Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: A Heavenly Treat for Any Occasion

Craving a comforting and delectable treat? Look no further than this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake! This recipe delivers a moist, tender cake infused with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a sweet, optional glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, this coffee cake is guaranteed to impress. From the simple ingredients to the easy-to-follow instructions, this guide ensures a perfect bake every time. Learn how to create the ultimate Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips and even answer some frequently asked questions to help you achieve coffee cake perfection. Get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!

The Magic of Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is more than just a cake; it’s an experience. The warm aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen as it bakes, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The combination of the soft, buttery cake with the sweet and spicy cinnamon swirl is simply irresistible. This recipe balances simplicity with incredible flavor, making it a go-to for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re serving it with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is sure to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking the perfect Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake that will delight your taste buds:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with half of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl, then sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture.
8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake

Here are some tips to ensure your Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Evenly Distribute Swirl: Ensure the cinnamon swirl mixture is evenly distributed throughout the cake for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.

Variations and Additions

Want to add a personal touch to your Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake? Here are some variations and additions to try:

• Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the cinnamon swirl mixture or sprinkle them on top of the cake before baking.
• Add Fruit: Incorporate fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the cinnamon swirl mixture or directly into the batter for a chocolatey treat.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 egg yolk, then swirl it into the cake batter along with the cinnamon mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve a slice with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a piece as a comforting afternoon snack with a glass of milk or a warm beverage.
• Dessert: Serve it as a simple yet satisfying dessert after a meal.
• Special Occasions: Bake it for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion to impress your guests.
• Warm it Up: Lightly warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the flavors and aromas.

Recipe Card:

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Category: Dessert, Breakfast | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card:

Calories: 350 | Sugar: 30g | Fat: 15g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 4g | Yields: 9 servings

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The baked coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely before glazing and serving.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute it with cake flour for an even more tender crumb. Avoid using bread flour, as it will result in a tougher cake.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or Greek yogurt as a substitute. These will provide a similar tang and moisture to the cake.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?

To prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking, make sure the batter is not too thin. Also, ensure the cinnamon swirl mixture is evenly distributed throughout the cake and not too heavy. Lightly pressing the swirl into the batter can also help.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as it will help bind the ingredients together and prevent the cake from becoming too crumbly.

I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration, Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

Print