Cinnamon is perfect at any time of the year, especially during winter, because it provides that warm, comforting feeling. I love adding cinnamon to most baked goods this time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat or a dessert to impress your guests, this cinnamon coffee cake is the answer. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time, bringing joy and satisfaction to countless kitchens worldwide.
Why is this the best recipe?
Well, it’s not just the perfectly balanced blend of flavors or the heavenly aroma that wafts through your kitchen as it bakes. It’s the way this cake brings people together and creates a sense of warmth and comfort like no other. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting to dip your toes into the world of baking, this cinnamon-infused creation will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s simple enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday morning yet impressive enough to serve at brunch or special occasions. But the sinfully delicious cinnamon swirl that runs through every bite sets this coffee cake apart. This swirl adds a layer of decadence, taking this cake from ordinary to extraordinary. The secret to the success of this coffee cake lies in the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each component is crucial in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and overall experience. From the cake’s tender crumb to the rich, buttery cinnamon swirl, every element has been carefully chosen to create culinary magic.
Ingredients and substitutes
All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake, providing structure and giving it a tender crumb. If you want to experiment, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier taste. The butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, resulting in a tender crumb. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy incorporation into the batter. And oil helps keep the cake moist yet light and airy. The sweetness of the granulated sugar not only adds flavor but also helps to create a light and fluffy texture. The molasses in the brown sugar adds a caramel flavor, complimenting the taste of cinnamon. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar you’d like. Eggs act as a binding agent, creating a cohesive structure for the cake. They also add moisture, resulting in a moist and tender cake. Vanilla extract is a fragrant and flavorful ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the cake, adding depth to the cinnamon-infused swirl. You can also add bean paste and vanilla sugar. Sour cream is the secret ingredient that keeps the cake moist and tender. It also adds a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness. And, of course, you can’t have a cinnamon coffee cake without a generous amount of ground cinnamon. The warm and cozy flavors of cinnamon are the star of this recipe, providing that familiar and comforting taste we all love. Along with cinnamon, I have also used freshly grated nutmeg, ground cloves, and a little ground ginger to add warmth to the cake.
Step-by-step: Cinnamon coffee cake
Step 1: Preparing the bundt pan – Start by preheating your oven to the specified temperature in the recipe. While the oven heats up, generously grease your 12-cup bundt pan with butter or cooking spray. Cover every nook and cranny to prevent sticking when removing the cake from the pan.
Step 2: Mixing the batter In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, cream the butter, brown and white sugar, and oil until they are fluffy and pale yellow. Add eggs one at a time, whisking continuously, making sure each is well incorporated. Finally, add the vanilla extract. Add the dry and wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream until combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in a dense cake. Step 3: Creating the cinnamon swirl – Mix the soft melted butter with ground cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl until you have a paste. This mixture will serve as the deliciously fragrant and flavorful cinnamon swirl. Set it aside for the moment.
Step 4: Layering the batter and cinnamon swirl – Pour half the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring it spreads evenly. Next, spread half the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, trying not to touch the edges of the bundt pan. Then, carefully spoon the remaining cake batter on top, top with more cinnamon swirl mixture. Using a chopstick or skewer, create a few swirls in the batter to help the two combine, but not too much. Just enough to make a ripple. Step 5: Baking and cooling Place the filled bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes, ensuring it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Gently loosen the edges of the cake with a butter knife and carefully invert the pan, allowing the cake to release onto the rack. Let it cool completely before serving.
Tips for making cinnamon coffee cake
Choose the right cinnamon: To truly elevate the flavor of your cinnamon cake, opt for high-quality cinnamon. Look for Ceylon or Vietnamese cinnamon varieties, which have a more complex and intense flavor than regular cinnamon. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon swirl: The beauty of cinnamon coffee cake lies in its mesmerizing swirls of cinnamon goodness. When adding the cinnamon mixture to the batter, be generous, and don’t be afraid to use a little extra. This will ensure that every bite is bursting with that distinctive cinnamon flavor. Experiment with glazes: While the cinnamon cake is delicious on its own, adding a glaze can take it to the next level. Try a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze drizzled over the cooled cake for that extra touch of sweetness and decadence. You can also add some cinnamon sugar to add texture and flavor. Serve it warm: For an indulgent experience, serve your cinnamon coffee cake warm. The warmth will intensify the flavors and create an inviting aroma that will have everyone eager to dig in. To elevate the experience further, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Frequently asked questions
Creative ways to serve cinnamon coffee cake
Make it a breakfast centerpiece: Hosting a brunch or breakfast gathering? Turn your cinnamon coffee cake into a stunning centerpiece by placing it on a beautiful cake stand or serving platter. Surround it with fresh berries, sliced fruits, or even edible flowers to create an Instagram-worthy presentation. The visual appeal and the irresistible aroma will enchant your guests. Create personalized cinnamon coffee cake parfaits: For a unique twist, deconstruct the traditional cake experience by serving cinnamon coffee cake parfaits. Crumble the cake into small, bite-sized pieces and layer them in individual dessert glasses or Mason jars. Alternate the cake layers with creamy vanilla yogurt, a caramel sauce drizzle, and a cinnamon sugar sprinkle. The individual portions add an elegant touch and make it easy for guests to enjoy without using utensils. Transform it into French toast: Take your cinnamon coffee cake to a whole new level by transforming it into a decadent French toast. Slice the cake into thick pieces and dip them into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. Cook the slices on a griddle until golden brown and serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a side of fresh berries. This unexpected twist will delight breakfast enthusiasts and leave them craving more.
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