Baked Perfection: Homemade Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Are you craving something sweet and delicious to accompany your cup of coffee in the morning? Or perhaps you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next family gathering. Look no further than my grandma’s cinnamon coffee cake recipe! This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, and for good reason – it’s simply irresistible.

There’s something special about the combination of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar that makes this cake an all-time favorite. Not to mention, the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is sure to make your mouth water.

With just a few simple ingredients – flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and of course, cinnamon – you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a perfect coffee cake that will impress all who try it. The recipe requires little preparation and even less time in the oven, making it perfect for busy individuals or those with a sweet tooth.

Trust me when I say that my grandma’s cinnamon coffee cake recipe is sure to become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in one of the most satisfying treats you’ll ever try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandma's Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake

There’s something special about Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe that makes it stand out from the rest. Maybe it’s the comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting from the oven, or maybe it’s the memory of sitting in Grandma’s warm kitchen, savoring each bite. Whatever it is, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

At its core, this coffee cake is simple yet irresistible. The rich, buttery batter is infused with warm cinnamon and layered with a generous amount of sweetened walnuts for a delightful crunch in every bite. The crumbly streusel topping adds another layer of texture and sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the moist and fluffy cake.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a decadent breakfast treat, as an afternoon snack with coffee, or as a dessert to impress guests. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients that are easily found in any pantry or grocery store, it’s easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.

But perhaps the biggest reason to love this recipe is the sense of tradition and nostalgia it brings. Baking this cake is not just about following a recipe – it’s about honoring our grandmothers and their timeless culinary expertise. It’s about passing down a family recipe from generation to generation, creating memories that will last well beyond the final crumbs on the plate.

So go ahead and give my Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it. Whether you’re looking for holiday favorites or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to desserts.

Ingredient List

 A slice of cinnamon heaven.
A slice of cinnamon heaven.

To make my Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake recipe, you will need to gather all of the ingredients listed below. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. If you notice something missing, don’t hesitate to make a quick trip to the grocery store before starting this recipe. Here is what you need:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing pan)
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup of sour cream

Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of butter, melted.
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Note that using unsalted butter in this recipe helps control the amount of salt in the batter. If you’d like a bit more kick to your cake, you can certainly use salted butter instead.

Additionally, if you prefer pecans over walnuts or vice versa, feel free to switch them out in the streusel topping. Or leave out nuts altogether if desired. This cake is delicious either way!

The Recipe How-To

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter.

  • Cream together 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
  • Add in 4 eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  • Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture alternating with 1 cup of 1% low-fat milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until combined.
  • In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
  • Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Pour remaining batter over it.
  • To make the walnut crumb topping, combine 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl. Cut in 3 tablespoons of butter until crumbly. Sprinkle crumb topping over the cake.
  • Bake for around 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    -Allow it to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your homemade grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

 The perfect companion for your morning cup of coffee.
The perfect companion for your morning cup of coffee.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to substituting and varying ingredients in Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake recipe. Here are some suggestions to get creative with the flavors and textures of this classic cake:

Substitutions:

– For a dairy-free option, swap 1% low-fat milk for almond milk or coconut milk.

– Instead of butter, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil.

– Swap sour cream for yogurt or buttermilk to add a tangy flavor to the cake.

– Want to make the cake gluten-free? Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Variations:

– Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter and sprinkle some extra on top of the streusel for a nutty twist.

– Bourbon Vanilla Coffee Cake: Replace vanilla extract with bourbon vanilla extract for a boozy and rich flavor.

– Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake: Swirl in some extra cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter to make it a cinnamon roll-inspired cake.

– Streusel Bundt Cake: Bake the batter in a bundt pan and put all the streusel mixture at once on top of the batter, giving it an increased crumbly texture.

– Pound Cake Variation: Eliminate the streusel topping, and enjoy this classic cinnamon-infused poundcake on its own.

These substitutions and variations can create new holiday favorites or an updated dessert menu item at your bakery. Try these ideas out, experiment with your tastes or even invent your own spin-offs using grandma’s tried-and-true ingredients!

Serving and Pairing

 Treat yourself with a warm, buttery bite.
Treat yourself with a warm, buttery bite.

Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a versatile and delectable treat with a plethora of serving variations. From complementing your morning cup of joe to finding its place on an elegant dessert tray, this cake makes for a perfect addition to any occasion.

Serving Suggestions: The warm, fragrant aroma of cinnamon coffee cake fresh out of the oven can instantly elevate anyone’s mood. Served hot or chilled, plain or with toppings such as whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this coffee cake can become a go-to centerpiece for social gatherings and family events. To make it even more delectable, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the cake before serving.

Pairing Recommendations: Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake is exceptionally versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of beverages that can enhance its flavors. A steamy cup of coffee or tea adds richness while milk or hot chocolate sweetens the deal. If you prefer non-caffeinated options, try pairing with apple cider, lemonade, or fruit smoothies.

The flavors of Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake make it suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert time. It can be served in small bite cubes at high tea or sliced thin for weekday breakfasts; however, it’s served; people are bound to take another slice before leaving the room.

In summary, Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake is an all-time favorite comfort food that serves ideally as part of your daily meal plan or cherished moments with friends and family.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Your kitchen will smell like cinnamon dreams.
Your kitchen will smell like cinnamon dreams.

The Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, with several storage and reheating options available. Here are a few tips to help you maximize the shelf life of your delicious cinnamon coffee cake.

Make-Ahead:

You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it until ready to use. This will save time on the day you plan to bake and present your cake.

Storing:

If you’ve already baked the cinnamon coffee cake but have leftovers, storing it properly is crucial for maintaining its moisture and texture. One option is to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the fridge for up to seven days.

Reheating:

When reheating leftover slices of Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe, you have various options, depending on your preference. You can reheat individual slices by microwaving them on high power for 15-20 seconds, or by warming them in a toaster oven at 350F (176C) for five minutes. If reheating an entire cake, preheat your oven to 350F (176C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just baking for yourself, with these make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips, you can ensure that your Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe remains fresh and delicious no matter how many hours or days after baking it.

Tips for Perfect Results

 The ultimate comfort food for a cozy day in.
The ultimate comfort food for a cozy day in.

When it comes to baking, the little things can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect cinnamon coffee cake every time you make it.

First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This will allow them to blend more easily and create a smoother batter. Leave your eggs and butter out on the counter for an hour or so before starting.

When combining the dry ingredients, it’s important to use measuring cups that are accurate. Too much flour or baking powder can cause the cake to be dense, while too little can prevent it from rising properly. To avoid this, use measuring cups that have been leveled off with a straight edge.

Next, be mindful of your mixing. Over-mixing the batter can cause the cake to be tough and chewy rather than soft and fluffy. Mix until just combined.

When adding the streusel topping, make sure it is evenly distributed across the batter. An uneven topping can lead to pockets of dry topping throughout the cake.

Lastly, when removing the cake from the pan, allow it to cool for about five minutes before removing it. This will ensure that it holds its shape and doesn’t fall apart when you try to take it out of the pan.

Remember that practice makes perfect with baking. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly; keep making adjustments until you find what works best for you and your oven. These tips should help set you on the right track towards creating a delicious cinnamon coffee cake every time you bake it.

FAQ

Before we conclude this cinnamon coffee cake recipe article, you may have some lingering questions about the recipe. In this section, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot the recipe and make any adjustments based on your preferences. From substitutions to variations and storage tips, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and clear your doubts before you prepare the grandma’s cinnamon coffee cake in your own kitchen.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?

When it comes to cakes, there’s a distinction between crumb cake and coffee cake – namely, the amount of streusel topping used. Generally speaking, crumb cake will feature a thicker layer of streusel than coffee cake. In fact, coffee cake doesn’t necessarily require any streusel topping at all. Keep this in mind when deciding between the two types of cake.

What makes coffee cake taste like coffee?

As a barista, I’m well aware that adding instant espresso powder to the batter is a tried and true method for infusing baked goods with the rich taste of coffee.

Is cinnamon crumb cake the same as coffee cake?

Many individuals often mistake crumb cake for coffee cake, but the truth is, there is a significant contrast between the two. In general, coffee cake showcases a crumbly streusel topping, while crumb cake consists of an equal ratio of crumb and cake. Both of them are praiseworthy desserts; however, today’s focus is on the crumb! Let’s dive into the recipe and explore the right techniques to prepare a mouth-watering crumb cake.

Where is my grandma’s coffee cake made?

With its establishment dating back to 1990, My Grandma’s of New England ® has gained a reputation as the maker of the “World’s Most Critically Acclaimed Coffee Cake”. Situated on Hyde Park Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts, My Grandma’s produces none other than the classic Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake, considered by many as the best of its kind.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, my Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe is not only a delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth, but it is also an embodiment of memories and traditions passed down through generations. This recipe holds a special place in my heart and has been the centerpiece of many family gatherings and holidays.

I invite you to try this recipe at home, and I am confident that it will soon become a staple in your household. From the ingredients to the serving suggestions and storing tips, all the information provided in this recipe article is aimed at ensuring your success.

Whether you choose to enjoy it with a cup of coffee or as a dessert for a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress. So go ahead and indulge yourself with my Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe; I guarantee it will soon become one of your favorite holiday favorites or an everyday indulgence.

Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is from my grandma’s kitchen. Best coffee cake around.

Cake

  • 2 cups flour
  • 5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  1. Combine topping ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.
  2. Combine dry cake ingredients. Add wet cake ingredients. Stir together mixing well.
  3. Pour cake batter into greased 8 or 9 inch square pan. Sprinkle topping mixture over top.
  4. Bake 25 minutes at 375 degrees or until cake tests done. Cut and serve. Best warm.
Dessert
American
< 30 Mins, Breakfast, Dessert, Easy

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