Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen with the sweet scent of cinnamon swirling around like a warm hug. That’s what this Cinnamon Coffee Cake is all about! This delightful cake has a soft, tender crumb with a rich swirl of cinnamon that dances through every bite. And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special treat any day of the week.
This cinnamon coffee cake is great for everyone! The slight tang from the sour cream keeps it moist, while the buttery streusel topping gives it a crunchy, sweet finish. Just picture it: slicing into the cake, revealing those beautiful layers of cinnamon goodness, and enjoying it with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a gathering with friends, this cake brings a sense of comfort that feels like home.
Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Cinnamon Coffee Cake and how easy it is to make.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Coffee Cake (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This Cinnamon Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The moment you take a bite, you’ll notice the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The cake is soft and moist, thanks to the sour cream, while the cinnamon streusel adds a delightful crunch.
Here are some reasons you’re going to adore it:
- Speedy Recipe: You can have this cake ready in under an hour!
- Comforting Texture: The cake is soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced.
- Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are things you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake it ahead for a week of delicious snacks or breakfasts.
- Dietary Notes: Great for sharing with family and friends; they won’t know it’s made with simple ingredients!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Coffee Cake
STREUSEL
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure and texture to the topping.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a lovely caramel flavor.
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon – The star of the show, creating that warm, cozy taste.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt – Enhances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces) – Makes the streusel crumbly and rich.
CAKE
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides moisture and richness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cake.
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – Works together with the baking powder for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt – Balances flavors.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Infuses a lovely flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream – Keeps the cake moist and adds a tangy depth.
GLAZE
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze.
- 2 Tbsp whole milk – Helps in achieving a smooth consistency.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Phase 1 – Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the streusel ingredients (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt) and cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients for the cake (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the streusel on top, and repeat with the remaining batter and streusel.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this comforting treat with friends and family!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use cold butter for the streusel; it creates a better crumb.
- If you want an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of nutmeg to the cake mix.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can result in a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Another pitfall is using ingredients at the wrong temperature. Make sure your butter is softened (but not melted!) for the creaming process to help trap air. Finally, remember to prepare your pan properly—greasing it well prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Spicy: Add some cayenne or nutmeg for a hint of spice.
- Zesty: Mix in orange zest for a refreshing twist!
- Stovetop: If you’re feeling adventurous, try cooking in a skillet on low heat with a lid for a unique twist.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Best Pairings: Coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Consider adding fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! This Cinnamon Coffee Cake freezes well and makes for a great meal-prep option.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about three days.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes for a nice crisp edge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed and drained well before using.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Using sour cream or yogurt achieves that creamy texture without conventional cream.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pan or bake in batches.
How to fix a too-thick cake batter?
Add a splash of milk or water and mix until you reach desired consistency.
If you’re ready to savor a bite of this warm, delightful Cinnamon Coffee Cake, don’t forget to try it out and let me know how it turns out! It’s the perfect recipe for cozy mornings or sweet surprises. Enjoy every crumb!
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Streusel Topping
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Gives structure and texture to the topping.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar Adds sweetness and a lovely caramel flavor.
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon The star of the show, creating that warm, cozy taste.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt Enhances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces) Makes the streusel crumbly and rich.
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides moisture and richness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the cake.
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder Helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda Works together with the baking powder for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt Balances flavors.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cake.
- 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Infuses a lovely flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream Keeps the cake moist and adds a tangy depth.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the glaze.
- 2 Tbsp whole milk Helps in achieving a smooth consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the streusel ingredients (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt) and cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients for the cake (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
Cooking
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the streusel on top, and repeat with the remaining batter and streusel.
Serving
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this comforting treat with friends and family!