Moist, buttery, and layered with cinnamon-sugar swirls and a buttery crumb topping—this classic cinnamon coffee cake is the ultimate cozy treat. This is the recipe Moms made! It’s easy to make, doesn’t require a mixer, and is a perfect breakfast treat, dessert, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re new to baking or just craving something nostalgic, this cinnamon coffee cake is your go-to recipe.
If you love cinnamon like I do, then you must also try these homemade cinnamon rolls! Other amazing breakfast treats are these from scratch Butterhorn pastries, summertime raspberry danish and lovely fluffy lemon pancakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly: No fancy techniques required.
- Buttery cinnamon flavor: A ribbon of cinnamon sugar through the middle and a sweet crumble topping on top.
- Soft and moist: Thanks to sour cream and a simple homemade buttermilk substitute.
- Perfect for sharing—or not: Makes a nice 8×8 pan, or you can use a muffin tin or make mini Bundts!!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Photos
Baking Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly.
- Don’t skip the sour cream: It gives the cake a soft texture and a subtle tang.
- Cut in the butter while cold: That’s what gives the crumble topping its signature texture.
FAQ: Cinnamon Coffee Cake
1. What makes coffee cake different from regular cake?
Coffee cake is typically a tender, buttery cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl or topping. Despite the name, there’s no actual coffee in the cake—it’s called “coffee cake” because it’s traditionally served with coffee.
2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. Use the same amount.
3. Why is vinegar added to the milk?
It’s a shortcut to making buttermilk, which reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and stay moist.
Cinnamon Crumble Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Step by Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and grease your 8 inch by 8 inch baking dish. Then start by adding the vinegar to the milk for the batter and let sit while you continue making the other parts of this recipe.
- Make the cinnamon filling by stirring together all of the ingredients for the cinnamon filling; brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Then make crumble topping by stirring together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Once stirred, cut in the cold butter until most of the dry ingredients have mixed with the butter.
- Finally, make the batter by whisking together the dry ingredients, the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon, in a large bowl.
- Then in another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, the vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla, sour cream, and vinegar & milk mixture. Then pour into the bowl with the mixed dry ingredients and combine well with a spoon.
- Pour a little less than half of the batter into your greased baking dish.
- Then add the cinnamon filling on top of the batter, evenly.
- Pour the rest of the batter on top, and then sprinkle the crumble topping on top of the batter, evenly.
- Bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly before slicing, serving, and enjoying!
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and not guaranteed, and that the reader is responsible for verifying ingredients for allergies and dietary needs
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- If you have buttermilk, go ahead and use instead of the milk and vinegar.
- For efficiency measure out the ingredients before you start mixing the recipe.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!How to Store Leftovers
- Room Temperature:
Store cooled coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. - Refrigerator:
If you live in a warm climate, you can refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer—just be sure to bring it to room temp or gently warm it before eating for the best texture. - Freezer-Friendly:
Yes! This cinnamon coffee cake freezes beautifully. Slice the cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave gently to warm.
This easy cinnamon coffee cake is one of those recipes that feels like home—warm, nostalgic, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a late-night treat, it’s a simple bake that’s full of flavor and comfort.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake – Recipe Cost Estimate
| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Price | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 ¾ cups total | $0.30 per cup | $1.12 |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | $0.05 per tbsp | $0.10 |
| Baking Powder | 1 tablespoon | $0.10 per tbsp | $0.10 |
| Baking Soda | ½ teaspoon | $0.02 per tsp | $0.01 |
| Ground Cinnamon | 4 teaspoons total | $0.06 per tsp | $0.24 |
| Vegetable Oil | ½ cup | $0.16 per ½ cup | $0.16 |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup | $0.20 per cup | $0.20 |
| Brown Sugar | 1 ⅓ cups total | $0.25 per cup | $0.33 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | $0.40 per tsp | $0.40 |
| Sour Cream | ⅔ cup | $0.20 per ⅓ cup | $0.40 |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | $0.440 per cup | $0.20 |
| White Vinegar | 2 teaspoons | $0.02 per tsp | $0.04 |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | $1.00 per stick | $1.00 |
