Cinnamon Coffee Cake

If there’s one baked good that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen, it’s a Cinnamon Coffee Cake. Imagine waking up to a slice of tender, buttery cake swirled with cinnamon sugar, topped with crunchy nuts and baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a mid-afternoon snack, or a cozy companion to your morning coffee, this cake hits all the right notes. It’s easy to throw together, yet feels special enough to impress guests or just treat yourself. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Cinnamon Coffee Cake is one of those recipes that you’ll return to over and over because it strikes a beautiful balance between simplicity and indulgence. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• Effortless to prepare: With pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, you can whip this up quickly.
• Perfectly moist texture: The combination of milk, butter, and eggs creates a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Crunchy cinnamon topping: The walnuts or pecans paired with brown sugar add a delightful texture contrast.
• Versatile for any time: This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
• Customizable: You can easily swap nuts or add your own twist with fruit or glaze.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again.

Gather These Ingredients

To make this delicious Cinnamon Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for our tender cake crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Leavens the cake for a light texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star spice for that classic cinnamon flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup milk – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs – Provides structure and richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and aroma.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – For crunch and nuttiness in the topping.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Mixed with nuts to create a caramelized, crunchy topping.

Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before you start baking, gather these essential tools to make your process smooth and enjoyable:

• 9×9-inch square baking pan – Ideal size for even baking and perfect slices.
• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
• Electric mixer or whisk – To cream butter and mix batter thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
• Spatula – To fold and scrape the batter.
• Knife or food processor – To chop nuts if not pre-chopped.
• Cooling rack – Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking.

Having these ready will help your baking flow effortlessly from start to finish.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake — Do This Next

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined — overmixing can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Nut Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, chopped walnuts or pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you desire a more intense flavor. This mixture will add a sweet, crunchy topping.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon nut topping over the batter. Then add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out gently. Finish by sprinkling the remaining topping across the surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and smell wonderfully fragrant.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

For an added touch of sweetness, consider drizzling your Cinnamon Coffee Cake with a glaze like the Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing. It adds a luscious finish that’s hard to resist.

Fresh Takes Through the Year

• Spring: Add fresh berries or a lemon glaze to brighten it up.
• Summer: Mix in chopped peaches or a handful of blueberries into the batter.
• Fall: Swap in chopped apples and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy, seasonal twist.
• Winter: Add a splash of orange zest and top with a dusting of powdered sugar for festive flair.
• Holiday: Incorporate dried cranberries and chopped pistachios for a colorful and flavorful update.

If you love the comforting flavors here, you might also enjoy baking a spiced Apple Fritter Cake, which offers a similar cozy vibe with a twist.

Chef’s Notes

• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps it cream properly with the sugar, creating a light texture.
• Mixing: Avoid overmixing once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Overworking the batter can lead to a dense cake.
• Nuts: Feel free to toast the walnuts or pecans lightly before adding them to the topping for extra flavor.
• Milk Alternatives: You can substitute regular milk with almond milk or oat milk if preferred, keeping the cake moist and tender.
• Make it Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts and increase the brown sugar topping slightly for a crunchy finish without allergens.

Storage & Reheat Guide

This cake stores beautifully and can be enjoyed over several days with proper care:

• Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Warming the cake slightly before serving brings back that fresh-baked charm.

Quick Q&A

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the tender crumb, but you can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor. Just note the texture may be a bit denser.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

If you don’t have baking powder, you can make a substitute using baking soda and cream of tartar (2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part baking soda). For this recipe, use about 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar.

Can I add fruit to this cake?

Absolutely! Adding diced apples or berries can add a fresh, fruity note. Just fold them gently into the batter before pouring into the pan.

How do I make this cake vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use a plant-based milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

What to Make After This

• Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing – Perfect for drizzling over your coffee cake or cinnamon rolls.
• Apple Fritter Cake – Another cozy, cinnamon-spiced treat filled with tender apples.
• Banana Bread – A moist and flavorful bread that’s easy to make and enjoy any time.
• Lemon Blueberry Muffins – Light, fresh, and bursting with fruity goodness.

In Closing

There’s something timeless about a Cinnamon Coffee Cake that makes it a staple in any baker’s repertoire. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a tender, flavorful cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a cup of coffee, or topped with a drizzle of sweet icing, it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down and savor those cozy moments.

Happy baking!

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