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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) This coffee cake has simple yet flavorful ingredients. The all-purpose flour and granulated sugar form the base. The unsalted butter gives it a rich taste. Sour cream adds moisture and a light tang. Eggs help bind the ingredients together. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Cinnamon and brown sugar create a sweet swirl in the middle. If you like nuts, add walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Feel free to customize this recipe. You can swap nuts for chocolate chips, or add fruit like blueberries or apples for extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key because it helps the cake bake evenly. While the oven heats, you can prepare your pan. Greasing the baking pan Next, take a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9x9 inch square baking dish. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. Make sure to cover the sides and bottom. This will stop the cake from sticking. Creaming butter and sugar In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Incorporating wet ingredients Now, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, slowly stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. Creating the cinnamon swirl In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts if you want to add them. This mixture will give the cake its warm, cozy flavor. Layering the batter Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over this layer. Pour in the rest of the batter and top with the remaining cinnamon mixture. Use a knife to swirl it gently into the batter. This creates a beautiful pattern and enhances the flavor. To make the best coffee cake, focus on the texture. Use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps the batter mix well and rise nicely. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. This step adds air to the cake, making it light and soft. Prevent overmixing by stirring gently. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. If you overmix, your cake can become tough. It should be smooth but still have some lumps. A gentle touch goes a long way. You can easily boost the flavor of your coffee cake. Try adding spices like nutmeg or allspice. A little zest from an orange or lemon can also brighten the taste. If you want to change the nuts, consider using almonds or hazelnuts. These options can add different textures and flavors. Just remember to chop them small so they mix well into the batter. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps to create a smoother batter and ensures better incorporation of ingredients. Don't Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one. Swirl Effect: For a beautiful cinnamon swirl, use a knife to gently swirl the topping into the batter. Avoid overdoing it, as you want to see distinct swirls. Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily make this coffee cake fit your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture. You can also use almond or coconut flour, but adjust the amounts. This keeps your coffee cake light and fluffy. For a vegan adaptation, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt or silken tofu. With these swaps, you can enjoy a delicious coffee cake without any animal products. If you want to try something different, consider making a chocolate swirl coffee cake. Add cocoa powder to the batter. For the swirl, mix cocoa powder with sugar and a bit of melted butter. Layer it just like the cinnamon mixture for a rich, chocolatey treat. Another fun option is a fruit-infused coffee cake. You can add berries or diced apples into the batter. Toss them with a little flour first to prevent sinking. This adds moisture and flavor, making each bite even more delightful. Try different fruits to find your favorite combination! To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is an option. Just remember, chilling may change the texture a bit. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10 minutes. This will make it nice and cozy again. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for about 15 to 20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat. You can freeze your coffee cake to enjoy later. If you want to freeze slices, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can take out just what you need. If you freeze the whole cake, wrap it well. Use both plastic wrap and aluminum foil for best results. For thawing, the best method is to move the cake to the fridge overnight. This keeps it from getting soggy. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it on the counter for about an hour. Once thawed, you can enjoy it as is or reheat it for a warm treat. Can I substitute ingredients? Yes, you can swap some ingredients. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy taste. You can also use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. Remember, these changes may affect the cake's texture and flavor. How long does the cake last? When stored properly, this coffee cake lasts about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want longer storage, put it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for about 2 to 3 months. Best accompaniments for coffee cake Pair your coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. For a special touch, add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. How to serve for special occasions For gatherings, cut the cake into nice slices and arrange them on a pretty platter. You can dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely look. Consider adding a small vase of flowers next to the cake to make the table more inviting. This blog post covered all you need to know about making coffee cake. We explored the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for baking success. You learned how to customize your cake with various flavors and dietary options. Proper storage methods ensure your cake stays fresh for later enjoyment. As you bake your next coffee cake, remember that creativity makes it special. Have fun exploring new flavors and enjoy every slice!

Cozy Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

A delightful coffee cake swirled with cinnamon and sugar, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9x9 inch square baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using).
  • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Pour in the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture, gently swirling it into the batter with a knife.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Notes

Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Keyword cinnamon, coffee cake, dessert