Few things feel as comforting as biting into a warm square of Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake, with its golden, tender crumb and a shimmering ribbon of crackly cinnamon sugar across the top. This classic indulgence, straight from the heart of traditional home baking, wraps all the coziness of a country kitchen into each sweet, moist bite. Whether you’re starting your day or treating yourself to a well-earned break, this coffee cake promises a little moment of joy with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake rests in its simplicity—the ingredients are pantry staples, but together, they create pure breakfast magic! Every component brings something essential, whether it’s a touch of richness, a gently crumbed texture, or that irresistible splash of cinnamon warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, it creates the perfect tender crumb without being too dense.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness throughout the cake and caramelizes into a gorgeous cinnamon sugar top.
- Baking powder: Responsible for that light, fluffy lift that makes the cake soft and airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the sweet and spicy notes, balancing each bite.
- Whole milk: Gives the batter moisture and richness—don’t substitute with low-fat for best results.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and lend a bit of structure.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb extra moist and tender without overpowering flavor.
- Vanilla extract: The subtle backbone of the cake—it heightens all the other flavors beautifully.
- Cinnamon sugar topping: Nothing beats the classic duo of sugar and cinnamon for that iconic topping—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps that cinnamon sugar form slightly crisp, caramelized swirls.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps ensure your cake can glide out in perfect, crumb-free slices. A bit of nonstick spray or butter works wonders here, and prepping ahead saves you time when your batter is ready to bake.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing your dry ingredients thoroughly now ensures your cake will rise evenly, without any little pockets of flour hiding out!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This wet mixture is what gives the cake its scrumptious moisture and that soft crumb that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently, just until combined. Don’t overmix—the less you fuss, the lighter and fluffier your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake will be! Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. This simple step is what transforms your cake from ordinary to extraordinary, filling your home with that irresistible, homey cinnamon scent.
Step 6: Swirl and Bake
Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the batter, then sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar mixture as evenly as you can. Take a butter knife and swirl gently through the topping—just enough to create pretty, marbled streaks of cinnamon throughout the cake’s surface. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your cake cool slightly on a wire rack. This gives the crumb a chance to settle so each slice holds together perfectly. Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake tastes best when served just slightly warm, with that delicate crackle of cinnamon sugar on top.
How to Serve Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake! Try a delicate dusting of powdered sugar to highlight the beautiful cinnamon swirls, or add a handful of toasted nuts for a touch of crunch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a light vanilla glaze brings a pretty shine and a touch more sweetness to every slice.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake naturally shines next to a steaming mug of coffee or a soothing cup of tea. For a breakfast spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt, scrambled eggs, or a platter of fresh fruit. The richness of the cake pairs especially well with tangy berries or juicy melon.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the cake into petite squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray, sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar for sparkle. You can also serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert, or drizzle each piece with maple syrup for brunch. However you serve it, Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is sure to be the centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The crumb stays tender, and the cinnamon sugar topping might even develop a delightful little crunch as it sits.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. The cake freezes beautifully for up to two months—just defrost at room temperature overnight or gently warm slices in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 15–20 seconds until just warmed through, or place in a low oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This revives the cake’s softness and brings the aroma of cinnamon sugar right back to your kitchen!
FAQs
Can I make Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake is wonderful made a day ahead since the flavors meld and the texture stays moist. Just store covered at room temperature, and you’ll have a ready-to-slice treat by morning.
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert
Whole milk is best for richness, but you can substitute 2% or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat if needed. Just know that the crumb might be a little less tender with lighter options.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon sugar topping?
A butter knife is your best friend for gentle, artistic swirls. Insert it just into the top layer and make loose, figure-eight motions—easy and so pretty!
Can I add nuts or fruit?
Definitely! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts are a classic addition. You can also fold a small handful of diced apples or raisins into the batter for a bit of extra flavor and interest.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
No worries! You can use two 8-inch square pans instead, or bake in a slightly larger dish—the baking time might be a bit less, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
Final Thoughts
If you crave classic comfort, there’s nothing like sharing a pan of Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake with friends or family. It’s quick to whip up, gorgeous to serve, and every bite wraps you in simple, sweet nostalgia. Give this recipe a try—you’re sure to fall in love!
