Luscious Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Start your mornings on a truly delightful note with this incredible Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake. Imagine a perfectly moist and wonderfully rich coffee cake, infused with the subtle, nutty warmth of almond butter and the creamy tang of vanilla yogurt. It’s a harmonious blend that creates a tender crumb, ensuring every bite is a pure indulgence without being overly sweet. To elevate this breakfast (or anytime) treat, a bright and tart lemon cream cheese frosting cascades over the top, adding a refreshing burst that perfectly balances the cake’s richness. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience, promising to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection for family brunches, quiet mornings, or simply when you crave something extraordinary.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Stonyfield and Woodstock Foods. While I was compensated and given free product in exchange for this post, as always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Embracing Brunch Traditions: A Taste of Nostalgia
Growing up, some of my fondest memories revolved around Sunday brunch at my grandparents’ house. It was a weekly tradition, a vibrant gathering where the entire family—my mom’s four siblings, their children, and sometimes even grandchildren—would descend. The house would transform into a lively hub, brimming with the irresistible aromas of freshly brewed coffee, sizzling bacon, and the sweet scent of a homemade baked treat. The kitchen was always the heart of it all, a place where stories were exchanged, laughter echoed, and an abundance of love filled every corner.
While my mom expertly prepared the scrambled eggs, my uncles would invariably engage in playful debates over the crispy perfection of the bacon. And of course, there was always an endless supply of coffee, paired with a delightful baked good – sometimes fluffy doughnuts, other times crumbly muffins, but often, a comforting coffee cake. These gatherings weren’t just about the food; they were about connection, the warmth of family, and the delicious ritual that marked the start of every week.
Lately, I’ve found myself longing for that cherished sense of kitchen tradition, especially as spring heralds a new season of culinary inspiration. This yearning inspired me to rekindle my “brunch mode” this week, crafting a recipe that evokes those treasured memories. And I must admit, with a hint of pride, I genuinely believe this coffee cake is one my grandmother would have wholeheartedly approved of.
My grandmother, a true culinary artist akin to our family’s own Julia Child, possessed an unparalleled skill in the kitchen and a palate that I could only dream of inheriting. For me to say that she would adore this coffee cake is no small compliment; it speaks volumes about its exceptional quality and flavor. This isn’t just a simple baked good; it’s a tribute to her legacy, a creation that I believe captures the essence of her culinary magic.
The Secrets to an Unforgettable Coffee Cake
What makes this Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake truly stand out? It’s a combination of thoughtfully chosen ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors and textures that create a truly remarkable experience. Let’s delve into the elements that make this cake so extraordinarily delicious:
Unrivaled Moisture and Lightness
One of the most praised qualities of this cake is its incredible moistness and surprisingly light crumb. Many coffee cakes can be dense or dry, but this recipe defies those expectations. The secret lies in the combination of creamy vanilla yogurt and rich almond butter. Yogurt adds a subtle tang, tenderizing the crumb and infusing it with unparalleled moisture without making it heavy. Almond butter, on the other hand, contributes healthy fats and a delightful nutty depth, resulting in a cake that feels both indulgent and remarkably tender on the palate. The texture is a beautiful paradox: rich and satisfying, yet delicate and airy.
A Symphony of Flavors: Almond and Vanilla
The core flavor profile of this coffee cake is a harmonious blend of almond and vanilla. The almond butter provides a deep, earthy nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the classic warmth of vanilla extract. This combination creates a sophisticated and comforting taste that is inherently inviting. It’s a flavor that is both familiar and exciting, appealing to a wide range of palates. The almond notes are prominent but not overpowering, complementing the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
The Zesty Counterpoint: Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
No coffee cake is truly complete without a crowning glory, and this cake boasts a simply exquisite lemon cream cheese frosting. This isn’t your average overly sweet topping; it’s specifically designed to provide a refreshing burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the cake. The tangy lemon juice brightens every bite, creating a delightful contrast that keeps your taste buds engaged and craving more. It’s a perfect marriage of sweet and tart, transforming the cake from merely delicious to truly unforgettable.
Why Yogurt and Almond Butter Are Baking Superstars
The inclusion of vanilla yogurt and almond butter is truly what sets this coffee cake apart, giving it that dreamy texture. Yogurt, especially plain, full-fat varieties like Stonyfield, does wonders for baked goods. Its acidity helps to tenderize gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer, more delicate crumb. It also adds a significant amount of moisture, keeping the cake from drying out, and contributes a subtle, pleasant tang that enhances the overall flavor complexity. You get a richer, more nuanced taste that can’t be achieved with just milk or water.
Almond butter, particularly Woodstock Almond Butter, plays a crucial role too. Beyond its delicious nutty flavor, it adds a unique richness and density that contributes to the cake’s luxurious feel while keeping it remarkably tender. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate healthy fats and a distinctive flavor without relying solely on butter or oil. The combination of these two ingredients ensures that each bite is filled with almond vanilla flavor and a texture that is simultaneously rich, indulgent, light, and fluffy.
The Perfect Crunch: Streusel Topping
Beyond the moist cake and luscious frosting, the streusel topping adds another layer of magic. This sweet, crumbly exterior provides a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire experience. Made with a simple mix of brown sugar, flour, and cold butter, it bakes into a crisp, golden layer that crackles ever so slightly with each bite. The slight sweetness of the streusel perfectly complements the cake and its tangy frosting, creating a truly multi-dimensional dessert that is satisfying in every way.
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
This Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake is versatile enough for any occasion. While it’s undoubtedly perfect for a leisurely Sunday brunch with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea, its decadent flavor profile also makes it suitable as a delightful dessert. Consider pairing a slice with a dollop of homemade slow cooker apple butter for an extra layer of fruity sweetness. It’s also an ideal center-piece for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as an everyday treat to make an ordinary morning feel extraordinary.
Its robust flavor holds up well, making it a wonderful cake to prepare in advance. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this coffee cake delivers comfort and joy in every forkful. The invigorating tartness of the lemon cream cheese frosting, combined with the almond-vanilla cake and the crunchy streusel, makes for a memorable bite that will awaken your taste buds and leave you feeling utterly content.
Baking Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect coffee cake isn’t complicated, but a few tips can ensure your Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake turns out flawlessly every time. Firstly, ensure all your refrigerated ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and cream cheese for the frosting, are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly, creating a light and airy batter. Overmixing the batter is a common pitfall; once the dry ingredients are incorporated, mix only until just combined to prevent a tough cake.
For the streusel, using cold, cubed butter is key. This helps create those wonderful, distinct crumbles that bake up crisp and golden. When applying the streusel, spread it evenly over the batter to ensure every slice gets a generous topping. During baking, keep an eye on the cake; oven temperatures can vary, so the toothpick test is your best friend. A clean toothpick inserted into the center indicates it’s perfectly done. Finally, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful, thick drizzle.
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
- Wilton Excelle Elite 10 Inch Springform Pan
- KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
- Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Thick Wire Cooling Rack
Don’t forget to pin this Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake recipe for later so you can revisit this delicious treat whenever the craving strikes!
Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake
This luxurious coffee cake combines the rich, nutty notes of almond butter with the tenderizing qualities of yogurt, all crowned with a vibrant lemon cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect way to elevate any morning.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
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Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/4 cups plain Stonyfield yogurt
- 1/3 cup Woodstock Almond Butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Streusel:
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Glaze:
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp butter, softened
- 2/3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and creamy, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, plain yogurt, and almond butter. Beat until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms pea-sized crumbs or smaller.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared springform pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.
- Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and milk until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-able. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the prepared lemon cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled coffee cake. Serve immediately or store at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Category: Breakfast