Are you craving that warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness of a Cinnabon, but don't want to leave the house? Then you're in for a treat! This homemade Cinnabon coffee cake recipe delivers all the deliciousness of your favorite bakery treat, right in your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch, or even a cozy weeknight dessert. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, offering a delicious alternative to store-bought baked goods.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your coffee cake bakes evenly and prevents sticking.
Making the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a perfectly swirled filling.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
Assembling the Coffee Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling and spread to cover.
Making and Adding the Crumble Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans (if using), cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cake batter.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and prevents crumbling.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cinnabon Coffee Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use cold butter for the crumble topping: Cold butter creates a flakier and more crumbly topping.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate cinnamon swirl coffee cake.
- Use different nuts in the crumble topping, such as walnuts or pecans.
- Drizzle a cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise estimation. However, this recipe is generally considered a treat rather than a core component of a daily healthy meal plan.
This Cinnabon coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious homemade taste and the satisfaction of creating this delightful dessert from scratch! It's a perfect example of delicious dishes made easily at home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a simple and rewarding baking experience. It's a great addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire, offering a sweet end to any meal.