Here’s how you can create a delightful Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake right in your own kitchen. This simple recipe for homemade cake recipes delivers a tender cake with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar, perfect for any time of day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Essential for sweetness and moisture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred; use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness; flax eggs can be used as an egg substitute.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a tender crumb; plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
- Cinnamon: The star of the swirl!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping (Optional):
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s ready for your homemade cake recipe.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for a moment.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender homemade cake.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, gradually mix in the sour cream until just incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for your delicious swirl. This adds a fantastic flavor to your homemade cake.
7. Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.
8. Add Crumb Topping (Optional)
If making the crumb topping, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle over the top of the cake.
9. Swirl and Bake
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve
Let the homemade cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your warm, spiced treat.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Swirl: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for extra indulgence.
- Apple Cinnamon: Fold in ½ cup of finely diced apples into the batter before layering.
- Streusel Topping: Double the crumb topping recipe for a thicker streusel layer.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for a warm, fresh-tasting treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this homemade cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in this homemade cake recipe.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your homemade cake is ready.
Can I use a different size pan?
An 8×8 inch pan works best. A 9×9 inch pan might result in a thinner cake that bakes faster, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Why is my coffee cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a dry homemade cake. Follow the steps carefully and avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.