If you’ve ever dreamed of coffee cake that feels like a warm hug, the Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe will totally steal your heart (and your taste buds). This classic treat brings the perfect balance of tender, buttery cake and a cinnamon sugar swirl that feels irresistibly cozy. Every bite melts into a delightful crumb topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that’s simply divine. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this cake promises to become your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients, each plays a crucial role in crafting the soft texture, rich flavor, and the iconic cinnamon spice swirl that makes this coffee cake so special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender crumb that’s not too dense.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the cake a lovely rise, making it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter for that classic coffee cake taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while making the cake tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle warmth that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps combine the ingredients smoothly.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Works with cinnamon to create that irresistible swirl.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling): The spice that defines this coffee cake’s signature taste.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for streusel): Adds sweetness to the crumbly top layer.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Forms the base of the crunchy topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces: Creates the perfect crumbly texture for the streusel topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Brings warm spice to the crunchy topping.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan to ensure that your coffee cake comes out perfectly without sticking. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl—this will combine the dry ingredients and get them ready to mingle with the wet ones.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the secret to a tender and fluffy cake. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Alternately
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating it with the milk. This method helps keep the batter smooth and avoids overmixing, which could make the cake tough. Mix just until everything is combined—you want a batter that’s a little lumpy, not perfectly smooth.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. This simple combo will create the heavenly swirl that’s the heart and soul of the Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe. Set this aside for now as you get ready to assemble the cake.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and gently smooth it out. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface. Then, spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and carefully spread it out, sealing the filling inside for that wonderful ribbon of flavor.
Step 6: Create the Streusel Topping
For the finishing touch, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a small bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that adds amazing texture to every bite. Sprinkle it generously over the batter in the pan.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When your kitchen fills with that intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, you know it’s done. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely to ensure clean slicing and the best texture.
How to Serve Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it classic by dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving. For a little extra flair, try adding a few fresh berries or a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a touch of sweetness that’s just right.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making your morning or afternoon ritual feel special. If you want to make a brunch spread, complement it with fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or even savory options like scrambled eggs or bacon for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices layered on pretty plates with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a dessert twist. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor to share the joy of this Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed tightly ensures that the cake stays moist and the cinnamon sugar swirl stays deliciously fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save part of it for later, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can be kept for up to 2 months without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the coffee cake warm again, reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-from-the-oven softness and warmth that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this coffee cake?
All-purpose flour is preferred for the right balance of structure and tenderness, but you can try a blend with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor—just be mindful it may change the texture slightly.
Is it necessary to use cold butter for the streusel topping?
Yes, cold butter creates that crumbly, sandy texture that separates the streusel from the cake. If the butter is too soft, the topping can become more like a paste instead of crumbly crumbs.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk work well as substitutes and won’t significantly affect the flavor or texture of the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way is the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid opening the oven too often to keep the cake’s rise intact.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this coffee cake?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled into the cinnamon sugar layers or streusel for added crunch, and dried fruits like raisins or chopped apples can add lovely bursts of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe is one of those comforting recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple to make, packed with warm cinnamon goodness, and perfect for sharing with friends over a cozy cup of coffee. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite coffee cake tradition.
Print
Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is a tender, moist cake layered with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack with coffee, it combines classic flavors and a soft texture that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the filling and set it aside.
- Layer Batter and Filling: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the batter layer.
- Top Filling with Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and gently spread it out to cover.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Use cold butter for the streusel to achieve a crumbly texture.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices gently before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling chopped nuts in the streusel topping.
