Go Back
–+ servings
Spanish Coffee Cake from Skippy Palmer
Spanish Coffee Cake is a beloved classic often served for breakfast or brunch. Despite the name, it doesn't come from Spain but rather reflects a style of American coffee cakes that became popular in mid-century kitchens. These cakes typically include warm spices, nuts, and a sugary topping, making them perfect with a morning cup of coffee. This recipe uses a combination of brown and white sugars, cinnamon, and a buttermilk base, creating a moist texture and a sweet, crunchy topping that’s irresistible.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 504 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped , optional, likely walnuts)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Combine flour, white sugar, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add Oil

  • Stir in the vegetable oil until well mixed.

Step 3: Make Topping

  • Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for topping.
  • Add chopped nuts and cinnamon to this reserved mixture. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare Batter

  • To the remaining mixture, add buttermilk, baking soda, and egg. Beat well until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan.
  • Sprinkle topping evenly over batter.
  • Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.

Step 6: Add Drizzle

  • While still hot, drizzle with a mixture of 1 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tbsp milk.

Tips

  • Substitute sour cream for buttermilk if needed.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla for extra depth.
  • Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
  • For added crunch, sprinkle extra brown sugar on top before baking.
  • Make it ahead and freeze for up to a month, just skip the glaze until reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 504kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 873mgPotassium: 129mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 2mg
Keyword brunch, cinnamn, coffee cake, vintage
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!