Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is seriously like a little slice of comfort. You’ve got this soft, fluffy cake with a sweet, buttery swirl of cinnamon sugar baked right in, so every bite has that cozy, warm flavor. And the vanilla glaze? It’s simple but adds just enough sweetness to bring it all together. What I love most is how easy it is to make, even though it feels like such a treat—perfect for brunch, or just an excuse to have something special with your morning coffee. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone asking for seconds!
6 Servings
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
Want to make this gluten-free? No problem! Just swap out the regular flour for a good 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix (one with xanthan gum or a similar binder works best). The cake might be a tad denser but will still come out moist, soft, and full of that cinnamon-sugar goodness. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the baking powder, are also gluten-free, and you’ll have a cake that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs!