Few things say comfort food quite like a warm slice of Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake. This classic bakery-style treat boasts a buttery, tender crumb and a ribbon of sweet cinnamon sugar swirling through the center. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of soft cake and a caramelized sugar crunch.
Whether served as a cozy breakfast, a sweet brunch centerpiece, or a dessert for your next gathering, this coffee cake is guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and has friends asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bakery quality at home – Soft, moist, and loaded with cinnamon flavor.
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Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you already have.
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Family-friendly – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
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Customizable – Add nuts, fruits, or extra cinnamon for variety.
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Crowd-pleasing – Ideal for holidays, potlucks, and gatherings.
Ingredient Breakdown
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All-purpose flour – The foundation for a tender, fluffy cake.
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Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
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Unsalted butter – Softened for creaming; brings rich flavor and moisture.
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Milk – Keeps the cake moist and tender; dairy or plant-based works.
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Eggs – Bind the batter and provide structure.
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Baking powder – Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
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Vanilla extract – Adds warm, aromatic depth.
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Ground cinnamon – Brings that signature cozy spice.
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Brown sugar – Creates a caramel-like sweetness in the swirl.
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Walnuts (optional) – Add crunch and a nutty flavor.
Pro Tips
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Make sure butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming.
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Swirl gently—overmixing can muddy the layers.
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For extra crunch, sprinkle more walnuts on top before baking.
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Don’t overbake—check at 30 minutes to prevent dryness.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Nut-free: Omit walnuts or replace with sunflower seeds.
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Fruit twist: Add diced apples, pears, or blueberries between layers.
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Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with hot coffee, tea, or chai latte.
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Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch plate.
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Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze for dessert.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Bake the cake the day before serving and store covered at room temperature.
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Cultural Notes
Coffee cake has been a beloved American staple since the early 20th century, often served during social coffee hours. Despite the name, it contains no coffee—it’s meant to be enjoyed with coffee.
FAQ
Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Yes, but the flavor will be less rich—use a neutral oil.
Q: Can I bake this in a smaller pan?
A: Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly to prevent overbaking.
Q: How do I make it more moist?
A: Use whole milk and avoid overmixing the batter.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, use two pans or a larger baking dish and adjust baking time.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat & prepare – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Cream butter & sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs & vanilla – Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet & dry – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Make cinnamon swirl – In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and walnuts (if using).
- Layer the cake – Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Create the swirl – Use a knife to gently swirl the topping into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake – Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Cool & serve – Let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Always measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cake.
- Freshly ground cinnamon provides the most robust flavor.