There are few things more comforting than the smell of cinnamon and sugar baking away in the oven. This cinnamon swirl coffee cake is the perfect mix of cozy flavors and tender texture. With a buttery crumb topping and a beautiful swirl of cinnamon sugar inside, it feels like a little celebration baked into every slice. It is easy enough for a casual weekend breakfast yet special enough to serve to friends and family during holidays or brunch gatherings.
I first fell in love with coffee cake when I was young and spent Saturday mornings watching my mom pull a warm pan out of the oven. The sweet cinnamon smell filled the whole kitchen and somehow made everything feel calm and joyful. Later, when I started baking for myself, I found this recipe and knew instantly it was something I would come back to again and again. It is simple, it never fails, and it makes any morning feel brighter. Baking it always reminds me of those family mornings, and I hope it brings that same sense of comfort to your home.
Why You’ll Love This
It is packed with cinnamon flavor. Every bite has a warm cinnamon swirl running through the soft cake, and the topping adds even more spiced sweetness. The balance of flavors is cozy but not overwhelming. It is the kind of cake that tastes just as good with coffee in the morning as it does with tea in the afternoon.
It is easy to make from scratch. While it looks impressive, the steps are simple and approachable for all levels of bakers. You do not need special skills to create the swirl or crumb topping. Just follow along, and you will end up with a bakery-style cake right from your own oven.
It is perfect for sharing. The cake slices beautifully and makes enough to serve a family breakfast, a brunch with friends, or a holiday spread. You can also make it ahead of time, which means less stress when you are entertaining. Everyone will love gathering around the table to enjoy a piece.
It is versatile for any occasion. Serve it for a weekday breakfast, as a holiday morning treat, or as dessert after dinner. You can even pack slices into lunchboxes or enjoy it as an afternoon snack. It feels like a gift to yourself each time you cut a piece.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine Type(s): American, Breakfast, Dessert
Servings: 10 to 12 slices
Estimated Cost: Moderate, about 8 to 10 USD depending on pantry staples
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 baking pan or two 9-inch square pans
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar mixture
- Cooling rack
- Optional: offset spatula for spreading batter
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream (adds tenderness and richness)
- ½ cup whole milk
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Ingredient Notes:
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if needed.
- Whole milk works best, but 2 percent can also be used.
- If you love nuts, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the batter base.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. This creates a rich, light base for the cake.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Keeping these dry ingredients separate helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which ensures the cake rises well in the oven.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry mixtures.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk. Mix gently, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense instead of tender.
Step 4: Create the cinnamon swirl.
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread half the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the rest of the batter on top and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together for a beautiful pattern.
Step 5: Add the crumb topping.
In another bowl, stir together the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter. It will bake into a crunchy, buttery topping that makes this coffee cake irresistible.
Step 6: Bake and cool.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the swirl set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
Nutrition Facts (per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Vitamin A: 8 percent DV
- Calcium: 12 percent DV
- Iron: 10 percent DV
Tips for Success
Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better texture.
Do not skip the sour cream, as it makes the cake moist and tender. If you substitute, make sure it is a creamy ingredient like yogurt.
Swirl the cinnamon sugar gently with a knife instead of mixing it fully. This keeps the layers distinct and creates that beautiful coffee cake look.
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing, or it may crumble. The flavors also become more developed as it rests.
Common Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature or in the fridge and warm slices slightly before serving.
Can I freeze cinnamon swirl coffee cake?
Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave or oven before enjoying.
Can I make this gluten free?
You can use a cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delicious.
What if I do not have sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt or even plain yogurt. Both add the same moisture and tang that keep the cake from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add a handful of chopped nuts to the streusel for crunch.
- Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter twist.
- Use a touch of cardamom or nutmeg in the cinnamon sugar mixture for added spice depth.
- Make it fruity by layering thin apple slices inside with the cinnamon swirl.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Cinnamon swirl coffee cake is perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It also pairs nicely with fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced breakfast spread. For a brunch party, serve it alongside savory egg dishes and fresh juice. It can even be enjoyed as a sweet ending to dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream adds tenderness and richness
- ½ cup whole milk
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. This creates a rich, light base for the cake.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Keeping these dry ingredients separate helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which ensures the cake rises well in the oven.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk. Mix gently, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense instead of tender.
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread half the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the rest of the batter on top and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together for a beautiful pattern.
- In another bowl, stir together the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter. It will bake into a crunchy, buttery topping that makes this coffee cake irresistible.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the swirl set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
Notes
The best part about this cake is how it can brighten any moment. Whether it is served on a quiet morning with your favorite mug or set out on a table surrounded by loved ones, it always feels special. I hope this cinnamon swirl coffee cake finds its way into your kitchen and brings as much joy to you as it does to me. Thank you for being here and sharing in this cozy baking adventure with me.
