Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: 7 Ways to Enjoy It More

Introduction

Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen when something truly special is baking! There’s a certain magic in the air, isn’t there? That comforting smell, a promise of a deeply satisfying treat, instantly takes you to cozy mornings, shared laughter, and simple joys. Today, we are going into the heart of that magic with a recipe that will become a much-loved thing in your home: the Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake. Get ready to feel pure joy in every soft, cinnamon-filled bite.

Why Make This Recipe

This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is special for many reasons. First, it has an amazing taste. The buttery cake and sweet cinnamon swirl mix together perfectly. Second, it has a great texture. The cake is soft, and the cinnamon topping is a little crunchy. Next, it is easy to make, even if you are new to baking. It looks fancy but is quite simple. You can eat it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Everyone loves it and will ask for the recipe. Finally, a homemade coffee cake, especially this one, makes you feel cozy and happy.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Making this coffee cake is a simple process. First, you get your pan ready and preheat your oven. Then, you mix the dry ingredients. After that, you cream butter and sugar until it’s light. Next, you add eggs and vanilla. You will then add the dry and wet ingredients in turns. You make the cinnamon swirl filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Then, you layer the cake batter and cinnamon swirl mixture, making a nice pattern with a knife. If you want, add the crumb topping. Finally, you bake it until it’s golden brown, cool it, and serve.

Ingredients of Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

For the Cake Batter
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
* ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Crumb Topping (Optional, but highly recommended!)
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup (½ stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions of Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

1. Prepare Your Pan & Oven: Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan (or a 9-inch round pan). Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk Together Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt) in two parts. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
7. Assemble the Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon filling through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. Prepare and Add Crumb Topping (if using): In a small bowl, quickly whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with moist crumbs attached. For a 9-inch round pan, reduce baking time slightly to 30-40 minutes.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

You can enjoy this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake in many ways. It pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch, serve it with fresh fruit and yogurt. As a dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It is also a great treat for holiday breakfasts or gatherings.

How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve added a cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Using room temperature ingredients helps make a smooth batter. Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cake tender. Pan size matters; adjust baking time if you use a different size. Let the cake cool completely before slicing for the best result. Measuring ingredients accurately, especially flour, also helps get the right texture.

Variations

You can change this recipe to make it your own. For a nutty swirl, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling. For a fruity twist, add diced apples or pears to the batter or swirl. You can add a thin layer of cream cheese frosting once the cake cools for a richer taste. A simple powdered sugar glaze can add extra sweetness. You can also bake it in muffin tins for individual servings.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can! This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake tastes even better the next day. You can bake it the night before and enjoy it fresh for breakfast or brunch. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container.

Q2: What’s the best way to store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake?

To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve added a cream cheese frosting, store it in the refrigerator.

Q3: Can I freeze this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm gently in the oven if you like.

Classic Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Indulge in this classic coffee cake featuring a moist, tender batter generously swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with an irresistible crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings 12 slices

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Electric mixer
• Small bowl
• Knife or skewer
• Pastry blender
• Wire rack

Ingredients

  

For the Cake Batter

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick), melted

For the Crumb Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (½ stick), cubed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, then preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cake Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed, then stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream in two parts, mixing until just combined without overmixing.

Assembly

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the filling.
• Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon mixture, then layer with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
• Gently swirl the cinnamon filling through the batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.

Crumb Topping & Baking

• For the topping, whisk flour, both sugars, and cinnamon, then cut in cold cubed butter until coarse crumbs form.
• Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter, then bake for 40-50 minutes, or 30-40 minutes for a 9-inch round pan, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Cooling

• Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the batter. The crumb topping is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of texture and flavor. You can use either a 9x13 inch rectangular pan or a 9-inch round pan, adjusting baking time as needed.