Sometimes the simple things in life are the best, like this easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake recipe.
Perfect for breakfast or dessert. Tender crumb texture with a cinnamon ribbon and sugary crumb topping. Better than Starbucks!
This homemade cinnamon swirl coffee cake is irresistible. Moist, tender, and the perfect blend of sugar and spice. It tastes like a cinnamon roll cake.
According to my husband, this is the best coffee cake recipe! I am on the fence, it is a close call between this and my pumpkin spice cake. They are both super easy to make.
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 happens to be topped with cinnamon sugar. So does my pumpkin latte.
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.
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 cinnamon coffee cake made with sour cream. It does bring back wonderful memories and reminds me of how much I miss her cooking.
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)
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.
Just look at that cinnamon poking through the crumb cake topping. So delicious.
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. If you are a coffee lover, try this paired with French Press Cold Brew!
Have you tried coffee yogurt? Perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Suggestions/Recipe 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 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.
Best Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon 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!!
Tamara
What a beautiful cake. I like mine with scrambled eggs for breakfast! And after school snack time is the best time!
Chef G
Works anytime of the day that is for sure.
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat
Oh, I’d love to walk in and smell that kitchen from your school days! As a cinnamon fiend, I love this cake! 🙂 And I love that it’s easy to make. Great recipe!
Chef G
Thanks…yes the memories are awesome for sure.
Kylee @ Kylee Cooks
Oooh, I love that ribbon of cinnamon-y deliciousness through the middle of that!
Chef G
Yes that is the best part.
Lois Alter Mark
Oh, that looks delicious! I wish I had a slice for breakfast with a cup of tea right now!
Chef G
Yes it goes great for breakfast.
Amanda Love
Oh my goodness, this just looks so delicious. I’m all down for an amazing coffee cake and might try yours.
Chef G
Well I hope you give it a try.
Jamie | The Kitchenarium
I love coffee cake for breakfast! It is such a nostalgic thing for me. My grandparents would frequently have coffee cake when we would go over. Love this!
Chef G
Sometimes those childhood recipes are the best.
peter @feedyoursoultoo
You created great smells in the kitchen and then we get to eat them. Yum!
Chef G
Yes exactly.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
That sounds so good. I love things like this for breakfast.
Chef G
Yup cake for breakfast works for me too.
The Food Hunter
You must be reading my mind…I am craving this
Chef G
HAHAH…well enjoy!!
Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean
Looks delish and I could use a piece right about…NOW. :-).
Chef G
Thanks…if you make it…ENJOY!!
Anna (Hidden Ponies)
There is just something so comforting about cinnamon coffee cake. This sounds perfect, and I would absolutely eat it for breakfast 🙂
Chef G
HAHAHA…YES…I would TOO!!
Mel @ The Refreshanista
This looks so yummy! I love the ribbon of cinnamony goodness through the centre 🙂
Chef G
Thanks….and that is the BEST part!!
Julia (@Imagelicious)
I like how you used almonds for this cake. I usually use pecans and walnuts, but almonds add an interesting and different flavour to this. I’m sure the cake tastes great. I’m tempted to make it!
Chef G
Thanks Julia….I have used walnuts in the past…that was what my mom used. I like trying new things…so it worked!!
Carole
I’m a sucker for any kind of cinnamon cake too, YUM
Chef G
If you do make it ….ENJOY!!
Rebecca
This cake looks great! I’m a sucker for anything with cinnamon and sugar on/in it.
Chef G
It is really simple…and delicious!!