Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly tender crumb, a warm embrace of cinnamon, and a coffee cake that fills your kitchen with those oh-so-cozy bakery aromas, Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is your answer. This delicious treat boasts a soft, buttery base swirled with a ribbon of brown sugar and cinnamon, lightly crunchy on top, and the very definition of comfort food. Enjoy it as an old-fashioned breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet dessert—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is chosen with purpose, working together for the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth softness. Best of all, you probably already have these staples in your pantry!
- Unsalted butter (softened): The rich base for both the cake and crumb topping, lending creaminess and structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with the vanilla and cinnamon.
- Large eggs: Offer lift and bind everything together for a fluffy texture.
- Sour cream: The secret to a moist and tender crumb without being heavy—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the cake’s flavors and brings warmth to every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The classic foundation, providing just the right density and softness.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to help the cake rise beautifully and stay delicate.
- Salt: A tiny bit brings forward all the sweet, rich flavors.
- Brown sugar (for filling/topping): Melts into lovely, caramel-like notes in the cinnamon swirl and topping.
- Ground cinnamon: That classic, irresistibly cozy aroma and flavor—this is what makes the cake!
- Melted butter (for filling/topping): Binds the crumb mixture and bakes up with a crisp, golden finish.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake bakes up evenly and with a tender crumb. Don’t forget to generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps every slice coming out flawlessly, with no sticking or torn bottoms.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy; this step is key for a soft, airy cake texture, as it incorporates air into the base.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well-combined. You’ll see the batter become paler and luxuriously creamy—this blend of wet ingredients is what gives the cake its signature moistness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This makes sure the leaveners are evenly distributed throughout your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake, guaranteeing an even rise and perfect crumb in every bite.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet, stirring only until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so keep it gentle. The batter will be thick and creamy, ready to hold up that delicious cinnamon sugar swirl.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling & Topping
In a small bowl, blend together the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter. This quick crumb mixture is what brings the sweet, lightly crunchy layers and a bakery-worthy aroma to your kitchen.
Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture—don’t worry if it looks rustic, those swirls are what make Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake so delightful.
Step 8: Top and Finish
Spoon the remaining batter gently over the layer of cinnamon sugar and smooth it out as best as you can; it’s okay if it’s not perfect. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar crumb evenly over the top for that signature sweet crunch.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden with lovely caramelized edges. Let your coffee cake cool slightly before slicing—if you can resist digging in right away!
How to Serve Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake
Garnishes
The simplest way to finish an Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is with a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. For a bit of extra decadence, try a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to make each piece extra special.
Side Dishes
This cake is right at home next to a hot cup of coffee or black tea. For breakfast, serve with fresh fruit or a fruity compote on the side. If you’re going all out for brunch, a platter of crisp bacon or a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake into rustic squares, or use a round biscuit cutter for an elegant twist. Stack individual squares with fresh berries between for a gorgeous brunch centerpiece. If you’re entertaining, offer small, bite-sized pieces as part of a dessert board with fresh fruit and tiny glasses of liqueur or espresso.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake keeps beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; just be sure to let the cake cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This coffee cake is freezer-friendly, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead. Once fully cooled, cut into squares, wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To serve, simply let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Reheating
If you like your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake slightly warm (who doesn’t?), just pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For larger amounts, you can reheat in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes to revive that just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream, offering a similar tang and moisture. Just be sure to use full-fat yogurt for the best texture.
Does this cake work with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake gluten-free. The cake may be slightly less tender but still delicious when paired with cinnamon sugar.
What’s the best way to check for doneness?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is ready. The edges should be lightly golden without overbaking.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the cake?
Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts make a fantastic addition to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch. Fresh or dried apples, pears, or raisins can also be folded into the batter for a fruity twist.
How do I make a glaze for the top?
Simply whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of milk or cream and a splash of vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a gorgeous, bakery-style finish that highlights the cinnamon sugar swirl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and that little spark of homemade joy into your kitchen, you absolutely need to try Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake. I promise, from its golden crispy top to its impossibly soft crumb, this cake is one you’ll want to share—and maybe even keep as your own secret specialty!
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Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake, a moist and tender cake with a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your favorite hot beverage.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Main Cake:
Cinnamon Sugar Filling & Topping:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Make cinnamon sugar mixture: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter.
- Layer and bake: Spread half the batter, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, repeat layers. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This coffee cake goes well with coffee or tea.
- For added richness, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze.
- Freeze leftovers by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
