Grandmas Secret Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
Alright, let's dive into this baking adventure! Ever crave something that just screams "Sunday morning"? Then you are on the right place.
This cinnamon coffee cake is exactly that. It's so good, it practically begs to be eaten with a cuppa.
Grandma's Secret Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is Better Than You Remember!
It's inspired by those classic American recipes. It has a little secret ingredient (shhh!), and loads of cinnamon sugar. Seriously, the aroma alone will transport you back to happier times.
This homemade coffee cake will be your new favourite.
The Tale of the Coffee Cake Recipe
This cinnamon swirl cake has roots deep in American baking traditions. Think family gatherings, cozy kitchens, and the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air.
It's a simple pleasure, a slice of pure comfort food. This recipe is a medium difficulty. It takes about 1 hour 35 minutes total.
It makes 12 generous servings. Perfect for sharing.
Why You'll Love This Best Coffee Cake
Honestly, it's the taste. This cinnamon coffee cake tastes like heaven. But there's more! It is also great for the soul.
This cake is perfect for brunch . Or when you want that warm comfort food baking feel. It’s truly special. The secret ingredient? Just adds something .
Now, let's get to the good stuff: the ingredients. We will be using simple to find ingredients, and don't be scared, because this cinnamon coffee cake won't be a pain to cook.
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need for this cracking cinnamon coffee cake . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have lurking in the cupboard.
A proper Grandma's coffee cake recipe uses simple ingredients, doesn't it? Don't worry if you don't have everything bang on.
We can be flexible!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: The Cake Base
Okay, let's start with the foundations of our cinnamon swirl cake . You'll need 1 cup ( 237 ml ) of warm milk.
105- 115° F (40- 46° C) is the sweet spot. Not too hot, or you'll kill the yeast. We'll also use 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) of active dry yeast, 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon (3g) of salt.
Don't forget 1/4 cup (56g) of softened unsalted butter. Two large eggs will give the cake its richness. Finally, 3 cups (360g) of all-purpose flour.
Quality milk is important for that creamy texture. Good butter will make everything taste better.
Cinnamon Swirl Magic
Now for the good stuff! The cinnamon swirl filling needs 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar. We will also use 2 tablespoons (16g) of all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons (15g) of ground cinnamon.
The best ground cinnamon is freshly opened, but anything is fine for the easy coffee cake recipe . Lastly, 1/4 cup (56g) of melted unsalted butter.
I always like to add a pinch of nutmeg here. It’s my little secret, and it elevates the best coffee cake ever.
Crumb Topping Time!
We can't forget the crumb topping, can we? You'll need 1/2 cup (60g) of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50g) of packed light brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon (1.
5g) of ground cinnamon. Oh, and 1/4 cup (56g) of cold unsalted butter. It has to be cold. This makes those beautiful crumbs.
I sometimes chuck in a handful of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch.
Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Boosters
Ground cinnamon is the star, obviously. But don't underestimate the power of a little nutmeg or even a pinch of ground cloves! The mix of sugar and cinnamon is classic comfort food baking .
For a richer flavor, use brown sugar in the swirl. No brown sugar? A little molasses in granulated sugar works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Simple is Best
You don't need fancy gadgets, you know? A 9x13 inch baking pan is essential. Mixing bowls are also needed. An electric mixer makes life easier, but a good old whisk will do.
A rubber spatula is a must for scraping down the bowl. Standard measuring cups and spoons are necessary. If you want to be super precise, an instant read thermometer for the milk is good.
A small saucepan is needed for melting the butter. Or a microwave safe bowl, if you're feeling lazy.
And there you have it, the ingredients and kit. If your looking for brunch recipes , or just an easy coffee cake recipe , this is a surefire winner. Let's get cooking!
Grandma's Secret Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake (Even Better Than You Remember!)
This isn't just any coffee cake recipe. This is Grandma's coffee cake recipe , but even better. We're talking moist, tender cinnamon swirl cake with a killer crumb topping.
It will fill your kitchen with that unforgettable aroma. Honestly, the smell alone is worth the effort.
Prep Like a Pro
Okay, first things first: mise en place. Get everything measured out. Trust me, it's worth it. Soften that 1/4 cup (56 g) of butter, warm that 1 cup (237 ml) of milk to 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) .
It might seem fussy, but you'll thank me later.
Here's a time saving tip: Prep the crumb topping ahead! Just mix the dry ingredients and cold, cubed 1/4 cup (56 g) butter.
Keep it in the fridge until you're ready. If you ever ask yourself: "What is a good easy coffee cake recipe ?", that is it.
Let's Get Baking: step-by-step
- Optional, but do it! Add 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast and a pinch of the 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar to the warm milk. Wait 5- 10 minutes until it's frothy. Don't skip this, your cake will thank you.
- Mix the yeast mixture with the remaining sugar, 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt, softened butter, and 2 large eggs. Gradually add the 3 cups (360 g) flour.
- Knead the dough for 5- 7 minutes until smooth. Or use a stand mixer if you're feeling lazy.
- (Optional) Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour , or until doubled.
- Combine 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar, 2 tablespoons (16 g) flour, and 2 tablespoons (15 g) cinnamon for the filling. Melt 1/4 cup (56 g) butter.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Pro Tips
Want to take your homemade coffee cake to the next level? Here's the secret: Don't overbake it! The perfect bake is right before you think it is done.
Avoid a dry cake by making sure your butter is soft enough. Cold butter is a no-no in the cake itself, but you can use it in the crumb topping recipe .
Trust me, it makes a difference.
This cinnamon coffee cake is the ultimate comfort food baking , and it's perfect for brunch recipes . You could totally make the dough the night before.
Just let it rise slowly in the fridge. Enjoy the best coffee cake with your friends!
Recipe Notes
Right, so you've got the lowdown on my Grandma's Secret Cinnamon Swirl Cake . But before you dive in, let's chat about a few extra bits.
Think of these as my, "Oh, I wish I'd known that before I started!" moments, all rolled into one handy section.
This is real life, not some perfectly styled magazine shoot!
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Insta Worthy!
Okay, let's be honest. We all eat with our eyes first, right? For plating this cinnamon coffee cake , simplicity is key.
A dusting of icing sugar looks great. Or, warm a slice slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Oh my gosh, that's divine! Pair it with a dark roast coffee. Trust me, the bitterness cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Or, serve it with a side of fresh berries, maybe some raspberries or blueberries. Talk about a showstopper for those brunch recipes !
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh (Or Pretending You Did!)
Honestly, this homemade coffee cake rarely lasts longer than a day in my house. But if you have leftovers, here's the deal.
For refrigeration, wrap it tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3 days .
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 20 seconds . If you want to keep it for longer, freezing is your best bet.
Wrap individual slices tightly in freezer wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It'll stay good for up to 2 months .
Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as above.
Variations: Let's Get Creative with this Coffee Cake Recipe!
Fancy tweaking the recipe? Go for it! For a dairy-free version, use almond milk instead of regular milk, and swap the butter for a good quality vegan butter.
You won't even notice the difference, promise! Want a cinnamon coffee cake with a bit of crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping recipe .
Or, for a seasonal twist, throw in some diced apples when you make the cinnamon swirl cake . It's all about making it your own.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff!
Okay, so this cinnamon coffee cake isn't exactly health food, is it? But everything in moderation, yeah? Each slice is roughly 350-400 calories.
It's a good source of carbohydrates for energy. The cinnamon adds a touch of goodness too, as it is known for its anti inflammatory properties.
Treat yourself. Life's too short to skip comfort food baking !
So there you have it! All my extra little tips and tricks for making the best coffee cake ever. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Baking should be enjoyable, not stressful.
So go on, get baking and let me know how it turns out! You can always use a easy coffee cake recipe if you feel overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
My crumb topping sank! What did I do wrong with my cinnamon coffee cake?
Oh dear, a sunken crumb topping is a right bother, isn't it? Usually, this happens because the crumb topping is too wet or the cake batter is too soft. Make sure your butter is cold and cut into small cubes when making the topping, and don't overmix the cake batter.
Also, be generous with the topping; a good, thick layer will hold its shape better during baking.
Can I make this cinnamon coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cinnamon coffee cake is perfect for making in advance. You can bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you're glazing it, hold off on that until just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
How do I store leftover cinnamon coffee cake, and how long will it last?
To keep your leftover cinnamon coffee cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will typically last for 2-3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it might dry out a bit.
A quick zap in the microwave will bring it back to life!
I'm allergic to dairy! Can I make this cinnamon coffee cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make a dairy-free version of this cinnamon coffee cake! Substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil. Just keep in mind that using coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor.
Can I add nuts or fruit to my cinnamon coffee cake?
You bet! Adding nuts or fruit is a fantastic way to customize your cinnamon coffee cake. Chopped pecans or walnuts work beautifully in the crumb topping or the filling. For fruit, diced apples or blueberries add a lovely burst of flavor.
Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you're adding a lot of fruit, as it can add moisture.
My cinnamon coffee cake is dry. How can I prevent this next time?
A dry cinnamon coffee cake is a baker's nightmare, but easily avoided! Make sure you're measuring your flour accurately spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping can help. Don't over bake the cake; check for doneness with a toothpick after about 35 minutes.
Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer is a good investment.
Grandmas Secret Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |
