Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake has a soft and moist texture and warm cinnamon flavor, it’s no wonder why this cake is a classic favorite. This breakfast cake recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for even the most inexperienced bakers.
To make this cinnamon crumb cake, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated baking techniques. All you need is a few basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon, and you’re good to go. Plus, cinnamon coffee cake recipe can easily be adapted to suit your personal taste preferences, whether you prefer more or less cinnamon or want to add a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor!
What is coffee cake?
An easy cinnamon coffee cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having a family gathering, or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
This cake is not overly sweet, but the cinnamon sugar topping has a nice balance with the fluffy cake. Made with a simple yellow cake recipe and topped with cinnamon sugar, every slice is warm, inviting and perfectly delightful. Unlike traditional cakes with frosting and glazes, this one is simple and perfect for a morning brunch.
Why we think you will love this breakfast cake recipe!
- Simple ingredients. You do not need much to make this recipe. In fact, the ingredients that you do need are very simple pantry staple ingredients. Meaning that you may already have everything you need on hand already.
- It only takes an hour from start to finish. With regular cakes, you would be baking and waiting hours for it to cool before frosting but since this cake is best served warm, you can whip it up and have it baked, sliced, and on your plate in as little as an hour.
- It tastes great hot or cold. While this cake is best served warm (like most baked goods) it also tastes great when cold, room temp, or when served the following day. It is delicious any time of the day!
Simple Coffee Cake Ingredients
Butter: Use 4 TBSP of butter to give the cake some needed fats to be moist and delicious.
Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness, add in 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Eggs: You will need 2 eggs, that have been beaten in a separate bowl, for this cake recipe.
Milk: Using 1 cup of milk will create the right consistency for this batter.
Flour: The base of this amazing cake recipe is 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Baking powder: Adding in 3 tsp. of baking powder will make the cake puff up nicely as it bakes.
Salt: You will want ½ tsp. of salt to help balance the flavors in this cake well.
Topping
Brown sugar: Use ½ cup of brown sugar to make the topping sweet and flavorful.
Butter: Adding in 1 TBSP of melted butter will get the topping to the right texture.
Cinnamon: You will want 1 tsp. of ground cinnamon to help season the topping well.
Flour: Use 1 TBSP of flour to help thicken the cinnamon sugar mixture more like a streusel topping.
Powdered Sugar + Hot Water: For the easy glaze, you’ll just need to whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 TBSP of hot water. That’s it! Drizzle on top of the cake and you’re good to go!
How to make Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Prep
Begin by preheating the oven to 375-degree F. Next, spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Batter
In a medium size bowl, melt the butter in the microwave and then add in the milk and sugar, stir to combine.
Then, in a separate small bowl, crack your two eggs and beat together with a fork. Then pour it into the butter and sugar mixture.
Next, add in the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well to combine.
Proceed to pour the batter into the greased cake pan and set it aside.
Make Topping
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour and the melted butter, stir to combine.
Then, sprinkle this mixture on top of the uncooked cake batter to cover the whole cake.
Bake
Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Once baked, let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes.
Glaze
Prepare the easy glaze in a small bowl by combining the powder sugar and hot water, whisk to mix well.
Then slice, serve the cake warm and enjoy!
Variations and Modifications of Coffee Cake
There are many ways to modify this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Nuts or Fruit: For a crunchy texture and added flavor, try adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the topping. You can also add fresh or dried fruit such as apples, blueberries, or raisins to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Use Different Spices: While cinnamon is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the batter for a warm and spicy kick.
- Swap Out the Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also try using almond flour or coconut flour for a nutty and flavorful twist.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply swap out the butter and milk with vegan alternatives such as coconut oil and almond milk. You can also use a flax egg or applesauce instead of eggs to bind the batter together.
- Customize the Topping: The topping is the best part of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Try using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor, or add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or spices to create your own unique topping.
Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 TBSP butter
- ½ tsp salt
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 TBSP butter melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 TBSP flour
Easy Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 TBSP hot water
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degree F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Batter: In a medium size bowl, melt the butter in the microwave and then add in the milk and sugar, stir to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, crack your two eggs and beat together with a fork. Then pour it to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Add in the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Pour into the greased cake pan and set aside.
- Make Topping: Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour and the melted butter, stir to combine.
- Then, sprinkle on top of uncooked cake to cover the whole cake.
- Bake: Put in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and hot water until smooth, then drizzle it over slightly cooled cake. Slice, serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long is this Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake good for?
This cake is best tasting when served fresh, but you can keep it stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Reheat a slice on a plate in the microwave for about 30 seconds for a fresher warm taste.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Cake
Even with a simple recipe like Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake, there can be some common issues that may arise. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you avoid these problems and create a delicious coffee cake every time.
- Cake is Dry: If your coffee cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour. To avoid this issue, make sure you measure your flour accurately and use a timer to bake the cake for the recommended amount of time. You can also add a bit of extra moisture to the cake by adding a tablespoon or two of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Cake is Dense: Dense cake can be caused by overmixing the batter or using too much leavening agent. To avoid this issue, mix the batter until just combined and be sure to measure your baking powder accurately. You can also try sifting your flour to make it lighter and fluffier.
- Cake is Soggy: Soggy cake can be caused by using too much liquid or not baking the cake long enough. To avoid this issue, make sure you measure your liquid ingredients accurately and bake the cake for the recommended amount of time. You can also try reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe or using a toothpick to check the cake for doneness before removing it from the oven.
- Cake is Unevenly Cooked: Unevenly cooked cake can be caused by an oven that is not properly calibrated or placing the cake in the wrong position in the oven. To avoid this issue, make sure your oven is properly calibrated and place the cake in the center of the oven. You can also rotate the cake halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake after it has cooled completely. To do this simply place the cake in an airtight container or wrap each sliced piece in plastic wrap before storing in an airtight container. Then when you want a piece you can thaw it on the counter or thaw the entire cake before slicing and serving. This is a great idea for lunch boxes!
How can I ensure my cinnamon coffee cake stays moist?
To keep your cinnamon coffee cake moist, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating it. This will help prevent it from drying out. You can also brush the top of the cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before serving. This will add moisture and sweetness to the cake.
Try more delicious breakfast recipes like this one here:
- RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE COFFEE CAKE
- CRANBERRY COFFEE CAKE
- PECAN COFFEE CAKE
- PUMPKIN COFFEE CAKE
- EASY PUMPKIN COFFEE CAKE
- CRANBERRY CINNAMON COFFEE CAKE
- BANANA CINNAMON COFFEE CAKE
- CARROT COFFEE CAKE
Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a fluffy, moist, spiced delicious dish that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Made from scratch and made to be fluffy, spiced, and sweet, this breakfast cake recipe is sure to become your favorite part of your morning routine.
Amber Brady says
Cake for breakfast! Heck yes! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #25!<br /><br />~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!<br />http://www.dessertnowdinnerlater.com