Cinnamon Laced Coffee Cake: A Deliciously Cozy Baking Adventure

Coffee cake. The very name conjures images of cozy mornings, warm kitchens, and the irresistible aroma of cinnamon swirling through the air. It’s a classic for a reason – its simplicity is its strength, offering comfort and satisfaction with every bite. This recipe takes that classic and elevates it with a generous lacing of cinnamon throughout, creating a truly unforgettable baking experience. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this Cinnamon Laced Coffee Cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just another coffee cake recipe. Here’s what makes it special:

* **Moist and Tender Crumb:** The combination of buttermilk and sour cream ensures a supremely moist and tender cake that stays fresh for days.
* **Generous Cinnamon Lacing:** We don’t skimp on the cinnamon! It’s incorporated into both the batter and a delectable streusel topping, ensuring every bite is bursting with warm, spicy flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive taste and texture, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
* **Perfectly Balanced Sweetness:** The sweetness is carefully balanced, allowing the cinnamon flavor to truly shine.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Add nuts, dried fruit, or even a hint of citrus zest for a unique twist.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything measured and ready to go – it makes the baking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

**For the Streusel Topping:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

**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 buttermilk
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

## Equipment

You’ll also need the following equipment:

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Whisk
* Pastry blender (optional, but helpful for making the streusel)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Cinnamon Laced Coffee Cake every time.

**1. Preheat and Prepare:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.

**2. Make the Streusel Topping:**

* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
* Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to over-process.
* Set the streusel topping aside.

**3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients for the Cake:**

* In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent rise and texture.

**4. Cream Butter and Sugar:**

* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cake’s light and airy texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

**5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:**

* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps prevent the batter from curdling.
* Stir in the vanilla extract.

**6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. For example, add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the buttermilk and sour cream mixture, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk and sour cream mixture, and finally the remaining dry ingredients. This method helps prevent over-mixing, which can result in a tough cake.
* Mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. A few streaks of flour are okay.

**7. Cinnamon Swirl:**

* In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar from the 1 3/4 cups that is used in the cake mixture. Then, gently swirl the mixture into the batter. Do not overmix.

**8. Assemble and Bake:**

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
* Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

**9. Cool and Serve:**

* Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set slightly, making it easier to cut.
* Enjoy warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

## Tips for Baking Success

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature butter and eggs emulsify more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Don’t Over-Mix:** Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking, and level off dry ingredients.
* **Check for Doneness:** Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
* **Let it Cool:** Allow the coffee cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will prevent it from crumbling.

## Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for customizing it to your liking:

* **Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the streusel topping or the batter.
* **Dried Fruit:** Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates into the batter.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent twist.
* **Apple Pie Spice:** Replace some of the cinnamon with apple pie spice for a warm, autumnal flavor.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled coffee cake for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Laced Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate the experience:

* **Brunch:** Serve it as part of a weekend brunch spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
* **Afternoon Tea:** Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon treat.
* **Dessert:** Serve it as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
* **Special Occasions:** It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the coffee cake, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Cinnamon Laced Coffee Cake Recipe

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Streusel Topping:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

**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 buttermilk
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake.
4. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk and sour cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar from the 1 3/4 cups that is used in the cake mixture. Then, gently swirl the mixture into the batter. Do not overmix.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle streusel topping over the batter.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Conclusion

This Cinnamon Laced Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a moment of warmth and comfort in your kitchen. The delightful combination of moist cake, sweet streusel, and that irresistible cinnamon spice makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking (and eating!) this truly exceptional coffee cake. Happy baking!