little hug served in cake form, and truly the kind of recipe that makes moments (and mornings!) extra special. Give it a try, and let it bring a little warmth and delight to your table.

Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 1 8″ square cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake. A moist and tender gingerbread cake with a maple twist, topped with a delightful crumbly topping, perfect for any time of the day.

Instructions

Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, and maple syrup. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened. Pour into a baking dish.
Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Add melted butter and flour, mixing until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cake batter.
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

This coffee cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American