Imagine waking up to the most irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and freshly baked cake wafting through your kitchen. This isn't just any coffee cake – it's a decadent, swirl-packed masterpiece that transforms an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience. With its tender crumb, mesmerizing cinnamon-sugar ribbons, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Coffee Cake is about to become your new breakfast obsession that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in the milk and mix until the wet ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together to create the swirl topping.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the surface. Use a knife to create swirl patterns by gently dragging it through the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Cut into 12 equal squares and serve warm. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Swirl Technique: When creating the cinnamon swirl, use a knife and make gentle figure-eight movements for beautiful, distinctive patterns.
- Check for Doneness: A toothpick with a few moist crumbs is perfect – it means your cake will be wonderfully soft and not dried out.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake rest in the pan for 15-20 minutes before cutting to help it set and make slicing easier.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
