This Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake is a cozy fall and winter favorite—moist, warmly spiced, and sweetened with a touch of real maple syrup. The cake balances gingerbread spices with maple for a comforting breakfast or afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with a mug of coffee or a cup of tea and works well for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a simple weekend bake.
The cake’s tender crumb and crunchy crumb topping create a pleasing contrast. With familiar spices like cinnamon, ginger and allspice, plus a hint of maple in the batter, this coffee cake feels like the perfect seasonal bake without being fussy to make.
I’ve always loved both coffee and tea, and this cake grew out of that everyday comfort. My mother always made time for a cup of tea and my grandmother favored coffee all day long. Childhood memories of being offered a sip alongside a fresh cookie or a slice of cake stuck with me—so baking something that pairs perfectly with a hot drink is part nostalgia and part practicality.
On chilly mornings and blustery afternoons I reach for something warm to drink and a simple, satisfying baked good. That’s why this Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake is such a staple for me during the cooler months: it’s simple, dependable, and comforting. I’ve baked it multiple times this season because it’s easy to make and everyone in the family enjoys it.
Serve this cake warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin maple glaze can be added if you want extra shine or sweetness, but it’s delicious as written. It’s also easy to double for a larger crowd or slice and wrap individual pieces for gifting during the holidays.
Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake
Author: Nicole Cook
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 12 | Calories: 222 kcal
Sweet and spicy Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake — a perfect breakfast or brunch treat to enjoy with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup cake flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Crumb Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
For the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, and maple syrup until combined. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix just until moistened—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into an 8-inch square baking dish and set aside while you prepare the crumb topping.
For the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.
- Add the melted butter and whisk to combine, then stir in the flour. The topping should form coarse crumbs.
- Scatter the crumb mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes & Serving Suggestions
This Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake is best the day it’s made but will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a warm slice that tastes freshly baked. For a slightly richer flavor, try using a combination of whole milk and buttermilk or adding a splash of vanilla to the batter.
To dress it up for guests or a holiday table, serve with a light maple glaze (mix a little powdered sugar with maple syrup and milk to your desired consistency) or a dusting of powdered sugar. The crumb topping gives a pleasant crunch that contrasts well with a soft, moist center.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 222 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Sugar: 19 g | Sodium: 170 mg
If you try this recipe, save a slice for a friend or neighbor—home-baked treats are a simple, meaningful way to share comfort during the colder months. Enjoy your Maple Gingerbread Coffee Cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea.