The Story & Intro 💛
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋.
One chilly autumn morning, I remember waking up to the irresistible aroma of Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake wafting through my tiny Paris apartment. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla danced together like a warm hug, reminding me that happiness can be found in the simplest moments like a crumbly, buttery cake fresh from the oven.
Now that I’m in America, I’ve added a little French flair to this classic comfort treat. My version of the Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is light yet indulgent, with ribbons of cinnamon sugar running through tender layers of buttery cake. Whether you enjoy it with your morning latte ☕ or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this cake promises to make your heart (and kitchen!) feel warm and full of joy.
Let’s get whisking, mes amis! 🥄
Ingredients 🛒
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. The batter should be smooth but not overmixed.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until you get a thick, sugary paste.
Step 4: Layer the Magic ✨
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture on top, then swirl gently with a knife or skewer. Pour the remaining batter over and repeat with the rest of the cinnamon swirl. Create gentle figure-eight motions for beautiful ribbons.
Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingertips until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the top of your cake batter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy café in Paris full of cinnamon, butter, and love. 💕
Step 7: Optional Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once the cake cools slightly, drizzle your glaze in slow zig-zag motions for that extra café-style finish.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Serve your Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. For a true morning treat, pair it with a cappuccino or a strong French press coffee ☕🇫🇷.
Hosting brunch? Cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on a pretty platter it’s the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can say “encore!”
For extra coziness, enjoy it by the fireplace or during a lazy Sunday breakfast with family. The blend of cinnamon, butter, and sugar will make every bite feel like home.
Notes & Tips 📝
- Storage: Keep leftover coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Tip: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost and warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Variations: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl for a nutty crunch. A few diced apples in the batter make it taste like apple pie coffee cake! 🍎
- Healthier Option: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce still moist, still delicious.
Recipe Card 📋
⏰ Time Clock
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total: 55 mins
🧂 Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
- Butter
- Vanilla
- Milk
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
2️⃣ Combine and pour half the batter into pan.
3️⃣ Swirl in cinnamon sugar.
4️⃣ Repeat and top with crumb mixture.
5️⃣ Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
6️⃣ Cool, drizzle glaze, and serve warm.
📝 Notes
For a bakery-style texture, don’t overmix the batter. The swirl should be marbled not blended.
🥗 Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 310 | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 47g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 30g
Conclusion 💬
There’s something timeless about a Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake it’s simple, nostalgic, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re baking it for guests or sneaking a slice for yourself with your morning coffee, this cake brings warmth and sweetness to every bite.
From my Parisian kitchen memories to your home today, may this recipe remind you that baking is more than mixing ingredients it’s about creating moments that make life delicious. ❤️
Short 100-Word Story Version 🌸
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a French girl who fell in love with the cozy charm of American kitchens. This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake takes me back to crisp mornings in Paris where cinnamon, vanilla, and butter filled the air like a sweet symphony. Now, I bake it here with a French twist: soft layers, buttery crumbs, and ribbons of cinnamon sugar that melt in your mouth. Whether you enjoy it with coffee or share it with friends, it’s a warm hug in cake form. Let’s bake happiness, one swirl at a time! 💕