The Ultimate Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch, a festive holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, this cake delivers a delightful combination of moist, tender crumb and warm, aromatic spices. Let me share with you my perfected recipe, honed over years of baking experience, and sprinkled with some expert tips to guarantee success.

Why this Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe is a Must-Try

This cinnamon coffee cake recipe stands out for a few reasons. It’s incredibly easy to follow, even for novice bakers. The ingredients are readily available in most kitchens, and the instructions are clear and concise. The result? A cake that’s consistently moist, with a perfectly balanced cinnamon swirl and a delightful streusel topping. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking? Simply irresistible. It truly is a celebration of comfort and flavor.

Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon swirl:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the streusel topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a consistent rise.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Remember, a light hand is key to a tender crumb.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon swirl mixture.
7. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Batter with Swirl

8. For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and nuts (if using) in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Baking in Oven

11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Sliced Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Tips for a Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough cake.
• For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the streusel topping. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns a light brown color and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Feel free to customize the streusel topping with different nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. You can also add dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins. Similar to Coffee cake with streusel, you can adapt the topping to your preference.
• This cake is best served warm, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

“Using quality ingredients, like fresh cinnamon and good butter, makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor,” says renowned pastry chef, Amelia Dubois. “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature twist.”

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon coffee cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of glaze. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making it the ideal breakfast or brunch treat. As Amelia Dubois further suggests, “A touch of freshly grated nutmeg on top elevates the spice profile beautifully.” If you’re looking for other spiced treats, try our Pumpkin pie with nutmeg. For those interested in exploring vegan options, check out our vegan chocolate cake reviews.

Conclusion

This cinnamon coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its moist crumb, warm spices, and delightful streusel topping, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the sweet rewards of this delicious cinnamon coffee cake.

Whole Cinnamon Coffee Cake

FAQ

1. Can I use oil instead of butter in this recipe? While butter provides the best flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature, covered tightly.
3. What can I substitute for buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
4. How do I know when the cake is done? Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
5. Can I freeze this coffee cake? Yes, you can freeze the baked cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
6. Can I add different spices to the swirl? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice.
7. Can I make this recipe in a different size pan? Yes, you can adjust the baking time accordingly. For a smaller pan, the baking time will be shorter, and for a larger pan, it will be longer.