Craving comfort during the holiday? This Passover Coffee Cake Recipe is the kind of tradition that warms the heart as much as the table. Moist, full of flavor, and kosher for the season, it captures the memory of holiday mornings when every bite felt like a celebration. Today, we’ll look at how to make it your own whether cinnamon-swirled or chocolate-rich.

Passover Coffee Cake Recipe featuredSave
Kosher Passover coffee cake served and sliced
Table of Contents

What is Passover Coffee Cake Recipe

When I was little, mornings after the seder always began with something sweet. My grandmother’s coffee cake was never elaborate, but its tender crumb and gentle swirl of cinnamon made it unforgettable. That memory inspired this Passover Coffee Cake Recipe, a flour-free treat built for the holiday table.

Because baking during Passover excludes chametz flour, yeast, and many leaveners we turn to alternatives like matzo cake meal, potato starch, and kosher-for-Passover vanilla. These swaps allow us to honor tradition without losing the texture and flavor we love. Much like our Brownie Refrigerator Cake, this recipe proves that holiday baking can be both celebratory and completely chametz-free.

With a tender bite, a swirl of cinnamon or cocoa, and a crisp golden top, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or wrapped up for brunch the next day, this Passover Coffee Cake Recipe brings generations together in the most comforting way.

Why You’ll Love This

This Passover Coffee Cake Recipe isn’t just about dessert it’s about connection. Every slice feels like a reminder of family, laughter, and the comfort of tradition. The gentle cinnamon swirl or chocolate crumb isn’t only delicious, it’s a nod to how simple ingredients can create something special for the holiday table.

What makes this recipe shine is its balance: tender crumb, just the right sweetness, and a topping that invites you to reach for another slice. It’s a treat you can serve at breakfast with coffee, bring to a holiday brunch, or save for a sweet bite after dinner. And because it’s flour-free and made with kosher-for-Passover staples, you never have to compromise tradition for taste.

If you’ve enjoyed the coziness of our Cinnamon Roll in a Mug, you’ll recognize the same warmth here only in a cake designed for sharing. This recipe is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for keeping family traditions alive while adding your own personal touch.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Passover Coffee Cake Recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish. With matzo cake meal, potato starch, and a touch of applesauce for moisture, you’ll get a tender crumb that rivals any traditional cake. Whether you choose cinnamon or chocolate, the swirl and optional streusel make it feel bakery-worthy without breaking Passover rules.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic version:

Passover coffee cake ingredients flat lay Save
Ingredients for a traditional Passover coffee cake

Dry Ingredients

  • ¾ cup cake meal (or finely ground matzo meal)
  • ¼ cup potato starch
  • 1 cup sugar (divided)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon or 2 Tbsp cocoa
  • 1 tsp kosher-for-Passover baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
  • ½ cup neutral oil (like avocado or light olive)
  • 1 tsp kosher vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup chocolate chips (certified kosher for Passover)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Optional Streusel Topping

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • ¼ cup ground nuts
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For a lighter holiday contrast, try serving this alongside our chilled No Bake Easter Cheesecake both desserts highlight how simple, flour-free baking can still feel festive.

Step-by-Step

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix ½ cup sugar with cinnamon or cocoa in a small bowl and set aside (this will be your swirl).
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, applesauce, oil, vanilla, and remaining ½ cup sugar until smooth.
  4. In a second bowl, combine cake meal, potato starch, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet until just combined.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with swirl mixture and add chips or nuts if using.
  7. Top with the remaining batter and, if desired, sprinkle streusel.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs.
  9. Cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What to Serve Passover Coffee Cake Recipe With

A slice of this Passover Coffee Cake Recipe already feels complete on its own, but pairing it with the right sides turns it into a centerpiece for your holiday table. For mornings, it’s wonderful next to a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon tea, bringing out the warmth of the swirl.

At brunch, balance the sweetness with fresh fruit sliced pears, strawberries, or citrus add brightness to every bite. Non-dairy whipped topping is another simple addition, especially when you’re serving the cake after a meat meal and want to stay kosher.

For a lighter, refreshing side, try our Cucumber and Pineapple Salad. Its crisp texture and natural sweetness contrast beautifully with the richness of the cake. And if you’re celebrating with dessert wine, this cake pairs wonderfully with a chilled kosher Moscato or a berry compote spooned on top.

Whether it’s shared at breakfast, tucked into a brunch spread, or served after dinner, this coffee cake always feels like it belongs.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Every baker knows the little details make the biggest difference, and this Passover Coffee Cake Recipe is no exception. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to guarantee success every time you bake:

  • Use room temperature eggs. They whisk more easily and trap air, giving your cake a light, tender crumb.
  • Don’t overmix. Stir until the dry and wet ingredients just come together too much mixing leads to a dense cake.
  • Add applesauce for moisture. This keeps the cake soft and flavorful without needing dairy.
  • Check for doneness carefully. Insert a toothpick at 35 minutes; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
  • Wrap while slightly warm. Locking in steam as it cools helps preserve texture for the next day.

If you enjoy easy, cozy treats that balance sweetness and comfort, you’ll also love our High Protein Mug Cake. Just like this coffee cake, it proves you can create something rich and satisfying without relying on traditional flour.

By keeping these little tricks in mind, your holiday table will always have a coffee cake that looks as good as it tastes.

Storing and Reheating Tips

A fresh-baked Passover Coffee Cake Recipe is wonderful right out of the oven, but with the right care, it stays soft and flavorful for days. The secret is all about sealing in moisture and handling leftovers gently.

Storage Tips:

  • Let the cake cool fully before wrapping it prevents condensation from making the crumb soggy.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil, then place them in a zip-top bag.

Reheating Tips:

  • To refresh, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds it revives the texture beautifully.
  • If reheating from frozen, let it thaw at room temperature first, then warm slightly in the oven.

These same tricks work for many holiday desserts, including our chilled and creamy No Bake Cheesecake with Philadelphia. With just a little planning, your Passover sweets will always taste fresh, whether served on day one or days later.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Passover Coffee Cake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it the day before and wrap tightly in plastic once cooled. It stays moist for up to three days at room temperature and can be frozen for longer. A quick warm-up before serving brings back that just-baked texture.

2. What’s the difference between cake meal and matzo meal?

Cake meal is a finer grind of matzo meal and is preferred in most Passover desserts. It creates a softer crumb, while regular matzo meal can leave cakes too dense. If you can’t find cake meal, make your own by blending matzo meal until fine.

3. Can I make a chocolate version instead of cinnamon?

Absolutely. Swap cinnamon for cocoa and add chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate spread. The chocolate variation is indulgent, similar in spirit to our rich Date Chocolate Bark, but in a light, crumbly cake form.

4. How do I keep my Passover Coffee Cake Recipe from drying out?

Moisture is key. Applesauce in the batter helps, but so does careful baking. Check the cake early overbaking is the fastest way to lose tenderness. Wrapping the cake while still slightly warm locks in steam for lasting softness.

Can I make passover coffee cake without matzo meal?

Yes. Almond flour is the best substitute and gives a tender, moist crumb very similar to matzo meal versions. Use the same quantity as the recipe specifies. Some bakers also use potato starch combined with almond flour for a lighter texture. Both alternatives are widely available and naturally gluten-free.

This Passover Coffee Cake Recipe proves that holiday traditions can be both comforting and delicious. With simple swaps like matzo cake meal, potato starch, and applesauce, you can enjoy a cake that’s kosher for Passover yet still rich in flavor and texture. Whether you choose the cozy cinnamon swirl or indulgent chocolate crumb, it’s a dessert that brings family together.

Bake it ahead, slice it thick, and serve it with coffee, fruit, or a sweet wine it’s bound to become part of your holiday memories. For more inspiration, try our family-style Skiers’ French Toast Recipe for another celebratory breakfast idea.

Don’t forget to share your cake with us on Facebook or Pinterest we’d love to see how you bring this recipe to life at your Passover table.

Recipe Card

Passover Coffee Cake

Print recipePassover Coffee Cake Recipe featuredSave

A moist, flavorful Passover coffee cake recipe made with matzo cake meal and potato starch. Kosher for Passover, customizable with cinnamon or chocolate, and perfect for family gatherings.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
40 minutes
Total time
50 minutes
Yield
9 slices

Ingredients

¾ cup cake meal or finely ground matzo meal

¼ cup potato starch

1 cup sugar (divided)

1 tsp cinnamon or 2 Tbsp cocoa

1 tsp kosher-for-Passover baking soda

Pinch of salt

3 large eggs

½ cup applesauce

½ cup neutral oil

1 tsp kosher vanilla extract

½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Optional streusel: ¼ cup sugar, 2 Tbsp oil, ¼ cup ground nuts, 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch pan.
  2. Step 2: Mix ½ cup sugar with cinnamon or cocoa; set aside for swirl.
  3. Step 3: Whisk eggs, applesauce, oil, vanilla, and remaining sugar in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine cake meal, potato starch, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Step 5: Fold dry into wet mixture until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Pour half batter into pan, add swirl and optional add-ins.
  7. Step 7: Top with remaining batter and streusel.
  8. Step 8: Bake 35–40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Step 9: Cool 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are kosher for Passover.

Store wrapped at room temp up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month.

Serve warm with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit.

Nutrition

Calories
230
Fat
11g
Saturated fat
1g
Sugar
17g
Sodium
55mg
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fiber
1g