Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a sweet, aromatic treat to accompany your morning coffee or to serve as a delightful dessert, this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is your answer. It's a comforting classic with a beautiful cinnamon swirl and a luscious glaze that hits just the right balance of sweet and spice.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

The base of our cake starts with granulated sugar, which gives it sweetness and structure. All-purpose flour is our choice for a soft, tender crumb. Baking powder ensures the cake rises beautifully, while a pinch of salt enhances the flavors. Whole milk adds richness and moisture, complemented by the binding power of eggs. For flavor, pure vanilla extract is a must. Melted butter provides a buttery richness, and in the cinnamon swirl, light brown sugar combines with ground cinnamon for that signature warm, spicy layer. Finally, the softened butter helps create a crumbly topping, and the glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract adds the perfect finishing touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more defined swirl, use a skewer or a chopstick instead of a knife.
  • If your brown sugar is lumpy, break it up with a fork to ensure even distribution.
  • Don’t overmix your batter; stop as soon as it's combined to keep the cake tender.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best results; they blend more easily.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve it with fresh fruit on the side or alongside a steaming cup of chai or espresso to enhance the cinnamon notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just wait to glaze it until you're ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Can I use a different size pan?
If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and may need additional baking time. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute, but results may vary.

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish so your cake releases smoothly later. In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will form the structure of your cake.

In a different bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until you have a well-combined liquid. These wet ingredients bring moisture and flavor to your cake. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until you achieve a smooth batter. Pour this into your prepared baking dish.

Now for the star of the show: the cinnamon swirl. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Drop small pieces of softened butter evenly over your batter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating beautiful swirls of flavor.

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake cools slightly, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the swirls. Cut a slice and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple pantry staples.
  • It has a show-stopping cinnamon swirl that looks and tastes amazing.
  • Perfect balance of soft cake and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
  • Great for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
7. Drop small pieces of softened butter evenly over the batter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
8. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. While the cake cools slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before serving.

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