Name: Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake Recipe – Easy Sweet Recipes for Breakfast or Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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This cinnamon-swirl coffee cake is that magical kind of bake that turns even the gloomiest morning into something worth waking up for. I’ve made this on rainy Saturdays, lazy Sundays, and one very dramatic Tuesday after a long week—yes, the week started on Monday, but it *felt* long by Tuesday. It’s soft, warm, lightly spiced, and smells like your kitchen just got hugged by a bakery. If you’ve never made a coffee cake before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through each step like we’re in the kitchen together, gossiping about life while cinnamon fills the air. The crumb is fluffy, the swirl is gooey, and the topping is like a cinnamon sugar blanket. Whether you’re hosting brunch, needing a last-minute bake sale hero, or just craving a cozy bite with your morning cup, this one’s got your back. Oh—and it pairs perfectly with, you guessed it, coffee. But hey, no judgment if you’re more of a tea or milk type. You do you.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake
4) How to Make Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake
5) Tips for Making Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake
6) Making Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake
8) Try these cakes next!
9) Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This easy sweet recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients and takes just 15 minutes of prep.
Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—served warm or at room temp.
Perfectly tender crumb with a rich swirl of cinnamon sugar through the center.
The sour cream gives this cake a soft texture and a moist bite without needing frosting.

2) Easy Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake Recipe

Let me tell you, this easy cinnamon coffee cake might just steal the spotlight at your next brunch. I’ve baked it early in the morning while my kids still snored, and let me tell you, the smell alone is a wake-up call better than any alarm clock. This is one of those easy sweet recipes that hits that perfect spot between breakfast and dessert.

You know how some cakes beg for icing or glaze? Not this one. It’s confident on its own. It brings a soft crumb, a warm swirl of cinnamon, and a crisp top with just the right hint of brown sugar. It’s low-fuss, no drama. You mix, you layer, you bake. And suddenly your kitchen smells like every good memory wrapped up in cinnamon sugar.

One more thing. This coffee cake holds its charm long after it cools. It stays moist, which makes it a great option for meal preppers or casual bakers who love a treat that lasts. It fits right in with your easy dessert recipes, easy baking recipes, and even easy breakfast recipes. I’ve brought it to potlucks, Sunday gatherings, and quiet Tuesday mornings when I needed a little sugar to deal with a long to-do list.

3) Ingredients for Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create that dreamy, fluffy texture we want in every bite. Room temperature is key—it mixes better and traps more air.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness, of course, but it also helps the butter whip up to a light, creamy texture. It’s the start of that melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Eggs: Two large eggs pull everything together and bring richness. Crack them one at a time—just in case one decides to rebel.

Sour Cream: This is what gives the cake its classic soft crumb and slightly tangy background. Don’t skip it. It makes the texture sing.

Vanilla Extract: A little splash goes a long way in bringing warmth and balance to the sweetness. Don’t eyeball it, though. You want just enough.

All-Purpose Flour: This is your structure. Measure it with care—too much and things get dry, too little and the cake collapses like my weekend plans.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two work together for lift. You want the cake to rise up fluffy without turning dense.

Salt: Seems small, but it brings balance to all the sweet. I never skip it.

Brown Sugar: Mixed with cinnamon, this creates that cozy swirl. It’s sweet, a little sticky, and kind of magical when baked.

Ground Cinnamon: The soul of this recipe. I measure with love. You should too.

4) How to Make Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your favorite cake pan. I use a 9-inch round, but you do you. Just don’t forget the parchment paper if you hate sticky cleanup.

Step 2. Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a big mixing bowl. I usually go full speed on my hand mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until it looks pale and fluffy.

Step 3. Beat in the eggs one by one. Don’t rush it. Let each mix in before adding the next. Then add sour cream and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Step 4. In a second bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet one. Don’t over-mix it. Just get it combined.

Step 5. Stir the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. That’s your swirl mix.

Step 6. Spread half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over it, then layer the rest of the batter on top. Finish with the rest of the swirl mix.

Step 7. Bake for around 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean, or at least not covered in goo. Cool for a bit before slicing—unless you’re into burning your mouth on fresh cake, which honestly, I respect.

5) Tips for Making Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake

Let the butter sit out first. Cold butter doesn’t cream well. If you forget, microwave it for a few seconds—but don’t melt it or things get messy fast.

Use fresh baking powder and soda. They lose their magic over time. If yours are older than your last beach vacation, replace them.

When layering the swirl, don’t worry about perfection. This isn’t a wedding cake. The magic is in the bite, not the look.

6) Making Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake Ahead of Time

One of my favorite things about this cake is how it holds up. You can make it a day ahead and it still tastes fresh. Just let it cool completely before covering it up.

If you plan to freeze it, slice it first. Wrap each piece tightly. That way, you can sneak one out when the craving hits—no judgment here.

This easy sweet recipe travels well too. Wrap it in foil or parchment, toss it in a container, and you’ve got a car snack that beats gas station donuts any day.

7) Storing Leftover Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake

Keep leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for two days, or in the fridge for up to five. I like mine at room temp, but it reheats beautifully in the microwave too.

If you want to freshen it up, a few seconds in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top will bring it back to life.

Just don’t leave it uncovered. This cake deserves better than going stale on the counter.

8) Try these cakes next!

9) Cinnamon-Swirl Coffee Cake