If you have a soft spot for warm, tender cakes bursting with cinnamon goodness and topped with a perfectly buttery crumb, you are going to fall in love with this Bakery-Style Coffee Cake with Buttery Crumb, Cinnamon Swirl & Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake layered with a cinnamon sugar swirl that feels like a warm hug in every bite, crowned by a golden, crumbly topping and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of elegance. It’s the kind of coffee cake that turns an ordinary morning into something truly special, and once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the luscious texture, rich flavor, and irresistible appearance of the coffee cake. From the tender sour cream that gives moisture and tang, to the cinnamon and sugars that create that iconic swirl and crumb, every item is a must-have.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake’s delicate crumb and tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a perfect rise for a light and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to achieve just the right lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): The source of that indulgent buttery flavor and moist crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping it brown beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that makes the cake tender and flavorful.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl): Creates a rich, caramelized layer bursting with cinnamon flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings that unmistakable cozy aroma.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping): Combines with sugars and butter for a perfectly crunchy topping.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping): Adds sweetness and moisture to the crumb topping.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping): Adds crunch and sweet texture contrast.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumb topping): Complements the cinnamon swirl with a subtle hint in the topping.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted for crumb topping): Binds the crumb topping and ensures golden, buttery crispness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and smooths the vanilla glaze.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds the final hint of warmth and sweetness to the glaze.
How to Make Bakery-Style Coffee Cake with Buttery Crumb, Cinnamon Swirl & Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing plus flouring a 9×9-inch square baking pan so your cake won’t stick. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly mixed, giving your cake a consistent texture.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air that helps your cake rise and gives it that fluffy crumb you love. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix to blend everything thoroughly.
Step 3: Adding Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious batter. The sour cream makes the cake moist and tender, while vanilla intensifies the overall flavor.
Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop once the flour streaks disappear. Your batter should feel thick but smooth.
Step 5: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl Layer
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of this first layer — this will create that dreamy swirl inside the cake!
Step 6: Adding the Remaining Batter and Crumb Topping
Gently spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl, covering it completely but being careful not to mix the swirl into the batter beneath. Next, make the crumb topping by mixing all the crumb ingredients until you get chunky crumbs, then sprinkle them generously over the top of the cake.
Step 7: Baking Your Coffee Cake
Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The crumb topping will turn beautifully golden and crisp. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before moving on to the glaze so it can set just right.
Step 8: Preparing and Drizzling the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity a tablespoon at a time to get a perfect drizzle consistency. Once your cake is cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze all over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for that classic bakery look.
How to Serve Bakery-Style Coffee Cake with Buttery Crumb, Cinnamon Swirl & Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair and flavor, consider adding a dusting of cinnamon powder or a few toasted pecans on top of the glaze. Fresh berries also add a pop of color and a tart counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can make the bakery feel complete.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte, making your breakfast or brunch feel like a fancy café treat. For a balanced breakfast, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt. It also works wonderfully with a hot cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the coffee cake slices on a wooden board with some edible flowers for a rustic look, or stack smaller pieces on a tiered dessert tray for a party presentation. Drizzle extra glaze just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and sweetness. For a fun twist, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a dessert option!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is also fine but be aware the crumb topping might lose a little crunch.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. The crumb topping will regain its crispness, and you’ll have that bakery-style feel all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream, providing similar moisture and tang. Just use the same amount and expect the cake to be just as tender and flavorful.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the cinnamon swirl?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses or maple syrup to mimic the richness. The flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure it’s a blend designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture.
Why does the cake sometimes turn out dense?
That usually happens from overmixing the batter once the flour is added or using too much sour cream. Mix just until combined and measure ingredients carefully for the fluffiest crumb.
Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but the glaze adds a lovely sweetness and moist finish that takes this coffee cake from great to unforgettable. If you want something lighter, just dust with powdered sugar instead.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Bakery-Style Coffee Cake with Buttery Crumb, Cinnamon Swirl & Vanilla Glaze Recipe that makes every bite feel like a small celebration. From the tender crumb to the rich cinnamon layers and the delicate glaze, it’s an all-around masterpiece perfect for mornings, brunches, or anytime you crave a little homemade sweetness. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become your go-to whenever you want to impress yourself and others with a comforting, bakery-quality treat right from your own kitchen.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Bakery-Style Coffee Cake features a moist, tender crumb enriched with a buttery cinnamon swirl and topped with a sweet crumb topping and a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfectly balanced with sour cream for moisture and a rich buttery flavor, it makes an ideal breakfast treat or dessert that rivals your favorite bakery.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will create the sweet, spicy swirl layer inside the cake.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture generously and evenly over this first layer. Then, top with the remaining batter and gently spread to cover the swirl.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, stir together all the crumb topping ingredients — flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter — until a chunky crumb forms.
- Add Crumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the entire surface of the cake to create that signature bakery-style crumb crust.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is baked properly without being overdone.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to set and make it easier to glaze without melting it.
- Prepare and Add Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed for desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this vanilla glaze evenly over the cooled cake for a sweet finish.
Notes
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, double the amount of cinnamon swirl mixture.
- This coffee cake stays moist and fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container.
- Freezing individual slices is a great way to preserve leftovers; simply thaw and warm slightly before serving.
- Serve warm to replicate a freshly baked, bakery-style experience.
