There’s nothing better than a warm, moist coffee cake fresh from the oven to enjoy with your morning cup of coffee. This coffee cake recipe is a family favorite that combines a soft, buttery cake with a delightful cinnamon swirl, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet to pair with your coffee, this easy coffee cake is sure to become your go-to recipe.
With its tender crumb and rich flavor, this cinnamon coffee cake is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious coffee cake, you’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour: The base of the cake. It helps provide structure and a light, airy texture.
- 1 cup of sugar: Adds sweetness and flavor to the cake.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter: The butter helps create a rich, moist cake.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Adds flavor and aroma to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup of sour cream: The sour cream adds richness, moisture, and a slight tang to the cake.
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor to the swirl.
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon: Gives the cake its signature cinnamon flavor.
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the cinnamon sugar mixture and create a swirl.
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and crunch to the topping.
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour: Helps create the streusel’s crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the streusel together.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon flavor in the topping.
How to Make Your Perfect Coffee Cake
Making coffee cake from scratch is easier than you think, and the results are so worth it. Here’s how to make this delicious cake step by step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the streusel topping: In another small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Layer the cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining cake batter and smooth it out, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
- Add the streusel topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with your favorite coffee or tea!
Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly, leading to a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Swirl the cinnamon mixture: To get a beautiful cinnamon swirl, don’t just sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top. Gently swirl it into the batter with a knife for an even distribution.
- Check for doneness: Since ovens vary, check the cake about 5 minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake. The cake is done when it’s golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean.
How to Customize Your Coffee Cake
Coffee cake is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Add 1-1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries to the cake batter for a fruity twist. Blueberries pair perfectly with the cinnamon swirl and add a burst of flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Chop up 1-2 apples and fold them into the cake batter for a warm, fall-inspired twist. The apples will bake up tender and add a slight sweetness to the cake.
Nutty Coffee Cake
For some added texture and flavor, mix 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) into the streusel topping. You can also sprinkle some nuts in the cinnamon swirl for added crunch.
Vegan Coffee Cake
To make this recipe vegan, swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and sour cream. You can also use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Recipe
This coffee cake recipe is more than just a delicious treat. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch: Whether it’s a cozy morning or a special gathering, this cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Moist and flavorful: The combination of butter, cinnamon, and sour cream creates a rich and moist cake that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite fruits, nuts, or other flavors to the cake to make it your own.
- Simple to make: Despite its incredible flavor, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Coffee Cake
If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your coffee cake:
- Store: Let the cake cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Reheat: To reheat, cover the cake with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.
Conclusion
This coffee cake recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and spice, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat. Whether you stick to the classic cinnamon swirl or get creative with variations like blueberry or apple, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for pairing with your morning cup of coffee.
Try it out for your next breakfast gathering or weekend treat. You’ll be glad you did!
