Welcome to a delightful recipe for Cinnamon Coffee Cake that promises to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. This cake is irresistibly soft, with a delectable ribbon of cinnamon running through the middle and a simple yet delicious streusel topping that adds the perfect crunch. Not only is this coffee cake incredibly flavorful, but it’s also easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes of prep time. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a treat for any day of the week, this cinnamon coffee cake is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for a sweet, comforting dessert.
What is a Cinnamon Coffee Cake?
A cinnamon coffee cake is a classic dessert known for its soft, moist crumb and delightful cinnamon flavor. It typically features a tender, buttery cake with a swirl of cinnamon and sugar running through the middle, adding an extra layer of taste and texture. On top, a streusel topping made from a mix of flour, sugar, and butter provides a deliciously crunchy contrast to the cake’s softness.
Cinnamon coffee cake is perfect for brunches or desserts because it’s both comforting and versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for a morning treat or an afternoon snack. Its rich flavor and appealing texture make it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and its ease of preparation ensures you can whip it up without much hassle. Whether served at a special occasion or enjoyed as a simple indulgence, cinnamon coffee cake is a delightful addition to any menu.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
12
servings30
minutes50
minutes317
kcalThis Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a delightfully soft and moist dessert, featuring a flavorful swirl of cinnamon and sugar throughout the middle. Topped with an easy-to-make, buttery streusel, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, from brunch gatherings to afternoon snacks. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this irresistible coffee cake.
Ingredients
- Cake
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, tightly packed
(100 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (335 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- Cinnamon Swirl
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Streusel Topping
1 1/3 cup (175 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 Tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Glaze (optional)
1/2 cup (65 g) powdered sugar
3 teaspoons milk
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease and flour a 13×9 baking pan.
- In a stand mixer or using an electric mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
- Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl and sprinkle over the batter.
- Dollop remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread evenly.
- For the streusel, mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Pour melted butter over and combine until crumbly.
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Optional: Make glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over cooled cake.
Equipment
Notes
- Avoid Overmixing: Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent a dense texture.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time range.
- Perfect Streusel Texture: For the best texture, ensure the streusel topping is crumbly, not pasty. Mix the streusel ingredients until just combined and crumbly to achieve the ideal crunch.
- Proper Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and moisture. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the cake.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 317kcal
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
- Sodium: 121mg
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Sugar: 31g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 410IU
- Calcium: 59mg
Conclusion
We hope you’re as excited to bake this Cinnamon Coffee Cake as we are to share it with you. Its soft texture, flavorful cinnamon swirl, and irresistible streusel topping make it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a comforting dessert, or simply wanting to indulge in a sweet snack, this cake is sure to satisfy. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How should coffee cake be stored?
This coffee cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its moisture and freshness. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating the cake, as this can dry it out.
Are coffee cake and crumb cake the same?
While they are similar, coffee cake and crumb cake are not the same. Coffee cake typically has a cinnamon swirl and a thinner layer of streusel topping, while crumb cake features a much thicker crumb topping with less cinnamon and no swirl in the middle.
Can I freeze the coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Does coffee cake have coffee in it?
No, coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee. The name refers to the fact that this type of cake is typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee. It’s a soft, buttery cake often featuring a streusel topping and, in this case, a cinnamon swirl.
Can I bake this cake in a bundt pan?
Yes, you can bake this cake in a bundt pan. Readers have reported that it takes about 55 minutes to bake in a bundt pan. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
