Pisces Coffee Cake

Name: Pisces Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Pisces Coffee Cake; it’s a perfect accompaniment to my morning ritual with coffee! The aromatic blend of spices and tender crumb pairs beautifully with a steaming cup. I enjoy making this dish for gatherings, as it never fails to impress my friends and family. The hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth, while the delightful topping brings a crunchy sweetness. Plus, it’s easy enough that even novice bakers can whip it up quickly, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T19:58:28.048Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was enchanted by its comforting aroma and the enticing blend of flavors. The method strikes the perfect balance, allowing the spices to infuse while keeping the cake incredibly moist. One pivotal tip I learned is to let the cake cool before slicing; it truly makes a difference in the texture and flavor!

Moreover, this cake's flexibility is unmatched—I’ve swapped in various nuts and fruits based on the season and it always turns out fantastic. Baking it on weekends has become a delightful ritual, and it keeps well throughout the week, making my mornings that much sweeter.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A delightful blend of spices that warms the soul
Moist and tender texture that stays fresh for days
Perfect for any time of day, from breakfast to dessert

Unlocking the Perfect Texture

Achieving the ideal texture in your Pisces Coffee Cake starts with the creaming method. Creaming the softened butter with sugar not only adds air to the batter but also influences the cake's final texture, making it light and fluffy. Make sure your butter is truly softened; if it’s too cold, it won’t incorporate well. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave the butter for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt it!

The blending of dry and wet ingredients is crucial. When combining these mixtures, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while under-mixing might leave you with clumps of flour. To ensure an even mix, I recommend using a spatula to cut through the batter in a folding motion, just until you can’t see any dry flour.

Topping Tips for Extra Crunch

The topping of your Pisces Coffee Cake is just as important as the cake itself. For the crunchiest texture, consider toasting your nuts lightly before adding them to the topping mixture. This brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the soft cake below. Simply spread the chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

If you’re looking to experiment, substitute the walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that different nuts may affect the baking time slightly—always check for even browning to avoid any sogginess.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This coffee cake lasts for several days, making it perfect for batch baking. After cooling completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for optimal freshness in the freezer. This cake can be frozen for up to three months; just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dry ingredients and the topping in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers, and you’ll be able to whip up the cake batter in no time! Just remember to bring your wet ingredients, especially the eggs and milk, to room temperature for the best results when you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Please assemble all ingredients before you start for a smoother baking experience.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Prepare Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon for the topping.

Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the topping, then add the remaining batter and top with the remaining topping.

Bake

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a hot beverage or a scoop of ice cream!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding dried fruits or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also experiment with different nuts in the topping for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Pisces Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile; while it shines at breakfast, it's equally delightful as a coffee break snack or dessert. I love to serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat. You can also pair it with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced peaches, to add a refreshing contrast.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider presenting slices of the coffee cake on a beautiful platter alongside steaming cups of coffee or tea. You can even create a mini coffee bar with flavored syrups and creamers so guests can customize their drinks—a wonderful way to elevate your serving experience!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake doesn't rise as expected, it may be due to stale leavening agents. Always check the expiration date on your baking powder and baking soda before starting; they should be fresh for optimal lift. Properly measuring your flour is also key; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off—don’t pack it down, as this can lead to a denser texture.

In case you notice that the top is browning too quickly while baking, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time. This will help prevent burning while allowing the cake to continue cooking evenly. Don't skip checking for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean to indicate your cake is fully baked.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.

→ Is it possible to freeze the coffee cake?

Yes, slice the cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then freeze. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

→ Can I substitute almond milk for regular milk?

Yes, almond or any non-dairy milk can be used in place of regular milk without any issues.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can use various toppings such as streusel, chocolate chips, or even a simple glaze for a different twist!