Cinnamon Coffee Cake Easy Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’ve ever walked into a cozy café and caught a whiff of warm cinnamon mingling with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, you know exactly what a cinnamon coffee cake can do to your soul. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and buttery that wakes up your senses and makes any morning feel like a special occasion.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait for a fancy coffee shop visit to indulge in this delight. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up your very own Cinnamon Coffee Cake right in your kitchen – no fuss, no fancy equipment, just pure, homemade goodness.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the secrets of making this easy, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon coffee cake. I’ll walk you through the ingredients, the step-by-step method, some nifty science behind the ingredients, and even some clever twists you can try to make it your own. Ready? Let’s get baking!

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Easy Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of cake that feels homemade but can easily impress guests or simply turn your regular morning into a mini celebration.

• Moist, tender crumb with a golden crust
• Layers of cinnamon-sugar swirls that add that classic coffee cake texture
• A buttery crumb topping that’s delightfully crunchy
• Perfectly balanced sweetness – not too overpowering, just right

Ingredients Needed

Before we start, gather these kitchen staples. You’ll find most of these items in your pantry or fridge already!

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups (provides structure)
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup (sweetness and tenderness)
• Butter – 1/2 cup (unsalted, softened for that rich flavor)
• Eggs – 2 large (bind everything together)
• Milk – 1 cup (for moisture and softness)
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons (helps the cake rise beautifully)
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (balances sweetness)
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (adds depth and aroma)

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar – 1/2 cup (adds a subtle molasses flavor)
• Ground cinnamon – 2 tablespoons (the star spice!)

For The Crumb Topping

• All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
• Brown sugar – 1/3 cup
• Butter – 1/4 cup (cold and cubed)
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Optional: chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) – 1/4 cup for extra crunch

How To Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake Easy

Alright, now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s get our hands floury!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients for the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy – this usually takes about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for that tender crumb!
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix or the cake might get tough.
6. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Layer the batter and swirl: Pour half the batter into your pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Add the rest of the batter, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top.
8. Make the crumb topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to crumble the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Add nuts if using.
9. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the cinnamon layer.
10. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool slightly before slicing and serving with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Why do these ingredients work so well together? Let’s nerd out for a second:

• Flour: The backbone of your cake, flour contains gluten proteins. When mixed with liquid and agitated, gluten forms a network that traps air, helping the cake rise and hold its shape. But too much mixing creates too much gluten, making your cake tough – so mix gently!
• Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and moisture. When creamed with sugar, butter helps trap air bubbles that expand during baking, contributing to a light, tender crumb.
• Sugar: Not only sweetens but also tenderizes by interfering with gluten formation and helps retain moisture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and stability through their proteins, and help emulsify fats and liquids for a smooth batter.
• Baking powder: A chemical leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide bubbles when heated, causing the cake to rise.
• Cinnamon: Beyond its warm, spicy flavor, cinnamon contains antioxidants and adds that aromatic allure that makes coffee cake so comforting.

Expert Tips

I’m sharing some pro hacks that will turn your cinnamon coffee cake from good to absolutely drool-worthy:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk mix better and create a smoother batter.
• Don’t skip the cream step: Creaming butter and sugar properly adds fluffiness.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cake.
• Customize your cinnamon swirl: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
• Check doneness early: Ovens vary, so start testing at 35 minutes to avoid drying out your cake.
• Let it cool: The cake firms up as it cools, making slicing neater and the texture perfect.
• Store properly: Wrap leftovers tightly or keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:

• Add fruit: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Make it vegan: Use flax eggs, dairy-free butter, and plant milk.
• Swap toppings: Try a cream cheese glaze or drizzle with a simple vanilla icing for extra indulgence.
• Nutty delight: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or on top for crunch.
• Spiced up: Increase cinnamon or add cardamom or ginger for a spicier profile.

Final Words

Cinnamon coffee cake isn’t just a treat – it’s a warm hug on a plate. This easy recipe makes it approachable for even novice bakers, with clear steps and common ingredients you can trust. Once you master this classic, you’ll find it’s the perfect go-to for brunches, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a little cinnamon-sweet magic in your life.

So why not give it a try? Roll up your sleeves, get that cinnamon ready, and enjoy every bite of your homemade coffee cake masterpiece. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Simple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe?

For a basic cinnamon coffee cake, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Optional ingredients include sour cream or yogurt to add moisture and richness.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

The preparation time for a cinnamon coffee cake is about 15 to 20 minutes. Baking time usually takes 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven.

Can I Use A Stand Mixer To Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Just be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

Store leftover cinnamon coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I Make A Cinnamon Coffee Cake Without Eggs?

Yes, you can make a cinnamon coffee cake without eggs by using egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed mixture. These substitutes will help provide moisture and structure to the cake.

What Kind Of Frosting Is Best For Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

Typically, cinnamon coffee cake is served without frosting. However, a light glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract can be drizzled over the top if you prefer a sweeter finish.

Can I Add Nuts To The Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a great way to enhance the texture and flavor of your cinnamon coffee cake. Just fold them into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.

How Do I Make The Cinnamon Swirl In My Coffee Cake?

To make the cinnamon swirl, mix cinnamon and sugar together. After pouring half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top, then add the remaining batter. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon filling throughout the cake.

Can I Make The Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just bake it as instructed. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Is Cinnamon Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Traditional cinnamon coffee cake contains gluten, but you can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour blends. Ensure that the other ingredients, such as baking powder and cinnamon, are also gluten-free.