Description
A Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is a soft, moist cake characterized by a rich cinnamon sugar swirl running through the center or layers of the cake, often topped with a crumbly streusel topping. Unlike typical cakes, coffee cake is designed to be enjoyed alongside a hot beverage, traditionally coffee, hence the name. The cake’s tender crumb and warm cinnamon flavor make it a perfect breakfast treat, brunch centerpiece, or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Crumble Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square or round baking pan. - Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined. Set aside. - Make the Crumble Topping (optional):
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside. - Mix the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. - Assemble the Cake:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread gently to cover.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top if using. - Bake:
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it moist and delicious for days. Happy baking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Recipe