Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake – Soft, Buttery, and Perfectly Spiced

Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake is a timeless classic that brings warmth, comfort, and bakery-style flavor straight to your kitchen. With a tender vanilla cake base, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a thick buttery crumb topping, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, tender cake with a rich cinnamon flavor
• Thick buttery crumb topping that stays crisp
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• Pork-free and alcohol-free

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
8. Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.
9. Sprinkle cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
10. Spread remaining batter gently over the cinnamon layer.
11. In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping.
12. Pour melted butter over crumb mixture and stir until crumbs form.
13. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the batter.
14. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
15. Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
• Do not overmix to keep the cake tender
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping if desired
• Serve slightly warm for the best texture
• Double the crumb topping for extra crunch

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months
• Thaw at room temperature before serving

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with hot coffee or tea
• Add a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving
• Pair with fresh berries for brunch
• Warm slices briefly before serving for bakery-style texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat plain yogurt works well as a substitute.

How do I keep the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure the crumb mixture is thick and crumbly, not wet.

Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes, an 8×11-inch or round pan works, but baking time may vary.

You Might Also Like

• Cherry Dump Cake – Easy and crowd-pleasing.
• Snickerdoodle Cobbler – Warm, cinnamon-packed dessert.
• Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing – Cozy and comforting.
• Classic Sweet Cream Scones – Light and bakery-style.

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