Graham Cracker Crumb Coffee Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful coffee cake with crunchy graham cracker crumbs and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, nutty treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup margarine, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix with the graham cracker crumbs. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened margarine and sugars until fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, beating well after each addition.
  4. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating just enough to blend after each addition.
  5. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
  6. Spread the batter evenly in a greased 8 x 11-inch (20 x 28 cm) pan.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're out of buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts adds a delightful crunch and pairs beautifully with the graham cracker crumbs, similar to Marvell'S Graham Cracker Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

This coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. Serve it warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. It also pairs well with a simple fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the cooled coffee cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Graham Cracker Crumb Coffee Cake contains roughly 408 calories, with 6g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

408 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 14.7g 19% DV
Carbs 67g 24% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 44g 88% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 510mg 22% DV
Potassium 205.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 35.5mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 99.3mg 8% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains 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 coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking. This will help ensure even baking and a moist texture.

What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies as a substitute. Both will impart a similar texture and sweetness, but adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly to match the sweetness level of your substitute.

Can I add other ingredients to this coffee cake?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or fresh berries to the batter for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as this might affect the baking time. Experimenting with flavors can make this recipe even more delightful!

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).

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