Cinnamon Coffee Cake
by
Carla Hall
Carla Hall's tender butter cake features generous layers of cinnamon-spiced crumble both swirled through the middle and scattered across the top, finished with a simple vanilla glaze. The sour cream keeps everything moist while the crumble adds warmth and texture to every bite.
Prep Time:
Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time
40–45 minutes
Serves:
Level:
Easy
Ingredients
• For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups / 315g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup / 218g granulated sugar
• ½ cup / 107g light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup / 226g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup / 254g sour cream
• For the Cinnamon Crumble:
• 1 cup / 126g all-purpose flour
• 1 cup / 214g light brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup / 113g unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the Icing:
• 1 cup / 115g powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsps milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
STEP 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 loaf pan with butter.
STEP 2:
Make the cinnamon crumble: in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Slowly stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
STEP 3:
Make the batter: in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
STEP 4:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
STEP 5:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
STEP 6:
Assemble the cake: pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon crumble over the batter. Spread the remaining cake batter on top, followed by another layer of the cinnamon crumble.
STEP 7:
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden, with the crumble on top slightly crisp.
STEP 8:
Make the icing: while the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to create a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency. The icing should be thick but pourable.
STEP 9:
Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top. Allow the icing to harden before slicing and serving.
Serving & Finishing Touches
Carla Hall's tender butter cake features generous layers of cinnamon-spiced crumble both swirled through the middle and scattered across the top, finished with a simple vanilla glaze. The sour cream keeps everything moist while the crumble adds warmth and texture to every bite.