Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe

Warm & Cozy Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe

Crafting a delectable Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with nostalgic aromas.

Memories of grandma’s warm baking drift through the air, promising comfort in every slice.

Soft, buttery layers mingle with rich cinnamon swirls that beckon from the plate.

Rustic baking techniques passed down through generations elevate this classic treat beyond ordinary desserts.

Each crumbly bite carries the essence of traditional Midwestern hospitality and homestyle baking.

Gathering ingredients becomes an invitation to create something truly special.

Bake this cake and savor a slice of heartwarming tradition that connects you to cherished culinary roots.

Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

Cake Base:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake with its warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the cake its body and texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Moisture and Topping Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Work together to create a moist, flavorful cake with a sweet and spicy swirl.
  • Melted Butter: Adds extra richness and helps the cinnamon sugar topping caramelize during baking.

How to Bake Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Generously grease and dust a 9×9-inch baking pan with flour, ensuring no sticky spots remain.

Step 2: Create a Fluffy Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and almost cloud-like.

Step 3: Blend in Moisture and Flavor

Introduce the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.

Stir with enthusiasm until everything melds together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure these dry ingredients are well-integrated.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Layer the First Batter

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend until the ingredients create a fragrant, crumbly mixture.

Step 8: Add First Cinnamon Sugar Layer

Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the first layer of batter.

Step 9: Complete the Cake Layers

Carefully pour the remaining batter over the first layer, spreading it smoothly and evenly.

Step 10: Final Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Shower the top of the cake with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Drizzle melted butter over the surface for extra richness.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this classic Amish treat!

Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

  • Replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar if you don't have buttermilk on hand.
  • Toss the cinnamon sugar mixture with a little flour to help prevent it from sinking into the cake batter during baking.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for an extra moist and tender cake texture.
  • Use the toothpick method carefully – insert it at an angle and make sure it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  • Keep the coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing it to room temperature before serving.

Variations for Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter for a lactose-free option.
  • Whole Wheat Healthier Take: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone.
  • Vegan Friendly Approach: Use flax egg instead of regular egg, plant-based milk, and vegan butter to create a completely plant-based coffee cake.

Pairings for Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

A rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee balances the cake’s sweetness with its smooth, slightly nutty profile.

Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the cinnamon’s warmth and provide a cool, velvety texture against the cake’s soft crumb.

Pair with a spiced chai latte to amplify the cinnamon notes and create a cozy, aromatic breakfast experience.

Select a late-harvest Riesling with its subtle sweetness and light acidity to harmonize with the cake’s sugary cinnamon layers.

Storage for Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the cake at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
  • Warm at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Place on a baking sheet for even heating.

FAQs

  • Is this coffee cake authentic Amish?

The recipe is inspired by Amish baking traditions, using classic ingredients like buttermilk and simple mixing techniques typical of Amish home cooking.

  • Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

  • What makes the cinnamon sugar topping special?

The layered cinnamon sugar mixture creates a sweet, crumbly swirl throughout the cake, adding extra flavor and texture to each bite.

Why Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Is So Good

  • Indulge in Simplicity: This Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm cinnamon and sweet sugar, the cake delivers nostalgic flavors that appeal to all ages, from kids to grandparents.
  • Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, or dessert, this cake transitions smoothly between different meal occasions without losing its charm.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: With straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated steps, you can have a delicious homemade cake ready in less than an hour, satisfying sweet cravings without extensive kitchen time.
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Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe

Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comforting Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake beckons with its nostalgic layers of sweet, buttery goodness. Warm spices and tender crumb invite you to savor a slice of homestyle tradition that connects generations through simple, delightful baking.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
  3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency throughout the batter.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
  5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, and mix gently until just incorporated to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
  6. Transfer half of the prepared batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  7. Create the cinnamon sugar filling by thoroughly combining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  8. Generously scatter half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the first layer of batter, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, smoothing the surface to create an even top.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top layer and drizzle melted butter across the surface for added richness.
  11. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
  12. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan, which helps set the structure and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Softening butter beforehand ensures smoother, fluffier cake texture and easier mixing.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help them blend more evenly and create consistent batter.
  • Consider reducing sugar for a less sweet version or substituting with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
  • Dairy-free option: Replace buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for similar moisture and tang.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 312 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 234 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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