Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Crunchy Topping Recipe

Weekends call for something special, and this delightful cinnamon swirl coffee cake with a crunchy topping delivers pure morning magic.

Layers of tender cake intertwine with ribbons of warm spice, creating a breakfast treat that beckons you to the kitchen.

The crumbly streusel topping adds a delectable crunch that perfectly complements the soft, moist cake beneath.

Fragrant cinnamon weaves through every bite, promising a comforting and indulgent experience.

Each slice offers a delicious dance of textures and flavors that will make your morning feel extraordinary.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Bake a Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a large baking pan and give it a quick spray so nothing sticks.

• Streusel Magic

Mix together a handful of dry ingredients like flour, sugars, and spices. Drizzle melted butter and work it with your fingers until it looks like delicious crumbly bits. Pop it in the fridge to chill out.

• Flavor Layer

Whip up a simple mixture of brown sugar and warm spices that will create a dreamy swirl inside the cake.

• Batter Bliss

In a big mixer, cream together butter and sugars until they’re light and fluffy. Crack in eggs one by one, then slowly fold in flour, milk, and sour cream. Don’t overmix – you want a tender cake.

• Cake Assembly

Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle your spice mixture, then cover with remaining batter. Top the whole thing with those chilled crumbly streusel pieces. Get ready for a bakery-worthy treat that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Tips to Get That Sweet Crunch on Top

• Adjust white and brown sugar quantities to match your sweetness preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Experiment with adding ground cardamom or a pinch of ginger to the cinnamon filling for a more sophisticated and layered taste experience.
• Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping to add extra crunch and nutty depth to the coffee cake.
• Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use plant-based milk to create a delicious dairy-free version of this classic coffee cake.
• Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top for an elegant and Instagram-worthy finishing touch.

Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Coffee Cake Any Time of Day

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this mouthwatering coffee cake alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend brunch that'll make everyone smile.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair a warm slice with a steaming cup of chai or earl grey tea for a cozy afternoon treat that elevates your relaxation moment.
• Dessert Companion: Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert that satisfies sweet cravings perfectly.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that shows you care about your friends and family.

How to Keep That Coffee Cake Moist and Tasty

• Maximize Freshness: Keep this cinnamon swirl coffee cake at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Perfect for quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Refrigerate Wisely: When storing longer than 3 days, place cake in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delightful texture for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for Later: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient grab-and-go treats. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This restores the cake's soft, tender crumb and enhances the cinnamon aroma.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 329 kcal

Servings: 13

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Crunchy Topping: Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and crumbly texture for the crunchy layer.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Turbinado Sugar: Create sweet caramelization and delightful crunch.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Infuse warm, aromatic spices that elevate the topping's complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds ingredients and creates rich, golden-brown color when baked.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture.
• Cinnamon: Adds signature warming spice and nostalgic aroma.
• Cocoa Powder: Optional ingredient that introduces subtle chocolate undertones.
• Nutmeg: Contributes subtle, earthy warmth to complement cinnamon.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for tender, soft cake texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy foundation.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeten the cake and contribute to its moist structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, add richness, and help cake rise beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its complex, sweet essence.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents for light, airy cake.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth batter consistency.

Baking Tools for Crunchy Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cake batter smoothly.
• Paddle Attachment: Helps create light, fluffy cake batter without overmixing.
• 9x13x2-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents cake from sticking to the pan.
• Medium Bowl: Used for preparing streusel topping.
• Small Bowl: Mixes cinnamon filling ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and scrape bowl sides.
• Whisk: Blends dry ingredients thoroughly.

Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake With Crunchy Topping Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon swirl coffee cake delivers comfort with its rich cinnamon layers and crumbly streusel topping. Classic dessert perfection promises sweet morning moments you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ½ cups (437.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) white sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) white sugar
• ¾ cup (150 g) packed brown sugar (dark or light)
• ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar (dark or light)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) milk
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 ¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tbsps ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
• 2 tbsps Turbinado sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray for seamless cake release.
2. Streusel Creation: Blend flour, sugars, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Drizzle melted butter and stir until clusters form, then refrigerate to maintain texture and crispness.
3. Filling Development: Whisk brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and nutmeg until completely integrated, creating a rich aromatic mixture.
4. Batter Foundation: Using a stand mixer, cream butter, sugars, vanilla, leavening agents, and salt until light and voluminous. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
5. Batter Completion: Gradually fold in flour at low speed, alternating with milk and sour cream. Mix until batter appears smooth and consistent, avoiding over-mixing.
6. Layer Assembly: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, distribute cinnamon filling evenly, then carefully cover with remaining batter without disturbing the filling layer.
7. Topping Application: Retrieve chilled streusel and generously scatter across the cake’s surface, creating a textured, golden-brown crown.
8. Baking Process: Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean and the top achieves a rich, amber-brown coloration, signaling perfect doneness.

Notes

• Chill Streusel Topping: Refrigerate the streusel mixture to help maintain its crumbly texture and prevent butter from melting before baking, ensuring a crisp, distinct topping.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture, preventing lumpy or uneven batter.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; stop mixing as soon as flour is incorporated to keep the cake tender and light.
• Layer Carefully: Spread batter and cinnamon filling gently to create distinct layers without completely blending them, maintaining a beautiful swirl effect throughout the cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 329
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 227 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg