When I first tried Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake in a small bakery in Brooklyn, it changed my idea of what a “morning cake” could be. That bakery window was fogged, the air alive with cinnamon and vanilla, and a slice of thick cake with a ribbon of brown sugar running through it made the day feel special. Since then, I’ve worked on a version that hits all the notes: moist, tender, with a clear swirl and a crumb topping that isn’t just decorative but essential.
Thanks for being here. I hope these recipes bring warmth to your kitchen and a little joy to your day.
Table of Contents
Why Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Is a Timeless Favorite
A coffee cake isn’t about coffee—it’s about a cake you enjoy with coffee. Classic versions have lifted, tender crumbs and less sugar than dessert cakes. The cinnamon swirl adds that comforting flavor layer without overpowering the base. Many modern versions also include a crunchy streusel topping or crumb layer, which gives contrast in texture.
In U.S. brunch culture, this cake fits perfectly: it can be made ahead, sliced easily, and pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients You’ll Need (no table)
- All-purpose flour, about 2¼ cups
- Baking powder, 2 tsp
- Salt, ½ tsp
- Granulated sugar, ¾ cup
- Light brown sugar, ½ cup, packed
- Unsalted butter, softened, about ½ cup + extra for swirl
- Eggs, 2 large
- Milk or buttermilk, 1 cup
- Vanilla extract, 1½ tsp
- For the cinnamon swirl: cinnamon, 2–3 tbsp; brown sugar, ¼ to ⅓ cup; a bit of melted butter
- For crumb topping (optional but recommended): flour, brown sugar, butter, a dash of cinnamon
You can vary some items: use part oil with butter for extra moistness, or substitute half the milk with sour cream for a richer crumb.
If you love baking classics, you might also enjoy other hits in our Dessert Recipes Collection.
How to Bake the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
1. Prep & combine dry ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9 or 8×8 pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugars
In a mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the batter and helps the texture.
3. Add eggs, vanilla & milk
Mix eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) until just combined. Don’t overmix.
4. Prepare the cinnamon swirl
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of melted butter to make a paste.
5. Layer and swirl
Pour half the batter into the pan, then spoon the cinnamon mixture over it. Top with the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon layer into the batter, creating a ribbon effect.
6. Add crumb topping (if using)
If you like a crumb topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cold cubed butter, and a pinch of cinnamon until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle over the top.
7. Bake
Bake for about 40–50 minutes (time depends on pan size) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool & serve
Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then serve slices warm or at room temp.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t over-swirl — you want a visible cinnamon ribbon, not full mixing.
- Use sour cream or yogurt for part of the milk to keep the cake moist.
- Double the crumb so you have topping and swirl in one mix. (A technique used by Sally’s Baking Addiction)
- Glaze option — mix powdered sugar + milk + vanilla, drizzle over cooled cake.
- Pan size matters — a 9×9 will be deeper, 8×8 makes it thicker (bake slightly longer).
If you love baking classics, you might also enjoy other hits in our holidays Recipes Collection.
Nutrition & Quick Snapshot
Here’s an approximate nutrition profile per slice (if you cut into 12 pieces):
- Calories: ~ 320 kcal
- Protein: ~ 5 g
- Carbs: ~ 42 g
- Fat: ~ 13 g
- Fiber: ~ 1 g
- Sugar: ~ 22 g
Keep in mind, additions like crumb topping or glaze will increase calories. Moderation is key.
What Goes with Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake?
Serve it with:
- A strong black coffee or espresso
- Chai or spiced latte
- Fresh berries or citrus fruit for brightness
- A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
It also makes a lovely brunch centerpiece — pair with quiche, frittatas, or fruit salad.
If you love baking classics, you might also enjoy other hits in our Baking Recipes Collection.
FAQs — Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
Q: Does coffee cake actually have coffee in it?
No, it’s named for being a cake to be enjoyed alongside coffee, not containing coffee.
Q: How to keep the swirl from bleeding?
Chill the swirl mixture slightly and swirl gently. Also, thicker batter helps maintain separation.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes — choose a well-blended GF baking flour (1:1) and reduce mixing. Texture may differ slightly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days. It also freezes well — wrap slices in foil & freeze up to 1 month.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is more than a bake — it’s comfort, tradition, and a little piece of bakery luxury in your own kitchen. Whether it’s for Sunday brunch, a cozy afternoon, or holiday gatherings, its moist crumb, buttery flavor, and warm cinnamon swirl make it a crowd-pleaser.
If you love baking classics, you might also enjoy other hits in our breakfast Recipes Collection.
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake — A Cozy Brunch Classic
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is buttery, tender, and layered with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl topped with a crumbly streusel. Perfect for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or holiday brunches, this cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, beating until combined.
- Mix in sour cream. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon swirl filling evenly, and top with the remaining batter.
- Mix streusel topping with a fork until crumbly and sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a holiday touch, drizzle with vanilla glaze.
Can be baked in a bundt pan for a more festive presentation.
Keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 mins Cooling Time: 15 mins
- Category: dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 26 g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4g
