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Moist cinnamon coffee cake squares with crumb topping and vanilla glaze

Moist Coffee Cake

Ella
This soft and tender coffee cake features a thick cinnamon-sugar ribbon through the center and a buttery crumb topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 9 slices
Calories 370 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cinnamon Crumb Mixture

  • ⅔ cup packed brown sugar light or dark
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cut into cubes

Cake Base

  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup full-fat sour cream at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons milk any kind

Optional Vanilla Icing

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar sifted
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  • In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or hands to form clumps. Chill in the fridge.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high for about 3 minutes until light and creamy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Mix in sour cream. It may look slightly lumpy.
  • With mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Mix just until combined. Add milk and gently mix again.
  • Spread half the batter into prepared pan. Top with 1 cup of crumb mixture. Add remaining batter and spread gently. Top with remaining crumb.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center. Cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack.
  • Mix icing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake.
  • Lift cake from pan using parchment, slice, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the sour cream—it's the key to a moist texture. For added crunch, mix chopped nuts into the crumb. If batter is too thick to spread, use spoonfuls and smooth gently. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 370
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 5g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients and portions.
Keyword bakery-style coffee cake, cinnamon crumb cake, coffee cake, moist coffee cake, sour cream coffee cake