Description
This classic Coffee Cake features a moist buttermilk-infused crumb cake layered with cinnamon sugar swirls and topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack with coffee, this easy-to-make cake combines tender crumb and rich cinnamon flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Cinnamon-Sugar Sprinkle
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Cake Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside to prepare the batter.
- Make the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly ball. You can use your hands to speed up mixing. Set aside the crumb topping.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar sprinkle: In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and brown sugar and set aside for layering in the cake.
- Mix dry cake ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Create a well in the center.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract into the well. Stir gently until combined but do not overmix. Add the melted butter and stir until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- First layer of batter: Pour two-thirds of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly to form the first layer.
- Add cinnamon-sugar layer: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Top with remaining batter and swirl: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar sprinkle layer. Use a butter knife to spread the batter and then create gentle swirls to incorporate the cinnamon sugar into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Add crumb topping: Evenly crumble the prepared crumb topping over the entire top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crumb topping to achieve a better crumbly texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Make sure the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean to confirm the cake is fully baked.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing for easier serving.
