Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake

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AMISH CINNAMON SUGAR COFFEE CAKE

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Cinnamon Swirl Magic: Layers of sweet cinnamon sugar create a ribbon of flavor in every bite.
  • Crunchy Streusel Topping: The buttery, sugary crumble adds a satisfying contrast to the soft cake.
  • Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or techniques required—just mix, layer, and bake.
  • Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gifting to friends and family.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for busy mornings or holiday gatherings.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt for a lighter option)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat & Prep
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the Cake Batter
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
    Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
  3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
    In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the Cake
    Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
    Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
    Dollop the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and gently spread it to cover as much as possible—it’s okay if some cinnamon peeks through.
  5. Make the Streusel Topping
    In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel.
    Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake.
  6. Bake
    Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
    Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

  • Buttery Base: Softened butter ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Sour Cream Boost: Adds moisture and richness to the cake, preventing it from drying out.
  • Layered Flavors: The cinnamon swirl and streusel topping create a delicious balance of sweetness and spice.

VARIATIONS TO TRY

  • Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for extra crunch.
  • Glaze It Up: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) over the cooled cake for added sweetness.
  • Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the streusel.
  • Fruit Filling: Swap the cinnamon sugar layer for a thin layer of fruit preserves like raspberry or apple butter.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for warmth.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake—mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Cold Butter for Streusel: Use cold, cubed butter to achieve a crumbly, crunchy streusel topping.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for longer storage. Freeze slices for up to 3 months.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Romantic Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries for elegance.
  • Brunch Staple: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet breakfast treat.
  • Party Platter: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy gathering.

FINAL THOUGHTS
This Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome baking. With its buttery layers, spiced cinnamon swirls, and crunchy streusel topping, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a homemade gift, this cake is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.

Have you ever made a coffee cake before? Share your favorite variations or serving ideas!

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