Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is a delightful, tender cake featuring a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl and a crumbly streusel topping. This classic treat pairs perfectly with a morning cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack. With its moist texture and warm spice flavor, this homemade coffee cake is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is always a hit.
- Delicious cinnamon flavor – The cinnamon swirl adds depth and warmth to every bite.
- Moist and tender – The soft cake texture is perfectly complemented by the crunchy streusel topping.
- Great for make-ahead – Stays fresh for days and can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
Directions
- Prepare the oven and pan – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make the cinnamon swirl – In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the batter – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients – Beat in the butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until a smooth batter forms.
- Layer the batter – Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter – Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and gently spread it to cover.
- Make the streusel topping – Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cake.
- Bake – Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve – Let the cake cool before slicing. Drizzle with an optional powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 slices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Nutty twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch.
- Apple cinnamon – Fold in diced apples for a fruity addition.
- Chocolate swirl – Replace half of the cinnamon sugar with cocoa powder for a chocolate-cinnamon flavor.
- Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Cream cheese glaze – Instead of a simple powdered sugar glaze, top with a rich cream cheese drizzle.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freezer – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating – Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
How do I prevent my coffee cake from drying out?
Ensure you do not overbake the cake and store it properly in an airtight container.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but you may need to add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
Is this coffee cake actually made with coffee?
No, the name refers to the fact that it pairs well with coffee, not that it contains any.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.
Can I double the cinnamon swirl for extra flavor?
Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, increasing the swirl mixture will enhance the flavor.
How do I make this coffee cake extra moist?
Using buttermilk and not overmixing the batter will keep the cake soft and tender.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil or applesauce for a slightly different texture.
Can I make this recipe in a bundt pan?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
What toppings go well with this coffee cake?
A dusting of powdered sugar, a vanilla glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a great addition.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or serve it as a dessert, this cake is sure to impress. With its soft texture, sweet cinnamon layers, and crunchy topping, it’s a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast.
Print
This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is a soft, buttery cake layered with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar together, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream and milk, alternating with the dry ingredients.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter.
- Swirl with a knife and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Let cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
- Adding a crumb topping can make it extra indulgent.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.