Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipes: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Cinnamon coffee cake is a timeless classic, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. Its moist, tender crumb, swirled with a generous cinnamon streusel, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, there’s a cinnamon coffee cake recipe that’s perfect for you. This article explores several delicious cinnamon coffee cake recipes, providing detailed steps and instructions to ensure baking success. We’ll cover everything from classic recipes to variations with unique flavor combinations, baking tips, and troubleshooting advice.
## The Allure of Cinnamon Coffee Cake
What makes cinnamon coffee cake so appealing? It’s more than just the delightful combination of cinnamon and sugar. The cake itself is often enriched with sour cream or buttermilk, contributing to its moist and tender texture. The streusel topping, a blend of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, adds a delightful crunch and burst of flavor. The warmth of cinnamon complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance that satisfies the taste buds. The aroma of cinnamon coffee cake baking in the oven fills the home with a cozy, inviting scent that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
## Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Before diving into the recipes, let’s review the essential ingredients:
* **Flour:** All-purpose flour is the most common choice, providing structure to the cake. Cake flour can be used for an even softer crumb, but may require adjustments to the liquid ingredients.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is typically used in the cake batter and streusel topping. Brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like flavor to the streusel.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you to control the salt content. It should be softened for the cake batter and cold for the streusel.
* **Eggs:** Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the cake.
* **Leavening Agents:** Baking powder and/or baking soda help the cake rise. Baking soda requires an acidic ingredient (like sour cream or buttermilk) to activate.
* **Liquid:** Milk, sour cream, or buttermilk add moisture and contribute to the cake’s tenderness. Sour cream and buttermilk also add a subtle tang.
* **Cinnamon:** The star ingredient! Ground cinnamon is used in both the cake batter and the streusel topping.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
* **Salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
## Recipe 1: Classic Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This recipe is a timeless favorite, delivering a moist and flavorful cake with a generous cinnamon streusel topping.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sour cream
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake):** In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Prepare Streusel Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel, then sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.
## Recipe 2: Sour Cream Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This recipe highlights the richness and tang of sour cream, resulting in an exceptionally moist and flavorful cake.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sour cream
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake):** In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Prepare Streusel Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
7. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel, then sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.
## Recipe 3: Buttermilk Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and extra moisture to this coffee cake, resulting in a tender and flavorful treat.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake):** In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Prepare Streusel Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel, then sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Let cool completely before serving.
## Recipe 4: Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Adding apples to cinnamon coffee cake creates a delightful fall-inspired treat. The apples add moisture and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake and streusel.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 cup peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake):** In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt) and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Gently Fold in Apples:** Gently fold in the diced apples.
7. **Prepare Streusel Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
8. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.
## Recipe 5: Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Enjoy a delicious cinnamon coffee cake even if you’re gluten-free! This recipe uses a gluten-free flour blend to create a moist and flavorful cake.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
* 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan with gluten-free flour.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake):** In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Prepare Streusel Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine gluten-free flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel, then sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.
## Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** This ensures that the ingredients blend together smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Cold Butter for the Streusel:** Cold butter creates a crumbly texture that is essential for a good streusel topping.
* **Evenly Distribute the Streusel:** Make sure to spread the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter for consistent flavor in every bite.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
* **Let it Cool:** Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This will prevent it from crumbling when you cut it.
## Troubleshooting Common Cinnamon Coffee Cake Problems
* **Cake is Dry:** This could be due to overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough liquid. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and check for doneness regularly.
* **Cake is Soggy:** This could be due to underbaking or using too much liquid. Ensure the oven is at the correct temperature and bake the cake until a skewer comes out clean.
* **Streusel is Too Dry:** This could be due to using too much flour or not enough butter. Add a little more melted butter to the streusel mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Streusel is Too Wet:** This could be due to using too much butter or not enough flour. Add a little more flour to the streusel mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Cake Didn’t Rise:** This could be due to using expired leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda) or not creaming the butter and sugar properly. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
## Variations and Flavor Combinations
* **Nutella Swirl Coffee Cake:** Swirl Nutella into the cake batter for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
* **Blueberry Cinnamon Coffee Cake:** Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the cake batter for a burst of fruity flavor.
* **Lemon Poppy Seed Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel:** Add lemon zest and poppy seeds to the cake batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel:** Combine cranberries and orange zest for a festive holiday variation.
* **Maple Walnut Coffee Cake:** Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the streusel topping and add chopped walnuts to the cake batter.
## Serving and Storing Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Cinnamon coffee cake is best served warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
## Conclusion
Cinnamon coffee cake is a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. With so many variations and flavor combinations to choose from, you’re sure to find a recipe that suits your taste. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, cinnamon coffee cake is always a welcome addition. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma and irresistible taste of homemade cinnamon coffee cake!