Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Delightful and Simple Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon, this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is for you! This simple recipe combines rich flavors into a sweet delight that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. With easy steps and basic ingredients, you can create a show-stopping treat that your friends and family will adore. Ready to bake something amazing? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To make a delightful Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake, gather these simple ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup sour cream

– ½ cup packed brown sugar

– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

– ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

– Powdered sugar for dusting

Each ingredient plays an important role in making the cake soft and tasty. The all-purpose flour gives the cake its structure. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. Salt enhances the flavor. Softened butter and granulated sugar create a rich and sweet base.

The eggs help bind everything together, while the vanilla extract adds a warm note. Sour cream adds moisture, which keeps the cake tender. Brown sugar and ground cinnamon create the sweet, spicy swirl that makes this cake special. If you like a little crunch, add chopped walnuts. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar gives a beautiful finish.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake an amazing coffee cake that will impress everyone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Cake Pan

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring it.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

– In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well and set aside.

Creaming the Wet Ingredients

– In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy.

– Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of sour cream until it is smooth.

Combining Ingredients

– Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

– In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon filling by combining ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ½ cup of chopped walnuts if you want.

Assembling the Cake

– Pour half the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth it out evenly.

– Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter.

– Add the rest of the batter on top and smooth it gently.

– Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture on top.

– Take a knife or skewer and swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Be careful not to swirl too much.

Baking the Cake

– Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

– Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

– Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

– Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Swirl

To make the best swirl, use a knife or skewer. After layering the batter and cinnamon mix, gently drag the knife in a figure-eight motion. This will create beautiful swirls. Be careful not to overdo it. You want a nice marbled look, not a mixed batter.

Ensuring Moisture in the Cake

For a moist cake, use room-temperature butter and eggs. This helps the cake mix well. Also, sour cream adds moisture and richness. If you want an even richer taste, try using yogurt instead of sour cream. It works great!

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon swirl coffee cake pairs well with coffee or tea. The warm spices blend nicely with a hot drink. You can also add a side of fresh fruit. Berries or sliced apples add freshness to each bite. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Variations

Nut-Free Option

If you want a nut-free cake, you can easily swap the walnuts. Try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. These seeds add a nice crunch without the nut allergy risk. You can also skip them altogether for a smooth texture.

Flavor Enhancements

To make this cake even better, think about adding chocolate or vanilla. For a chocolate twist, mix in chocolate chips. They melt and add a rich flavor. If you prefer vanilla, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. This gives a nice depth to the cake.

Gluten-Free Alternative

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends. Look for ones that include xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Almond flour is another option, but mix it with coconut flour for balance. This keeps the cake light and fluffy.

Storage Info

Proper Storage Methods

To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake fresh, follow these steps. First, let the cake cool down fully. Once cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container for extra protection. This will help keep moisture in and prevent it from drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing your cake is easy and keeps it tasty. First, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Guidelines

Reheating your cake is simple. If you want to enjoy it warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the cake moist. You can also microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out. Enjoy your cake just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt. It gives the cake a similar tangy taste. Greek yogurt also adds moisture, making the cake soft. Use the same amount as sour cream in the recipe.

How long can I store Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake?

You can store the cake for about 3-4 days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.

What can I use if I don’t have baking powder?

If you don’t have baking powder, you can use baking soda instead. For each teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and add 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This will help the cake rise.

Is Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake a breakfast dish?

Yes, many people enjoy this cake for breakfast. It pairs well with coffee or tea. You can also serve it as a snack or dessert. The rich cinnamon flavor makes it perfect for any time of day.

This article outlines how to make a delicious Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake. We covered essential ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. Remember, the secret to a great cake lies in creaming the butter and sugar well. You can enjoy it with coffee or tea, or try fun variations. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, so follow the tips given. Now, you have all you need to impress your friends or family with a tasty treat. Enjoy baking and savoring your creation!

Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime! This easy recipe features a rich batter swirled with a warm cinnamon filling and topped with powdered sugar. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll be enjoying this delightful cake in no time. Click through for the full recipe and bring the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cake into your home!

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients

  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts (if using) to create the cinnamon filling.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.

Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it gently. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top.

Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter gently to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10