Sweet & Spicy Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake Recipe

Who doesn’t dream about a warm slice of delectable cinnamon crunch coffee cake that brings comfort right to your morning table?

Soft layers promise pure delight with every bite.

Fragrant spices weave magic through tender crumbs, creating an irresistible aroma that drifts through kitchens.

Crispy streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that makes each forkful extraordinary.

Butter and brown sugar meld into a sweet symphony of flavor that feels like a warm hug.

Unexpected notes of vanilla round out this classic treat with sophisticated charm.

Bake this cake and watch how quickly smiles spread around the breakfast table.

Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake: Morning Happiness

• Savor Quick Breakfast Comfort: Perfect for busy mornings, this coffee cake delivers homemade warmth without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using maple syrup instead of honey or adding nuts to the crunch topping for personalized flavor adventures.
• Healthier Indulgence: Packed with whole wheat and almond flour, this recipe offers a nutritious twist on traditional coffee cake without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepares effortlessly and stays fresh for several days, making it ideal for meal prep or spontaneous weekend treats that delight the whole family.

Core Combo in Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake

• Butter, Greek Yogurt: Rich and creamy base that keeps the coffee cake moist and tender, with unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
• Honey or Sugar: Natural sweetener that provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness to the cake.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Whole Wheat Flour, Almond Flour: Provides texture and nutty undertones, with whole wheat flour adding nutrition and almond flour creating a lighter crumb.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.

• Brown Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon, Melted Butter, Espresso Powder: Creates a crunchy, spicy-sweet layer with complex depth, espresso powder intensifying the overall flavor complexity.

Layering Instructions for Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a quick coating of butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and honey until they become smooth and creamy.

Pour in Greek yogurt and vanilla, mixing until everything is well combined.

Gently add eggs one by one, stirring after each addition.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.

Fold these ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until they’re incorporated.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Craft the Cinnamon Crunch Topping

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Melted butter
• Espresso powder

Mix these ingredients until they form a crumbly, fragrant mixture.

Step 5: Layer the Cake

Carefully spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle one-third of the cinnamon crunch mixture over this layer.

Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the crunch mixture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

The cake is done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes.

This allows it to set and makes slicing easier.

Serve warm with a dollop of cinnamon butter for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Better Layers In Coffee Cake

• Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for healthier sweetening options that add unique flavor profiles.
• Incorporate Greek yogurt or replace some flour with protein powder to increase nutritional value and create a more filling cake.
• Ensure cinnamon crunch topping is evenly distributed and pressed slightly into batter for maximum texture and flavor integration.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring optimal moisture retention by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap.

How to Store Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake Right

• Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve its delicious flavor.
• Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer frozen cake from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat using the oven method for best texture and taste.

Smooth Sips For Coffee Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Complement the cake's warm cinnamon notes with a smooth, velvety vanilla latte that enhances the espresso undertones in the crunch topping.
• Serve Alongside Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Create a decadent dessert experience by adding a scoop of rich maple pecan ice cream that echoes the cake's nutty almond flour base and provides a cool contrast.
• Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Amplify the cinnamon flavors with a fragrant chai tea, whose blend of warming spices perfectly harmonizes with the cake's aromatic profile.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Elevate the dessert by adding a luxurious drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, which adds depth and sweetness to the coffee cake's rustic texture.

Coffee Cake Spice Swaps

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace whole wheat flour and almond flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil to make the recipe suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use maple syrup instead of honey to create a plant-based friendly version of the coffee cake.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar and honey, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delicious cinnamon flavor.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the flours in this recipe?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat and almond flour. However, the texture and nutritional profile will change slightly. Stick to the same total amount of flour (1¼ cups) for best results.

• Is Greek yogurt necessary for this recipe?

Greek yogurt adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with sour cream or regular plain yogurt in equal amounts.

• How do I know when the coffee cake is fully baked?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour. Keep the almond flour as is, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake delivers a perfect morning symphony of sweet spices and buttery crumbles. Rich layers of tender cake promise a comforting escape you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 3/4 cup almond flour (or 1/2 cup all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/3 cup honey or granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

Dry and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and preparing the loaf pan with butter or parchment paper for optimal cake release.
2. Create a smooth base by vigorously whisking together butter and honey until creamy, incorporating Greek yogurt and vanilla for rich depth of flavor.
3. Gradually introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring complete integration into the wet mixture for a uniform texture.
4. Gently fold whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
5. Craft the signature cinnamon crunch topping by blending brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and espresso powder into a fragrant, crumbly mixture.
6. Layer the cake batter strategically: spread half the batter in the prepared pan, generously dust with ⅓ of the cinnamon crunch mixture, then cover with remaining batter.
7. Lavishly sprinkle the final portion of cinnamon crunch across the top, creating a textured, aromatic crown for the cake.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets and a toothpick emerges cleanly when inserted.
9. Allow the cake to rest and settle for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling proper cooling and structural stability before slicing.
10. Serve slightly warm, accompanied by a decadent smear of cinnamon butter for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Make sure to use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother blending and better cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup or coconut sugar for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, replace whole wheat and almond flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg