Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
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.
Servings 10 slices
Calories 410kcal
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
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.