I am beyond excited to share this truly irresistible Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe with you! It’s the perfect balance of tender, moist cake layered with a sweet and spicy cinnamon brown sugar filling, topped off with a buttery streusel that adds the most delightful crunch. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert to share with friends, this cinnamon coffee cake hits all the right notes and is bound to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary. Each element is carefully chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and the beautiful golden color that makes this cake so inviting.

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base crucial for tender cake and the luscious streusel topping.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake structure, balancing softness with a slight chew.
Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moistness, especially important in the filling and streusel.
Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness with a clean finish and helps with the cake’s crumb texture.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the cake and filling with warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spice notes, preventing the cake from tasting flat.
Ground cardamom and nutmeg: These subtle spices introduce complexity and a hint of earthiness.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that make the cake tender and light.
Vanilla extract: Brings sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
Eggs: Support the cake’s structure while adding richness.
Greek yogurt: Provides moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Milk: Lightens the batter, ensuring a soft crumb.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier – a simple step that really pays off.

Step 2: Make the Streusel

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating gently and stirring to combine fully. Mix in the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt, mashing everything together with a fork until it looks crumbly but with some larger chunks hanging around for extra texture. Pop this in the fridge to chill until you assemble the cake. This crunchy topping is what makes the Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe stand out.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, whisk the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg together until combined. This filling is going to create those luscious, gooey swirls that elevate the cake from everyday to unforgettable.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients for the Cake

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents and salt. This step sets the foundation for a perfectly risen cake.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar on low speed until just combined. Then crank it up to medium-high and whip for about 5 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed. This aerobics session is key to fluffy, light texture.

Step 6: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Yogurt

Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Scrape down the bowl and beat in the Greek yogurt. Expect the batter to be somewhat lumpy here – that’s perfectly normal and will make for moist cake!

Step 7: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

On low speed, add the flour mixture in thirds alternating with the milk. Mix just until no dry streaks remain—overmixing could toughen the cake. Finish by scraping the bowl and folding any remaining flour in by hand.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Spread half the batter evenly into your prepared pan – it will be thin, but don’t worry! Sprinkle the cinnamon brown sugar filling evenly over this layer. Then dollop the remaining batter over top and spread gently with an offset spatula from center to edges without disturbing the filling underneath. Finally, coat the top with your chilled streusel, starting at the edges to help the cake bake evenly. This layered assembly is what makes the Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe so special.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 42-48 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and an instant-read thermometer reads around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Stay close to catch that perfect moment.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake rest in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling step allows the cake to set perfectly, giving you slices that hold their shape without being crumbly or gummy.

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze can add an elegant touch to this rustic cinnamon coffee cake, highlighting its beautiful golden streusel topping. Fresh berries or a few whole cinnamon sticks nearby also make for a charming presentation if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee or a latte to complement its warm cinnamon flavors. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait will add freshness and balance the sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert twist. For a festive occasion, cut the cake into smaller squares and serve as bite-sized treats alongside spiced teas or mulled cider.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cinnamon coffee cake keeps beautifully at room temperature, covered with foil or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The flavors even mellow and improve slightly after sitting, making it great for making ahead.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy it later, wrap the fully cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes to refresh that just-baked softness and bring out the cinnamon aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of yogurt in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tanginess, you can use plain yogurt or even sour cream as substitutes without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Is it okay to substitute the spices?

Yes, feel free to tweak the spice blend to suit your taste. You could add ground cloves, allspice, or even ginger if you want an extra kick. Just remember that cinnamon is the star in this Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with an equal measure of a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. You might find the texture slightly different but still delicious!

What’s the best pan for this cake?

A 9×13 inch pan is ideal to ensure even baking and the perfect thickness of the layers. Glass, metal, or ceramic pans all work well—just adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Making this entirely vegan would require swapping the butter, eggs, and dairy. You could experiment with plant-based butters, flax or chia eggs, and dairy-free yogurt and milk alternatives. Keep in mind it will change the texture and flavor a bit, but it’s totally doable!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe soon! It truly is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing baked goods that bring warmth into any kitchen. From the tender cake layers to the sweet cinnamon filling and irresistible streusel crunch, every bite is a hug in dessert form. Happy baking!