Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake is a deliciously tender treat inspired by the show’s famous kicky coffee. It’s perfect for morning gatherings or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee. Simple yet comforting, this cake combines a moist crumb and sweet cinnamon layers.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the sour cream until combined, then gradually add the flour and cinnamon to form a smooth batter.
- Step 3: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over this layer.
- Step 4: Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans along with the cinnamon sugar layer.
- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter texture with a slight tang.
- Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top once cooled for an indulgent finish.
Storage
Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week and warm slices briefly in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Why is sour cream used in coffee cake recipes?
Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, helping achieve a soft crumb and slight tang that balances the sweetness.
PrintGilmore Girls Coffee Cake Recipe
This Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake is a nostalgic, tender coffee cake recipe inspired by the beloved TV show. Featuring a moist batter enriched with sour cream and a cinnamon-sugar swirl, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat with coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Layer with cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl. Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan. Spread half of the batter evenly in the pan. Drizzle half of the melted butter over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter, melted butter, and cinnamon sugar, creating layers.
- Bake until done: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled coffee cake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layers for texture.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake, coffee cake recipe, cinnamon coffee cake, breakfast cake, sour cream coffee cake, easy coffee cake

