There’s something irresistible about the aroma of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen. It brings instant comfort — warm, cozy, and nostalgic. Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is the perfect recipe for mornings when you want something indulgent yet homely. Moist, buttery, and filled with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl, this cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a mid-morning treat, or a sweet surprise for guests, this coffee cake delivers pure comfort in every slice.
This version takes a timeless favorite and makes it extra tender and flavorful, with a perfectly balanced cinnamon layer and crumbly topping that’s lightly crisp on the outside and soft inside. Let’s get baking.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Crumb Topping (optional but delicious):
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or a round springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. A lightly buttered and floured pan also works well if you don’t have parchment on hand.
This recipe makes a medium-sized cake, ideal for 6–8 servings. If you want to serve more people, simply double the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a smooth, sandy mixture. Set aside — this will become the signature swirl that gives the cake its rich flavor and visual marbling.
3. Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will keep the cake light and evenly textured.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The butter and sugar should look creamy and airy; this step helps give your cake its soft, tender crumb.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the wet ones: begin with one-third of the flour mixture, then half the sour cream, followed by another portion of flour, the remaining sour cream, and finally the last of the flour. Add milk and beat gently until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter, but too much stirring can make the cake dense.
4. Create the Swirl Layers
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining cake batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
To create that signature swirl effect, use a butter knife to gently drag through the layers in a zigzag or circular motion. Don’t overdo it — you want defined swirls, not fully blended batter.
5. Prepare the Crumb Topping (Optional)
If you’re a fan of texture, this crumb topping is a must. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake.
This layer will bake into a slightly crisp, buttery topping that perfectly complements the soft interior.
6. Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter).
As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the heavenly scent of cinnamon and butter — a smell that promises comfort and warmth even before you take the first bite.
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
7. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
While the cake cools, make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner drizzle.
Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a small piping bag. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is best enjoyed slightly warm, with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, cappuccino, or even a chai latte. Its sweet-spiced flavor pairs beautifully with any warm beverage.
You can serve it plain, or for an extra indulgent touch, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It’s also a wonderful option for brunch gatherings, office mornings, or holiday breakfasts — elegant enough to impress but simple enough for everyday baking.