Classic Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

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Here’s a complete, detailed recipe with everything you need, including history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and more.

Classic Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Introduction

This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is a timeless favorite—perfectly moist, buttery, and rich with warm cinnamon and brown sugar swirls. The smell alone will make your home feel cozy and inviting! This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with a cup of coffee. It has been passed down through generations, cherished at family gatherings, and always a hit among guests.

With simple pantry ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this cake is a must-have in your baking collection. Plus, the crumb topping adds an irresistible texture that will have everyone coming back for more!

A Brief History of Coffee Cake

The tradition of coffee cake dates back to the 17th century in Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, where people enjoyed sweet cakes alongside their morning coffee. The original versions were yeast-based but evolved into lighter, more tender cakes with baking powder. The American adaptation of coffee cake became incredibly popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, incorporating cinnamon, streusel toppings, and sometimes nuts.

This cinnamon swirl coffee cake follows in that tradition—soft, sweet, and bursting with warming spices!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
  3. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread gently.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

  1. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

  1. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Glaze (Optional but Delicious)

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Formation and Science Behind the Cake

  • Flour, baking powder, and baking soda provide structure and lift.
  • Butter and sugar create air pockets, making the cake fluffy.
  • Sour cream (or yogurt) adds moisture and richness.
  • Brown sugar and cinnamon deepen the flavor with a caramel-like warmth.
  • The crumb topping gives a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

This cake rises beautifully due to the combination of baking soda and baking powder, creating a tender, bakery-style texture.

Why This Cake is a Must-Try (Lovers of This Recipe!)

  • Cinnamon Lovers: That irresistible warm spice makes every bite a dream.
  • Coffee Lovers: Pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
  • Brunch Lovers: A stunning addition to any brunch spread.
  • Kids and Family Favorite: A guaranteed hit for all ages.
  • Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients, just simple, delicious baking.

Conclusion: The Perfect Coffee Cake for Every Occasion

This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is not just a treat—it’s an experience! Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that smells as good as it tastes. Keep the ingredients stocked because once you make this, you’ll want it again and again.

Enjoy baking and don’t forget to share a slice with your loved ones!

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