Cinnamon coffee cake is a soft and moist cake layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a buttery crumble. This classic treat pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With its warm flavors and tender texture, this homemade coffee cake is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Moist Texture – Buttermilk and butter keep the cake rich and tender.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfect with Coffee – The warm cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Irresistible Crumb Topping – A crunchy, buttery streusel adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
Optional Glaze (for extra sweetness):
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the crumb topping
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Make the cake batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Assemble the cake
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve
- Let the cake cool before adding an optional glaze.
- Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 35-40 minutes
- Cooling time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Addition – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Cake – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling.
- Apple Cinnamon Version – Add diced apples for extra texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Moist Cake – Substitute half of the butter with sour cream for an even richer cake.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore softness.
FAQs
Does coffee cake contain coffee?
No, coffee cake gets its name because it pairs well with coffee, but it does not contain coffee as an ingredient.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but for best results, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk as a substitute.
Why is my crumb topping sinking into the cake?
The batter may be too thin. Ensure it’s thick enough to support the topping before baking.
Can I make this in a bundt pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time to 45-50 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
What is the best way to keep the cake moist?
Store it in an airtight container and avoid overbaking to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature until ready to serve.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Use less milk or add more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I double the crumb topping?
Yes! If you love extra crumble, you can double the topping ingredients.
Is there a way to make this cake healthier?
Try reducing the sugar slightly and using whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter provides a richer flavor. If using oil, choose a neutral one like vegetable or canola.
Conclusion
Cinnamon coffee cake is a delicious and comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of day. With its soft, buttery texture and warm cinnamon layers, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served fresh or stored for later, it’s an easy-to-make dessert that always delivers amazing flavor.
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a soft, buttery cake layered with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a crunchy streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee!
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in sour cream, then gradually fold in dry ingredients until combined.
- Step 2: Assemble the Cake
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Spread half of the cake batter into the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
- Spread the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface.
- Step 3: Make the Streusel & Bake
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Make It Extra Moist: Add ½ cup applesauce or mashed banana to the batter.
- Storage: Keep at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~25g
- Sodium: ~220mg
- Fat: ~14g
- Saturated Fat: ~8g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~55mg
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