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–+ servings
Blitz Kuchen Coffee Cake
Blitz Kuchen, a traditional German “lightning cake,” is beloved for its speed and simplicity. This variation, adapted as a coffee cake, reflects mid-century American kitchens blending German roots with cozy, cinnamon-topped sweetness. Perfect for weekend mornings or impromptu guests, its name ("blitz") reflects how quickly it comes together. The crumbly topping, cinnamon warmth, and nutty crunch create a nostalgic and comforting flavor that makes it a cherished staple.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 10
Calories 222 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Base:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 egg (well beaten)
  • ½ cup sour milk (or substitute with milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

Topping:

  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts preferred)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Mix 1 cup flour and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Step 2: Cut in Butter

  • Cut in ½ cup butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Prepare Liquid Mix

  • In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg, then add sour milk and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine and Stir

  • Pour liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir lightly until just combined.

Step 5: Pour into Pan

  • Transfer the batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Make Topping

  • Mix remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and chopped nuts.

Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake

  • Sprinkle topping mixture over batter.
  • Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Tips

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to complement the cinnamon.
  • Swap chopped nuts with pecans or walnuts for deeper flavor.
  • Replace sour milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness.
  • Add ½ cup blueberries, apples, or raspberries to the batter.
  • Use brown butter instead of regular butter for a richer taste.
  • Double the topping mixture for an extra-crumbly coffee cake.
  • Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar + milk after cooling.
  • Replace half the brown sugar with white sugar for a lighter crumb.
  • Bake in a round pan for a more traditional “kuchen” presentation.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 137mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cinnamon crumb, coffee cake, comfort food, German-American, heirloom baking, retro dessert, simple cake, vintage recipes
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