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
Scale
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.
