German Coffee Cake(Naff Kuchen)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: German

German Coffee Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring a tender crumb, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and chopped nuts, perfect for coffee breaks or family gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 sticks margarine or butter
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 pint sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Cream butter or margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in eggs well, about 5 minutes, until mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; fold into the mixture.
  4. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing gently.
  5. Grease and flour a 9-inch Bundt pan, angel food pan, or jello mold.
  6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and chopped nuts (and raisins if desired).
  8. Spread this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
  9. Pour the remaining batter over the nut mixture.
  10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes or until done.
  11. Let cool for 10 minutes before turning out of the pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with cream cheese. If you're out of sour cream, plain yogurt can work as a substitute. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming, and don't overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to maintain a light texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful served plain, but you can also dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of Creamy Cheese Frosting for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a perfect afternoon snack. For a special touch, serve it alongside a Tropical Yogurt Shake for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover German Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Coffee Cake(Naff Kuchen) contains roughly 152 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

152 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 12.6g 5% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 5.5g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 598.4mg 26% DV
Potassium 109.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 2.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Calcium 114.4mg 9% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This German Coffee Cake can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you do make it ahead, keep it covered to maintain its moisture.

What kind of nuts can I use in this recipe?

You can use any chopped nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Each type brings its unique flavor and crunch to the cake. If you want to keep it nut-free, feel free to omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Is it possible to turn this into a gluten-free cake?

Yes, you can easily make this German Coffee Cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →