Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
When you take a bite of this cinnamon coffee cake, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The moist texture and rich flavor combine perfectly, creating a comforting treat that warms my heart.
Each slice is swirled with a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture, making it irresistible. I love how it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, making my mornings feel special.
It’s simple to make, yet the aroma fills my home with a sense of nostalgia. Whether it’s for breakfast or dessert, this cake always brings smiles to my family and friends.
You’ll definitely want to share!
Ingredients of Cinnamon Coffee Cake
When it comes to baking a delicious cinnamon coffee cake, having the right ingredients is essential. This recipe calls for a blend of common pantry staples that come together to create a moist and flavorful cake.
You might even find yourself saying, “Hey, I’ve most of these on hand!” as you gather everything. It’s always a good feeling when you realize you don’t have to make a last-minute grocery run, isn’t it?
So let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat that’s bound to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Coffee Cake:
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for the cinnamon mixture)
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon (for the cinnamon mixture)
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. First off, don’t stress if you don’t have shortening on hand—it’s okay to substitute it with butter.
Just know that the texture may be slightly different, but hey, butter makes everything better, right? Also, when it comes to the cinnamon, I always say go for the good stuff. Fresh cinnamon can elevate the flavor markedly, so if you have some in your spice cabinet that’s been sitting there forever, it might be worth it to snag a fresh jar.
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. After all, baking is all about experimenting and having fun in the kitchen.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Making a delicious Cinnamon Coffee Cake is easier than you might think, so let’s get to it! First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a bundt pan. Give it a nice spray with non-stick cooking spray because nobody wants their cake to stick. Trust me, it’s a real mood killer when you’re trying to impress friends or family with your baking skills and half of it ends up clinging stubbornly to the pan.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, start creaming together 1 cup of shortening and 2 cups of sugar using an electric mixer. This is where the magic begins. You want it to become light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in 4 beaten eggs and mix well. I always find a little egg shell sneaks in here—oops! Just fish it out if you spot it, no biggie.
While that’s mixing, take another bowl and combine 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 3 cups of flour. In yet another bowl (yes, this is the part where you start to wonder how many dishes you’re creating), mix 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with 1 cup of milk.
Now comes the fun part: you’ll alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the shortening and sugar. I usually do this in thirds, so add about a third of the flour, mix, then a third of the milk, and repeat until everything is combined.
Once that’s all mixed up, we need to bring in the star of the show: cinnamon. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sugar with 3 tablespoons of cinnamon.
Now, layer about a third of your batter into the bundt pan, sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of that sugar-cinnamon mixture, then repeat this layering process two more times. It’s like a sweet, spicy surprise waiting to be unearthed when you slice into it!
Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. And there you have it—a beautiful, fragrant Cinnamon Coffee Cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Substitutions & Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize your Cinnamon Coffee Cake, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.
I often swap out the shortening for applesauce or Greek yogurt for a healthier option. If you’re gluten-free, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works great.
You can also add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for some crunch. For a fruity twist, try folding in fresh berries or diced apples.
And if you love chocolate, mixing in chocolate chips can elevate the flavor.
Get creative and make it your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delicious cake!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Customizing your Cinnamon Coffee Cake can be a delightful experience, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your enjoyment even more.
I love serving it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Whatever you choose, these pairings will enhance your coffee cake experience and make it truly memorable!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking my Cinnamon Coffee Cake, I’ve picked up a few tips that can make the process even smoother.
First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps achieve a fluffier texture. I also recommend using a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
Don’t rush the cooling process; letting the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes makes it easier to flip.
Finally, enjoy your coffee cake fresh, but it also freezes well for later indulgence!