Thereโs something magical about a warm slice of Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake soft, buttery layers infused with cinnamon, topped with an irresistible crunchy streusel. Whether youโre serving it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a comforting dessert, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone running to the kitchen! And the best part? Itโs easy to make, with simple ingredients that come together for a bakery-style treat right at home.
Why Youโll Love Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake
Incredible Flavor
The perfect blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a cozy, comforting bite every time.
That Crunchy Streusel Topping
The crispy, buttery crumble on top adds the best texture contrast to the soft cake underneath.
Easy to Make
No fancy equipment or complicated stepsโjust mix, layer, bake, and enjoy!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a sweet snackโitโs always a hit.
Make-Ahead Friendly
It stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Ingredients in Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake
All-Purpose Flour
Gives the cake structure while keeping it soft and tender.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar
A mix of sugars creates the perfect balance of sweetness and deep caramel-like notes.
Butter
Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and the crunchy topping.
Eggs
Help bind the ingredients and create a fluffy texture.
Sour Cream or Yogurt
Keeps the cake extra moist while adding a slight tang for balance.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances all the warm, comforting flavors.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda
Gives the cake a perfect rise and light, airy texture.
Cinnamon
The star spice that infuses every bite with warmth and depth.
Milk
Adds moisture to the batter for a smooth, even texture.
Chopped Nuts (Optional)
Pecans or walnuts add extra crunch to the streusel topping.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Cinnamon Streusel
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped nuts if using. Set aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined. Do not overmix!
Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon streusel. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake
With Coffee or Tea
The perfect pairing for your morning cup of coffee or a warm chai latte.
With a Drizzle
Top with a simple vanilla glaze or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
With Fresh Fruit
Serve with sliced berries, apples, or pears for a refreshing contrast.
As a Dessert
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
For Brunch
A perfect addition to any brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and mimosas!
Additional Tips
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
This helps create a smooth, evenly mixed batter for the best texture.
Donโt Overmix
Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake soft and tender.
Let the Cake Cool Slightly
It allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier.
Make It Ahead
This cake stays moist for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Freeze for Later
Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a quick treat!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
Q2: Can I make this without sour cream?
A2: Absolutely! Swap it for plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk for a similar effect.
Q3: How do I make this cake extra moist?
A3: Using sour cream or yogurt helps, but also make sure not to overbake the cake.
Q4: Can I add a glaze?
A4: Yes! A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze makes it even more delicious.
Q5: Can I use a different size pan?
A5: Yes! A 9-inch round pan works, but the baking time may need slight adjusting.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q7: Can I make muffins instead?
A7: Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.
Q8: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A8: Yes! Melted coconut oil or vegetable oil works, but butter adds the best flavor.
Q9: Can I add chocolate chips?
A9: Absolutely! A handful of chocolate chips makes this even more decadent.
Q10: Whatโs the best way to reheat this cake?
A10: Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, or warm in a low oven for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you love cinnamon and crave that perfect mix of soft, buttery cake and crunchy streusel, this Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake is a must-make. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, itโs a guaranteed favorite.
PrintCinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Crunch Swirled Coffee Cake is soft, buttery, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. With a rich swirl of cinnamon sugar and a hint of espresso, itโs the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup honey or granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 3/4 cup almond flour (or 1/2 cup all-purpose flour)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Crunch Swirl:
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- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a 9ร5-inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
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In a mixing bowl, beat butter and honey (or sugar) until smooth. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla, mixing until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time.
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Stir in whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and espresso powder to create the cinnamon crunch mixture.
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Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle โ cup of the cinnamon crunch mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and sprinkle the remaining crunch mixture on top.
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Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with a smear of cinnamon butter!
Notes
- Swap espresso powder for cocoa powder if you prefer a chocolatey twist.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free yogurt.
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- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 403
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Hi
This is Shivani from Indiaโฆ I was eyeing this recipe since longโฆ. Finally baked it. Few things which I changed.. instead of granulated sugar I used coconut sugar( it was handy), I think honey would have been a better choice but no idea. Do tell me if I used honey would batter been runny?โฆโฆ.i used yogurt instead of dour cream. Last minute i realised โฆ I donโt have enough expression coffee.. u just panicked but had instead vanilla cinnamon coffeeโฆ used it. I felt should gave used more of that crunch in middle layer as itโs giving more flavour to cake.. rather on top. Top sugar seemed to be overcooked i donโt know why. I baked 50-55 mins. Will surely bake this cake againโฆ being whole wheat was great but do suggest if i use oil instead if butter how will it be? And how can I make the recipe half to try it again?