Cinnamon Coffee Cake
There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house, especially when it signals the arrival of a freshly baked coffee cake. This Cinnamon Coffee Cake has become a treasured recipe in our home – a sweet, crumbly treat that everyone from my kids to my husband can’t get enough of. I initially made it on a whim, craving something cozy and indulgent that didn’t require hours in the kitchen. Little did I know it would quickly become a go-to recipe that we’d end up making over and over again.
One of the reasons I love this coffee cake so much is that it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and satisfaction. The tender, moist cake has a subtle sweetness, balanced by a ribbon of cinnamon filling that adds a little spice. The crunchy, streusel-like topping is a textural treat, bringing everything together in a way that makes each bite irresistibly delicious. Even better, it’s a versatile recipe that works just as well for a casual family breakfast as it does for a holiday brunch or a cozy afternoon snack.
The best part? This cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy moms like myself who need recipes that deliver on taste without demanding too much time. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper – one you’ll find yourself reaching for whenever you want to add a bit of warmth and sweetness to your day.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I make this coffee cake in advance?
Yes! This coffee cake stays moist and delicious for a couple of days. Just cover it well, and it’s perfect to make the night before and enjoy in the morning.
Do I need a bundt pan?
A bundt pan gives this cake its lovely shape and ensures even baking. However, you can also use a tube pan or even a square baking dish in a pinch – just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on it.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Absolutely! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’ll taste just as fresh.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version. The texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still taste delicious.
What You Need to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Equipment
10-inch bundt or tube pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
How to Make It:
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter, spreading it gently with a spatula.
Make the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the nuts if using, and sprinkle the streusel over the top of the batter.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
Don’t Overmix: To keep the cake tender, mix the batter just until combined.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding a handful of chocolate chips or using a caramel drizzle on top for a twist on the classic.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar in the batter slightly. You can also swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a unique flavor.
Latest Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for Sunday brunch, and it was a hit! My kids loved it, and it disappeared so quickly.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious and easy! Next time, I’ll add more cinnamon to the swirl for a stronger flavor.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect recipe for busy mornings. I prepped it the night before, and it still tasted fresh and moist.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really good! I think I’ll try adding a glaze next time for an extra treat.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy and so yummy! It was the perfect treat with my morning coffee.”
Printable Recipe:
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Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This Cinnamon Coffee Cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its moist, tender crumb and warm cinnamon swirl. Topped with a crunchy streusel, it’s perfect for a cozy family breakfast or a holiday brunch!
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Equipment
- 10-inch bundt or tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
- Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the nuts if using, and sprinkle the streusel over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
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