Discover the best cinnamon coffee cake recipe with a perfect tender crumb, cinnamon filling, and delicious streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time!
Coffee cake is one of those timeless treats that brings comfort and warmth, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee. This easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe is the perfect way to start your day, featuring a moist, vanilla-scented cake with a sweet cinnamon filling and a buttery, crumbly streusel topping. The drizzle of vanilla glaze is the cherry on top, making this cake an indulgent delight.
Whether you’re looking for a breakfast option or something to serve at a brunch gathering, this coffee cake is a winner. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it convenient for those days when you want a quick and satisfying treat.
What You Need to Make This Delicious Cinnamon Coffee Cake
To make this flavorful cinnamon coffee cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps the filling bind together.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon – The star of the show, infusing the cake with warmth and spice.
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – The base of the topping.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Sweetens and helps form the crumbly texture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds flavor to the streusel.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness of the streusel.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold) – Ensures a crumbly texture when mixed.
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – To help the cake rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – To create a fluffy, tender batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar – Adds richness and moisture.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature) – For binding and moisture.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds richness and ensures a moist cake.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For that sweet, warm flavor.
For the Vanilla Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For the sweet, smooth glaze.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk – Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavor in the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Here’s how to make this mouthwatering cinnamon coffee cake:
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
In a small bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside. - Make the Streusel Topping:
In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a fork to crumble the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture resembles wet sand. For larger crumbs, squeeze the mixture together and break it apart into bigger pieces. Set aside. - Mix the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this flour mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until combined. Scrape down the bowl again.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Use a spatula to scrape the bowl one last time to ensure everything is mixed well. - Assemble the Cake:
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the batter.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon filling, then spread it into an even layer, moving from the center outwards. - Add the Streusel Topping:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter, starting from the edges and working towards the center. This ensures that the edges don’t rise unevenly during baking. - Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before removing it. - Make the Vanilla Glaze:
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. - Serve:
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top for extra sweetness and flavor. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened for the batter and cold for the streusel topping. Room temperature eggs and sour cream will mix better into the batter.
- Consistency of the Batter: The batter may seem thicker than expected, but that’s normal. A thin batter may cause the filling and topping to sink into the cake, affecting its appearance.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the cake without sticking.
- Spreading the Batter: To avoid mixing the cinnamon filling into the batter, spread the batter from the center outwards. This creates a defined cinnamon stripe in the middle.
Why This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe Works
- Moist and Tender: The sour cream keeps the cake moist for days, ensuring each bite is rich and flavorful.
- Perfect Cinnamon Flavor: A generous amount of cinnamon in both the filling and topping creates a warm, comforting spice flavor.
- Crisp Streusel Topping: The streusel adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake inside.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cinnamon coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or snack.
- It’s also perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or even as a sweet after-dinner treat.
- For an added touch, serve it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and microwave for 10-20 seconds for a warm slice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does coffee cake have coffee in it?
No, despite the name, coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee. It’s simply named because it pairs perfectly with coffee.
2. How can I prevent the cake from becoming dry?
Be sure not to over-measure the flour! Too much flour can dry out the cake. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, or fluff the flour and spoon it into the measuring cup.
3. Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes! You can substitute plain whole milk Greek yogurt for sour cream without affecting the flavor or texture of the cake.
4. How do I store leftover coffee cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.
Enjoy Your Delicious Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This cinnamon coffee cake recipe is the perfect balance of moist cake, sweet cinnamon filling, and crunchy streusel topping. With a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can create a cake that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.