Get ready to fall in love with a home-baked treat that feels like a warm hug on a cool morning: Cinnamon Coffee Cake. This classic American favorite combines a tender, sour cream-enriched crumb with a swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon, all topped with an irresistible buttery streusel. It’s easy enough for any day of the week but special enough to wow at brunch, impress coworkers, or bring extra joy to the family table. Whether you’re serving it with breakfast or stealing a slice for dessert, this Cinnamon Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Coffee Cake is how just a handful of pantry staples work together for ultimate flavor and comfort. Every ingredient plays a role in achieving that perfect moist crumb, fragrant swirl, and buttery topping.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures the cake is rich and tender—bring it to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with that lovely golden color.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter together and add structure for a soft, cakey texture.
- Sour cream: Gives the cake amazing moisture and a slight tang (Greek yogurt is a perfect swap if needed).
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the sweet, spiced notes.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the basic structure—be sure to measure accurately!
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise beautifully for that perfect fluffy crumb.
- Salt: Brightens all the other flavors.
- Brown sugar, packed (for swirl and topping): Lends caramel undertones and extra moisture to the cake.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show—warms up every bite with its signature spice.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crumb topping): Makes the streusel crumbly and beautifully golden as it bakes.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready at just the right temperature. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it well (or lining it with parchment paper if you want fuss-free removal). This ensures your coffee cake lifts out perfectly after baking without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This foundational step incorporates air, giving your Cinnamon Coffee Cake that beautiful, light crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The batter should look creamy and smooth—this combo is what makes the cake so irresistibly moist.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing your dries ahead ensures the leaveners are evenly distributed, so the cake rises uniformly in the oven.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix! Stop as soon as you see the last streaks of flour disappear—this will help keep your Cinnamon Coffee Cake delicate and soft.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar with ground cinnamon. This aromatic swirl is the secret to that decadent, gooey layer running right through the middle of the cake.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Swirl
Spread half the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the entire cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, making sure every corner gets attention. Dollop and gently spread the remaining batter on top—it doesn’t have to be perfect, as the cinnamon ribbon will remain swirly and beautiful.
Step 8: Make and Add the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a fork or pastry cutter until pea-sized clumps form. Sprinkle this crumb topping generously over the batter for a sweet, crunchy crown.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The top should be golden brown and the kitchen will smell like heaven.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let your Cinnamon Coffee Cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and watch everyone’s eyes light up when you bring it to the table!
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your Cinnamon Coffee Cake with a little powdered sugar, or drizzle over a simple vanilla glaze. A few fresh berries on the side add color and balance the richness perfectly. Even a dollop of whipped cream can turn a cozy cake into celebration-worthy dessert.
Side Dishes
This cake is a natural fit alongside freshly brewed coffee or a frothy latte in the morning. If you want to round out a brunch spread, serve it with a bowl of mixed fruit, creamy yogurt, or even savory bacon or sausage links for a sweet-and-salty combo everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Cinnamon Coffee Cake by cutting it into generous squares and arranging them on a pretty platter lined with parchment. For a party, try serving it in cupcake wrappers for easy grab-and-go treats. You can even double the recipe and bake it in a bundt pan for a dramatic, party-ready centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there’s any cake left (a big if!), keep it fresh by storing slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate—just be sure to bring it back to room temp or rewarm before serving to restore that tender crumb.
Freezing
Cinnamon Coffee Cake freezes beautifully! Slice it or keep it whole, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently in the microwave when you need a coffee cake fix.
Reheating
To gently bring back the warmth and softness, reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or pop them in a low oven until just warmed through. Trust me: Warmed-up Cinnamon Coffee Cake tastes freshly baked every time!
FAQs
Can I make this Cinnamon Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerated. If you like, rewarm before serving for that just-baked flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute and adds the same lovely tang and moisture. Just use it as a one-to-one replacement for sour cream in the recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! To serve a crowd, simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add a little extra baking time—start checking around the 45-minute mark and test with a toothpick.
Why do I need both baking powder and baking soda?
The combo helps balance acidity from the sour cream and ensures the cake rises perfectly. Baking powder gives a gentle lift, while baking soda reacts quickly with the sour cream for extra lightness.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way is the classic toothpick test: Insert it into the center, and it should come out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs. The top will be beautifully golden and slightly springy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of homemade Cinnamon Coffee Cake. It’s comfort baked right into every bite, perfect for sharing—or not! So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of cinnamon and buttery crumb topping with this delicious Cinnamon Coffee Cake. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Layer the batter: Spread half the batter, add cinnamon swirl, then top with remaining batter.
- Make crumb topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Best served warm; can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
