Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee Cake

Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors that brings a delicious twist to traditional coffee cake. This moist, tender cake is infused with rich maple syrup and studded with crunchy walnuts, creating a warm and comforting taste that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The addition of crispy bacon pieces adds a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup, making each bite a unique and satisfying experience. Topped with a crumbly streusel and a drizzle of maple glaze, this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying a cozy moment with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and maple syrup until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts and crumbled bacon.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts and crumbled bacon.
4. Assemble the Coffee Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
5. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel topping is golden brown.
6. Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the cake is baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
7. Cool and Glaze: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the maple glaze over the top of the warm cake.
8. Serve: Slice the coffee cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy this Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee Cake as a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of maple syrup, crunchy walnuts, and crispy bacon makes it a truly irresistible dessert or snack!