Sometimes the simple things in life are the best, like this Cinnamon Coffee Cake.
A classic recipe perfect for breakfast or dessert. Tender crumb texture with a cinnamon ribbon and sugary topping. Better than Starbucks!
According to my husband, this is the best coffee cake recipe! Bonus, since it happens to be a super easy recipe too.
I happen to think it makes a great breakfast cake. Do you eat cake for breakfast? I sure do. I also eat pumpkin donuts for breakfast, which just happen to be topped with cinnamon sugar.
There is just something about cinnamon that is so addictive. From the aroma in baking to the sweet taste in things like crunchy granola and cupcakes with cinnamon buttercream.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this old-fashioned coffee cake can be found at the bottom of this post.
Speaking of donuts, these breakfast donuts are super healthy. Baked with oatmeal. A delicious way to start your day.
I still have my mom’s handwritten recipe for this sour cream coffee cake. It does bring back wonderful memories and reminds me of how much I miss her cooking.
I have also taken this recipe into my own hands. I switched up a few things, and baked it on the bbq!! YES, you can bake a cake on the bbq!! Chocolate Chip Cast Iron Coffee Cake is so delicious. Give it a try!
What’s In Coffee Cake?
Did you know there is a National Coffee Cake Day!
All you need for this quick cake recipe from scratch is:
- sour cream
- butter
- eggs
- vanilla
- sugar
- baking soda
- baking powder
- flour
- sugar
- and of course the magic brown sugar-cinnamon topping (a simple mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon)
How To Make Homemade Coffee Cake From Scratch
Most pantries will have these baking staples. The part I LOVE about coffee cake recipes is that they are RUSTIC and don’t require hours of decorating.
Step One
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl (except the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture). Pour half the batter into a prepared baking dish.
Step Two
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
Step Three
Add the rest of the batter, and top with the remaining topping.
Step Four
Bake for approximately 40 minutes. The aroma is so deliciously enticing. The best way to make a house a home is with the smell of baking, just ask my husband.
My mom ALWAYS baked this classic coffee cake in a round, clear glass Pyrex baking dish. Do you remember those? I still have some of her glass dishes.
I prefer to bake this in my stoneware dishes, and most often my cake is square. However you bake it, it always tastes DELICIOUS!
Why Is It Called Coffee Cake?
You would think because it contains coffee right? Wrong. It is because it perfectly compliments a cup of coffee or latte.
If you are a coffee lover, try this paired with French Press Cold Brew!
I bet you have never tried coffee yogurt? Perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Cake Tips
How long does coffee cake last?
At room temperature, it will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Be sure to cover it with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to a week.
Can you freeze it?
Absolutely. It will keep store nicely for several months. Be sure to tightly wrap it in plastic, or foil and place it in a freezer bag.
If you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this old-school coffee cake recipe is a must-bake. It has been a family favourite for years. ENJOY!
Looking for more easy baking recipes?
- Give this polenta cake a try. The classic Italian cornmeal cake is sure to please. It is gluten-free too.
- This banana bread recipe only needs five ingredients. It freezes well too.
- Make the BEST banana cake you have ever eaten. A secret family recipe.
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Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º.
- Grease an 8-9 inch cake pan.
- Prepare topping in a bowl and set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs.
- Mix in the sour cream.
- Add the vanilla.
- Add the baking powder and baking soda to the flour. Mix.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Scoop ½ of the batter into the pan.
- Sprinkle ½ of the topping mixture over the batter.
- Scoop remaining batter into pan.
- Sprinkle the rest of the topping.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes depending size of pan.
- ENJOY!!
Mary Bostow
Sometimes all a girl wants for breakfast is cake. With both sour cream and butter in the recipe this cake can’t help but be amazing. And ya, you nailed the cinnamon ribbon through the center, great cake!
Homemade & Yummy
Yup…this is the perfect breakfast cake.
Karyl Henry
I can’t tell you the last time I had coffee cake, but you’re right…it’s the perfect cake for breakfast! Yours looks so delicious, and I love the cinnamon swirled through the middle. Looks so divine, and perfect with a cup of coffee
Homemade & Yummy
You really have to love the simple recipes in life that are so delicious.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
Yum!! This coffee cake look like the perfect fall dessert. Love the filling in the middle!
Homemade & Yummy
We happen to think it is perfect ALL year long.
Julie
Cinnamon is such a good flavor in baked goods, but I hate that it’s so often overshadowed by other flavors (like cream cheese frosting… yuck.) Love that it gets to shine in this coffee cake!
Homemade & Yummy
Cinnamon is the star of the show here that is for sure. Doesn’t have to be complicated to taste good.
Leslie Haasch
Cinnamon coffee cake is one of my favorite breakfast foods. It’s filling and the cinnamon just makes everything so cozy!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes…and the aroma as it bakes is wonderful too.
lauren
If I could get away with it, I’d slice that crunch sugar cinnamon crust right off the top, hide in a closet and eat it by myself. This coffee cake looks so incredibly moist though, I wouldn’t want to miss out on that!
Homemade & Yummy
Well at least the ribbon of goodness in the middle of the cake would still be there LOL.
Anne Murphy
All right, so baking anything with cinnamon makes the whole house smell wonderful! And this sounds as good as I know it smells… I love the swirl of topping in the middle!
Homemade & Yummy
This cake is addictive and does not last long here. I really need to make another one soon. One reason to ALWAYS have sour cream in the fridge.
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
This coffee cake is seriously calling my name! It’s one of my favorite desserts and yours looks just perfect! I’m drooling!
Homemade & Yummy
We happen to think that it is perfect too. Hope you give this recipe a try. ENJOY!
Kiki Johnson
YES, bring in those cinnamon treats! I am ready for them! This coffee cake has just the right ration of streusel: cake and I cannot wait to try it myself!
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…we sure do!!
Kim @ Three Olives Branch
Coffee cake was one of my favorite breakfasts when I was a kid! The topping is my favorite part. This looks amazing!
Homemade & Yummy
The topping and the middle ribbon of goodness is the best part.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
You’re right…it is hard to beat a great classic coffee cake like this! Sour cream makes them so tender.
Homemade & Yummy
I would love this right now with my morning coffee…I think I need to head into the kitchen.
April
I think I had this conversation with a friend of mine not so long ago about how all the great recipes are simple. I was arguing that unless you make it for a competition, the simpler the better. Well, this coffee cake is a great proof – it is simple and it is delicious!
Homemade & Yummy
Totally agree…if you can make it SIMPLE….it will be delicious.
Sherri
Why not eat cake for breakfast, right? This would be perfect with a cup of coffee relaxing by the fireplace on a chilly morning! So scrumptious! 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
I know…when this is in the house…it is my breakfast choice for sure.