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!!
All That I'm Eating
Really like the cinnamon in this and with the coffee too, Could definitely go a slice right now!
Homemade & Yummy
This is the BEST coffee cake hands down. Easy to make from scratch…you will feel like a pro with this recipe.
debra
That cinnamon swirl = perfection. Love a classic and simple recipe and my kids will adore this—-especially if I let them eat it for breakfast! This will be perfect to make for the holidays when we have a full house. Thanks.
Homemade & Yummy
This simple cake is easy to whip up and ALWAYS is a crowd pleaser!! ENJOY!
Tina
You had me at cinnamon, seriously. I love the stuff. Your post is a little nostalgic, you have my mothers mixing bowl. Saving this to make later, it looks amazing. I eat cake for breakfast too:)
Homemade & Yummy
Yes….I remember this so well from childhood. Cake for breakfast is so good.
Veena Azmanov
I’m really looking forward to making this Gloria. The smell of Cinnamon this time of the year is the best thing ever. I love how simple this recipe is. I think I would enjoy this to the last bite.
Homemade & Yummy
This cake does not last long in our house….EVERYONE love it.
Jolina
Cinnamon and sugar are just awesome together. And this looks like a great way to use it! Do I eat cake for breakfast?? My friend, I eat cake every chance I get LOL!
Homemade & Yummy
HHAHA…you sound like my husband…he would live off dessert if I let him.
lisa
I do remember those pyrex dishes -and I still have some from my grandmother. I think its very important for us to continue to make our family recipes for us to remember and for the younger generation to appreciate their heritage. That said, I think your Mom’s cinnamon coffee cake looks like the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee in the morning. And that ribbon of cinnamon going through the middle? That’s heaven, right there.
Homemade & Yummy
I know…that sweet delicious ribbon of sweetness is the BOMB!! Love this easy to make recipe…and it does bring back memories. Perfect with your morning coffee.
Tracy Koslicki
Yes to cake for breakfast!! And you’re right, there IS something addictive about cinnamon. This looks perfect for any morning, actually, can I have some with my coffee tomorrow???
Homemade & Yummy
Cake for breakfast is the BEST!! Hope you enjoy this recipe.
kelly anth
I’m wishing I had a piece of this cake right now to eat with my coffee. Can’t wait to make this and fill my home with the smell of cinnamon cake.
Homemade & Yummy
OMG the aroma as this bakes is sooooo good. ENJOY!!
Jakub
Cinnamon is my favorite spice! This cake looks perfect for any occasion and I would love to try it!
Homemade & Yummy
This has been in the family for a long time, and still a favourite by far.
Marisa Franca
I’ve always loved coffee cakes — not too sweet and they are perfect with coffee or tea. I used to make them all the time especially when I was learning how to bake. Brings back great memories and right now I can almost smell the delicious aroma of cinnamon as its baking. I always thought that this made a perfect gift to give to friends and neighbors. As soon as I can get to my bakeware I’ll have to make one.
Homemade & Yummy
Love these rustic recipes…and they do bring back memories.
Veena Azmanov
I love adding Cinnamon to my cakes too! The flavor… oh my – I can almost smell it..! Yum.
I love how pretty the coffee cake looks.. and love that little line of flavor in the middle.
Looks so fluffy Gloria. Love!!
Homemade & Yummy
Thanks Veena….coming from a professional as yourself, that is a great compliment.
Carol Bryant
The cinnamon scent wafting in the air as this is baking must be incredible. I would love to give this a try.
Chef G
Yes that aroma is wonderful.
Milena
Coffee cake is my favorite! I have never tried to make it before, but now I’m inspired!
Chef G
Oh give it a try….it is so easy and delicious.
Cat Davis | Mom by the Beach Blog
For a lady trying to cut sweets out of her life, this is so not what I wanted to see but I’m glad I did. I’ll pin it later for one of my pity part binge eating food days. 🙂
Chef G
Oh no…well I hope you can enjoy it one day.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
That is a perfect breakfast for me. I would eat the entire thing 😉
Chef G
Yes it does work for breakfast!!