Grandma Bettys Best Ever Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Grandma Bettys Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe So Good

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 16, 2025Updated: September 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Grandma Betty's Best Ever Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Fancy a bit of comfort food ? Remember cinnamon coffee cake at your Nan's? This coffee cake recipe tastes just like hers! The cinnamon streusel cake is sweet and the vanilla glaze is heavenly.

Quick Hook

Do you have a great coffee cake for breakfast ? If not, I have a recipe to share! You'll love this cinnamon coffee cake with its warm spice and vanilla sweetness.

Brief Overview

Coffee cake is a classic American dessert . It's perfect for breakfast or brunch . This easy coffee cake recipe is ready in just over an hour.

You can make around twelve slices for your family and friends.

Main Benefits

This homemade coffee cake is a brilliant pick-me-up! The cinnamon is comforting and can boost your energy levels. It's the perfect dessert to serve for a casual brunch recipes , or a simple family breakfast.

What makes this so special? The sour cream batter makes it extra moist and tender.

Right, let's look at the ingredient for the perfect cinnamon coffee cake .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Party Started!

Alright, let's talk ingredients. We’re making a proper homemade coffee cake . Think grandma 's kitchen, but maybe with a slightly better organized spice rack.

Honestly, getting the right stuff is half the battle.

Main Ingredients for the Best Coffee Cake Recipe Ever

Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour.
- 1/4 cup (30g) packed light brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon . Make sure it smells nice and pungent. Old cinnamon is like, sad cinnamon .
- 1/4 cup (57g) cold unsalted butter. Cut into small cubes. Keep it cold , seriously.
Cake Batter:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder. Fresh is best!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Ditto!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter. Softened, not melted!
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar.
- 2 large eggs.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Real stuff is worth it.
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream . Full fat gives the best results.
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk. Or cream for extra richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Seasoning Notes: That Little Extra Zing

Ground cinnamon is non-negotiable. It's what makes this a cinnamon coffee cake . Vanilla extract elevates everything. A dash of nutmeg in the streusel? Go for it! If you're feeling fancy, almond extract works nicely too.

I remember one time, I accidentally used anise instead of vanilla. Big mistake! It tasted like licorice cake.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid

A 9x13 inch baking pan . This is key.
Mixing bowls. Various sizes.
An electric mixer. Handheld or stand.
Rubber spatula.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Wire rack.

Don't have a fancy mixer? A good old whisk and some elbow grease will do. No vanilla extract? A little maple syrup can pinch hit.

Just don't tell anyone I said that! We want a moist, delicious cinnamon coffee cake for breakfast or brunch . This easy coffee cake recipe makes it happen.

Get your baking on!

Let's Bake Grandma's Cinnamon Coffee Cake !

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good cinnamon coffee cake ? It's pure comfort food , reminds me of being at me Nanna’s for tea! This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast , a lazy brunch , or even dessert .

So grab your apron, and let’s get baking !

Prep Like a Pro: Your Cinnamon Coffee Cake Mise en Place

First, make sure you've got everything measured out. This saves loads of time. Soften that butter well in advance. Cold butter is the worst when you're trying to cream it.

Preheating the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) is also key. No one wants to wait around for the oven to heat up when that coffee cake craving hits.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe: step-by-step Goodness

Follow these steps, and you'll have a homemade coffee cake masterpiece.

Make the streusel topping : Combine sugar, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon , and cold cubed butter. Use your fingers to crumble it together until it looks like coarse crumbs. Pop it in the fridge to chill.
Mix the dry cake ingredients: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Seriously, don’t skip this step it’s what makes the cake light and airy.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract . One at a time, mind.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream . Start and end with the dry. Mix until just combined. Overmixing? Nightmare.
Layer half the batter, then half the streusel. Repeat. It's a thing of beauty.
Bake for 35- 45 minutes . A skewer should come out clean ish.
Make the vanilla glaze : Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla till smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cake .

Pro Tips and Tricks for the best Cinnamon Streusel Cake

Don't overmix! I can't stress this enough. Also, cold butter is essential for that crumbly streusel topping . A little secret Nanna used to do that I have taken into my heart to this day! Another way to turn your easy coffee cake recipe into a show stopper is using k_annotated : apples!.

A diced apple will turn your classic cinnamon coffee cake recipe into apple cinnamon coffee cake recipe ! This turns your classic comfort food recipe into something truly special! Also if you plan to do this recipe in advance, freeze before adding the vanilla glaze !

Honestly, this coffee cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. So get baking !

Recipe Notes: The Secret to Coffee Cake Success

So, you're about to bake a homemade coffee cake ? Excellent choice! Before you dive into making this easy coffee cake recipe , let's chat about some extra tips.

These bits of wisdom will help you nail that perfect slice of cinnamon coffee cake , just like Grandma used to make.

Think of these as my little love notes to your future c_annotated : ['baking'] adventures.

Serving It Up Right

Okay, cinnamon coffee cake for breakfast or brunch recipes ? This classic dessert is always a good idea. For presentation, think about a simple dusting of icing sugar.

It's elegant but also says, "Eat me!". I love serving my cinnamon coffee cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of c_annotated : ['cinnamon'].

It's also amazing with a steaming mug of coffee obviously! You know, you could also serve it with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Trust me, it's a winner!

Storage Smarts

Leftover cinnamon streusel cake ? If there is any, that is! In the fridge, your homemade coffee cake will stay fresh for about 3 days.

Just wrap it well in cling film or store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the dessert recipes .

Wrap each slice individually. Then pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just defrost in the fridge overnight and warm it up a little.

This coffee cake recipe still taste great after a little freezer nap.

Remixing the Recipe: Sweet Variations

Fancy shaking things up a bit? Of course you do! For a slightly healthier twist, you can swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.

It gives it a nutty flavor that works well. Also, you can totally play around with seasonal fruits. I reckon diced apples or pears would be amazing in autumn.

Oh, and if you're feeling decadent, chuck in a handful of chocolate chips. You'll thank me later!

Nutrition Know How

Let's be real: This cinnamon coffee cake recipe isn’t exactly health food. I mean, it has got sour cream and streusel topping ! But it's all about balance, right? One slice will give you a decent amount of energy, thanks to the carbs.

The sour cream adds a bit of protein and calcium. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation. Honestly , a little of what you fancy does you good!

So there you have it. With these notes, you're now officially ready to bake the best ever c_annotated : ['cinnamon'] c_annotated : ['coffee cake'] .

Don’t worry too much, c_annotated : ['baking tips']. Just have fun and embrace the process. Now go forth and bake some magic!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my cinnamon coffee cake from being dry?

Nobody wants a cake that feels like the Sahara Desert! To avoid a dry cinnamon coffee cake, make sure you're measuring your flour correctly (spoon it into the measuring cup instead of scooping). Also, don't over bake it start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

The sour cream in this recipe also helps to keep it beautifully moist.

Can I make cinnamon coffee cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cinnamon coffee cake is fantastic for making ahead. You can bake the cake, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it at room temperature for a day or two, or freeze it for longer storage.

Just wait to add the glaze until right before serving, as the glaze can get a bit sticky in storage.

What are some fun variations I can try with this cinnamon coffee cake recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch. Or, for a fruity version, mix in some diced apples or blueberries to the batter. If you're a chocolate lover, throw in some chocolate chips. Get creative, it’s your cake, have it your way!

My streusel topping sank into the cinnamon coffee cake. What did I do wrong?

Ah, the dreaded sinking streusel! This usually happens if the streusel is too wet or the batter is too thin. Make sure your butter is cold when making the streusel and cut it into small pieces. Also, avoid overmixing the cake batter; a slightly thicker batter will help support the streusel topping.

You want the batter to be 'just combined' remember, we're not looking for a super smooth batter here.

How should I store leftover cinnamon coffee cake?

To keep your leftover cinnamon coffee cake tasting its best, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it, which will extend its shelf life to about a week, but the cake might become slightly drier.

If you refrigerate, let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its best texture and flavour.

Is this cinnamon coffee cake recipe healthy?

Let's be honest, cinnamon coffee cake is more of a treat than a health food! It contains butter, sugar, and flour, so it's definitely a higher calorie option. However, you can make some healthier swaps, like using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar, or substituting Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream.

Remember, everything in moderation, even delicious coffee cake!