Soft and sweet Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with a buttery cinnamon topping and a vanilla glaze. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat!
You know those mornings when you just need something extra to pair with your coffee? That’s how this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake became a regular in my kitchen. I first made it for a Sunday brunch with my closest friends—one of those lazy mornings where no one’s in a rush, and coffee cups seem bottomless. Honestly, I was nervous because, let’s face it, cinnamon rolls take forever, and I didn’t have the patience. This cake was my shortcut, and guess what? Everyone thought it was cinnamon rolls! We laughed about it later, but by then, the cake was gone. Every time I make it now, it takes me back to that table, filled with chatter, laughter, and the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Recipe?
- Cinnamon Roll Flavor Without the Fuss: No kneading, no waiting for dough to rise—just mix, swirl, and bake!
- That Gorgeous Swirl: The marbled effect gives it a bakery-quality look without much effort.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and fluffy with just the right amount of gooey cinnamon goodness.
- Versatile Delight: Ideal for brunches, potlucks, or even a quick weekday pick-me-up.
Ingredient Notes:
This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake uses pantry staples, but here’s why each one matters:
- Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the cake light and tender. Sift it for an even fluffier texture.
- Sugar (Granulated and Brown): Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar in the topping gives it that deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Eggs: Two large eggs bring structure and moisture to the batter. Room-temperature eggs mix more evenly, so don’t skip this step.
- Cinnamon: The star ingredient! Make sure it’s fresh—nothing beats that warm, aromatic punch.
- Butter: Melted butter in the topping makes it irresistibly rich.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the batter creaminess, but 2% works too.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweetness. Pure vanilla extract is always a win!
- Powdered Sugar Glaze: The finishing touch that ties everything together. Don’t skimp on the drizzle—it’s worth it.
How To Make Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake?
Making this coffee cake is simpler than you think. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, preferably one with flour—it’s a lifesaver when it comes to cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, eggs, milk, baking powder, and vanilla. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything until smooth. Don’t overmix—just enough to get a lump-free batter. Pour it into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Create the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and a bit of flour. This will be your swirl magic. Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the batter, then take a knife and drag it through the mixture to create those iconic swirls.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The house will smell heavenly! To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Step 5: Glaze It
While the cake cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
This coffee cake is just as good the next day—if it lasts that long!
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it slightly before serving for the best taste.
- Freezing: Slice into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk for almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Extra Spice: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake?
This coffee cake shines on its own, but pairing it takes it to another level:
- Coffee or Tea: A no-brainer—pair it with your favorite brew for a classic combo.
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of berries or orange slices adds a fresh, vibrant contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop for a dessert-like touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes! A 9×9-inch pan works too, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I skip the glaze?
You could, but why would you? The glaze ties everything together with a sweet finish.
This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a little piece of comfort you can share with loved ones. So, what do you think? Ready to swirl some cinnamon goodness into your day? Let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your take!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 c flour
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 c whole milk 2% works fine too
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 c unsalted butter melted
- 1 c brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons flour
Glaze:
- 1 c powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are.
- Prepare the Pan: Grab your baking pan (9x13-inch baking pan) and give it a good coating of non-stick spray, ideally, one with flour added to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, eggs, vanilla, sugar, milk, and baking powder. Give everything a good stir until the batter is nice and smooth, with no lumps left.
- Pour into the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
- Add the Topping: Spoon the topping mixture over the batter in small dollops. Then, use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Pop the pan into the oven and let it bake for about 35–40 minutes. Check it with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. If it’s not quite done, let it bake for a few more minutes.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a small bowl to make a smooth glaze.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it sit until the glaze sets completely.
- Serve: Slice up the cake and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
6 Responses
What size pan?
Hi Jim! You’ll need a 9×13-inch pan for this recipe—it’s the perfect size to get that soft, fluffy texture. I hope you enjoy it!
What size pan do you use? Is 9×13 too big?
Hi Diana! A 9×13-inch pan is actually perfect for this recipe—it bakes up soft, fluffy, and just the right thickness. If you prefer a slightly taller cake, you could try a 9×9-inch pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time a bit. I hope you enjoy it—let me know how it turns out!
What size pan? It looks great!
Hi Nita! Great question—I recommend using a 9×13-inch baking pan for this recipe. It gives the cake just the right thickness and bakes evenly. I hope you give it a try—it really does pair perfectly with coffee! Let me know how it turns out for you!