Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This cinnamon coffee cake is my go-to when I want something homemade that’s cozy and satisfying. It’s moist, tender, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.
Table of Contents
This Recipe Gets It Perfect Every Time
Coffee cake can be tricky—it’s easy for it to turn out dry if overbaked or too dense if the batter isn’t mixed just right. This recipe gets it perfect every time with a soft, moist crumb that still holds together beautifully.
I came across it in an Ohio Missionary cookbook, one of those collections full of comforting, home-style favorites. Those are always the recipes I get most excited about.
The cinnamon drizzle is my favorite part. It melts right into the top, baking into a golden, crackly layer that adds just the right amount of sweetness—like my cinnamon swirl bread, only lighter.
This is the kind of cake I love to bake in the morning so we can snack on it all day long. It’s perfect with coffee or tea, and it’s right up there with our weekend favorites like homemade cinnamon rolls.
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Salted butter: Used in both the batter and the drizzle for richness and flavor. You can use unsalted butter, but add an extra pinch of salt to the batter if you do.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, tender crumb. No substitute needed here for classic flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Full-fat Greek yogurt can be used in a pinch.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness. Use large eggs for best results. Let them come to room temperature for even mixing.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake. If using unsalted butter, increase slightly to taste.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the batter. Pure vanilla extract is preferred, but imitation will work in a pinch.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of both the batter and the cinnamon drizzle.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy. Be sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the sour cream to provide lift and tenderness.
- Brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon drizzle for a deep, molasses-like sweetness. Light brown sugar is ideal, but dark will work for a richer flavor.
- Cinnamon: Brings the classic coffee cake flavor. Feel free to increase slightly if you love stronger spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. Bring eggs and sour cream to room temperature. Soften ¾ cup salted butter. Melt ½ cup butter for the drizzle topping and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 1 – Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy. Continue mixing for about 10 minutes to create a light and airy batter.
Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda until well blended.
Step 3 – Mix Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 4 – Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5 – Make the Cinnamon Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until smooth and pourable.
Step 6 – Drizzle the Topping
Evenly drizzle the cinnamon topping over the batter. Gently swirl with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect if desired.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the internal temperature reaches about 205˚F.
Step 8 – Cool and Serve
Let the coffee cake cool slightly in the pan. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Lynette’s Tip
Drizzle the topping in a back-and-forth motion across the batter – where it lands is where the cake will form indentations for the signature swirls and pockets of cinnamon sugar.
More Coffee Cake Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Coffee Cake Batter
- ¾ Cup salted butter softened
- 1 ½ Cups granulated sugar
- 1 pint sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
Cinnamon Drizzle
- ½ Cup butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. (I used #4 on my KitchenAid mixer.) Keep mixing for about 10 minutes so the batter is well mixed and airy.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In another small bowl, make the topping by whisking together the melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the internal temperature reaches about 205˚F.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Variations:
- Add Nuts: I like sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the drizzle before baking. It adds a nice texture and pairs well with the cinnamon.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For sweeter bread, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter. Cinnamon and chocolate work great together.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Nope! Coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee – it just pairs perfectly with a cup of it. That warm cinnamon flavor makes it ideal for breakfast or brunch.
It sure would! A classic crumb topping made with flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon would be a delicious swap. It’s something I do in my cherry streusel cake as well.
