Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe (Moist, Buttery & Perfect with Coffee!)

There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon coffee cake baking in the oven—warm, buttery, and spiced with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a cozy breakfast, or need a simple yet impressive dessert, this cinnamon coffee cake is the answer.

Picture this: a tender, moist cake swirled with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar, topped with a buttery streusel that adds the perfect crunch. Every bite is a comforting hug, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ How to make the best cinnamon coffee cake from scratch (no box mix needed!).
✅ Pro tips to ensure a perfect texture every time.
✅ Easy variations (like apple cinnamon or gluten-free options).
✅ Answers to common FAQs (Can you freeze it? Why did my cake sink?).

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to bake a crowd-pleasing cinnamon coffee cake that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert (or breakfast!) that’s easy, flavorful, and always a hit, this cinnamon coffee cake checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Irresistible Texture

• Soft & Moist: Thanks to sour cream (or yogurt) in the batter, this cake stays tender for days.
• Cinnamon Swirl: A sweet, spiced layer adds warmth in every bite.
• Crunchy Streusel Topping: The buttery, crumbly topping gives the perfect contrast.

2. Simple Ingredients

No fancy ingredients here! You likely already have everything in your pantry:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Baking staples (baking powder, vanilla)

3. Versatile for Any Occasion

• Breakfast: Pair with coffee for a cozy morning treat.
• Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
• Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

4. Easy to Customize

• Add nuts (pecans, walnuts) for extra crunch.
• Swirl in apple chunks or pumpkin puree for seasonal twists.
• Make it gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps.

Bottom Line: This cinnamon coffee cake is foolproof, delicious, and always a crowd favorite. Let’s bake it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect cinnamon coffee cake, you’ll need two main components: the cake base and the cinnamon swirl & streusel topping. Here’s the full breakdown:

For the Cake Batter

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Provides structure
Granulated sugar	¾ cup	Sweetens the cake
Unsalted butter	½ cup (1 stick)	Adds richness & moisture
Eggs	2 large	Binds ingredients
Sour cream (or yogurt)	½ cup	Keeps cake tender
Milk	¼ cup	Adjusts batter consistency
Baking powder	2 tsp	Helps cake rise
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Enhances flavor

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• ½ cup brown sugar (adds depth)
• 2 tsp cinnamon (for that warm spice)
• 1 tbsp flour (prevents sinking)

For the Streusel Topping (Optional but Recommended!)

• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cold butter (creates crumbs)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)

Optional Add-Ins

• Diced apples (for apple cinnamon version)
• Chocolate chips (for a sweeter twist)
• Pumpkin spice (seasonal variation)

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing!

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the baking process to ensure your cinnamon coffee cake turns out perfectly moist, fluffy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Why this matters: Proper preheating ensures even baking, while greasing prevents the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Whisk dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, mix:
   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 2 tsp baking powder
   • ¼ tsp salt
2. Cream butter & sugar – In a large bowl, beat together:
   • ½ cup softened butter
   • ¾ cup granulated sugar
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • Mix until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add eggs & sour cream – Beat in:
   • 2 large eggs (one at a time)
   • ½ cup sour cream or yogurt
4. Combine wet & dry ingredients – Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with ¼ cup milk, mixing just until combined.

Pro Tip: Do not overmix! Overworking the batter can make the cake dense.

Step 3: Layer the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
2. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter:
   • ½ cup brown sugar
   • 2 tsp cinnamon
   • 1 tbsp flour (helps prevent sinking)
3. Top with remaining batter and gently smooth it out.

Why this matters: Layering ensures a ribbon of cinnamon in every slice!

Step 4: Add the Streusel Topping (Optional but Recommended!)

• In a small bowl, mix:
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cold butter (cut into small pieces)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Use your fingers to crumble the mixture over the batter.

Extra Crunch Tip: Press the streusel lightly so it sticks to the batter while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• The top should be golden brown, and the edges will pull slightly away from the pan.

Avoid Overbaking: Check at 30 minutes—overbaking can dry out the cake.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with:
  • ☕ A hot cup of coffee
  • 🥛 A glass of cold milk
  • 🍨 A scoop of vanilla ice cream (for dessert!)

Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Want to make sure your cake turns out perfect every time? Follow these expert tips:

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

• Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing.
• Quick Tip: To soften butter quickly, microwave for 10-15 seconds (just until slightly soft, not melted).

Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake tough.
• Fix: Stir just until the flour disappears—small lumps are okay!

Prevent a Soggy Middle

• If your cinnamon swirl sinks, try:
  • Mixing 1 tbsp flour into the cinnamon sugar.
  • Not overloading the middle layer.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste

• Like extra spice? Add ½ tsp nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl.
• Prefer less sugar? Reduce the streusel by half.

Storage & Reheating

Storage Method	How Long?	Best Way to Reheat
Room Temperature	2-3 days	10 sec in microwave
Fridge	Up to 5 days	Warm in oven (300°F for 10 min)
Freezer	1 month	Thaw overnight, then reheat

Pro Trick: Freeze individual slices for quick breakfasts!

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Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this cinnamon coffee cake is how easy it is to customize! Here are some tasty twists:

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Add: 1 cup diced apples (tossed in cinnamon) to the batter.
• Top: Extra streusel with chopped pecans.

Pumpkin Spice Version

• Replace: ½ cup sour cream with ½ cup pumpkin puree.
• Add: 1 tsp pumpkin spice to the cinnamon swirl.

Chocolate Chip Streusel

• Mix in: ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter or streusel.

Gluten-Free & Vegan Options

Dietary Need	Substitute	Notes
Gluten-Free	1:1 GF flour blend	Works best with xanthan gum
Vegan	Flax eggs, coconut oil, almond milk	Use dairy-free yogurt

Experiment & Enjoy! Which variation will you try first?

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FAQs About Cinnamon Coffee Cake

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Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate cinnamon coffee cake recipe that’s:
✨ Easy (no fancy skills needed!)
✨ Versatile (try apple, pumpkin, or chocolate chips!)
✨ Crowd-Pleasing (perfect for breakfast or dessert)