Irresistible Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe: 5-Star Classic You’ll Love

There’s something irresistibly heartwarming about an Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe. Maybe it’s the rustic charm of old-fashioned ingredients or the way the warm cinnamon aroma wraps around your senses like a cozy blanket. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings, brunch, or a quiet morning with your favorite mug.

Introduction to Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe

This cake is the ultimate combination of fluffy texture and sweet, cinnamony goodness. It’s an everyday classic that doesn’t need frosting or frills—just a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar baked into a buttery, moist base. Perfectly simple and stunningly delicious.

History of Amish Coffee Cakes

The Amish community is known for its dedication to simple living, which is reflected in its baking. Coffee cakes were a staple in Amish kitchens, served not just for breakfast but for welcoming guests, church potlucks, and after Sunday service. Their recipes are time-honored, often passed down through generations handwritten on yellowed recipe cards.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Unlike store-bought or overly sweet versions, this Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe features pantry staples but achieves a flavor that’s both nostalgic and rich. No artificial fluff—just honest, wholesome ingredients. What sets it apart is the layered cinnamon-sugar swirl that melts into the cake, creating little pockets of spice and sweetness in every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

• All-purpose flour – forms the sturdy but tender base.
• Granulated sugar – for sweetness in the batter and the topping.
• Brown sugar – deepens the cinnamon topping.
• Ground cinnamon – the star spice.
• Baking powder & baking soda – for a light, fluffy rise.
• Salt – enhances flavor.
• Butter – adds richness and a tender crumb.
• Eggs – bind and add structure.
• Buttermilk or sour cream – adds moisture and tang.
• Vanilla extract – for aroma and warmth.

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Understanding Cinnamon’s Role in Amish Baking

Cinnamon isn’t just a spice—it’s the signature flavor in many Amish desserts. Used generously in this Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe, cinnamon provides a warm, aromatic profile that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the cake. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and entirely necessary for that true Amish-style taste.

Choosing the Right Flour and Sugar

Using unbleached all-purpose flour is recommended to keep the texture traditional, while a mix of white granulated sugar and light brown sugar creates the right depth of sweetness. The brown sugar gives the cinnamon topping a molasses undertone, which plays beautifully against the fluffy vanilla cake.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
6. Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar topping (see next section) over the batter.
7. Add the rest of the batter and top with remaining cinnamon-sugar mix.
8. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving.

Mixing the Batter Perfectly

The secret to a light cake is not overmixing. Creaming the butter and sugar until it’s pale and fluffy introduces air, helping the cake rise. When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently. The batter will be thick—just like it should be.

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

For the swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Combine all ingredients until crumbly. Layer and swirl through the batter as mentioned above. The melted butter helps it spread slightly and caramelize while baking.

Best Bakeware for Coffee Cakes

A 9×13 metal pan works perfectly for even baking. Glass can be used, but may require extra baking time. Avoid nonstick dark pans, which can overbrown the cake edges.

How to Know When It’s Fully Baked

Your cake is ready when:

• The center springs back when gently pressed.
• A toothpick comes out clean.
• The edges pull slightly from the pan.

Avoid opening the oven before 30 minutes to prevent sinking!

The Ideal Oven Temperature

Baking at 350°F ensures the cake bakes evenly. Too hot, and the outside browns before the inside sets. Too low, and you risk a dense texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

• A hot cup of black coffee or chai
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream or maple drizzle

Perfect for cozy mornings, brunch tables, or afternoon snacks.

Perfect Coffee Pairings

A rich medium-roast coffee, especially with nutty or cinnamon notes, complements this cake beautifully. For non-coffee drinkers, chai tea or spiced apple cider is a great pairing too.

Adding a Glaze or Topping

Optional glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Drizzle over the cooled cake for a bakery-style finish. Or sprinkle powdered sugar for a classic look.

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Storing the Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

To keep this Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe fresh:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days for extended freshness.
• Always let it cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.

How to Freeze for Later

This cake freezes exceptionally well:

• Cut into individual squares.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or warm in a toaster oven for a just-baked taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter leads to dense, tough texture.
• Using cold butter can prevent proper creaming.
• Skipping the swirl step loses the signature layered effect.
• Overbaking can dry out the cake; always check early.

Making It Healthier

You can make this indulgence a bit lighter:

• Substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk.
• Use whole wheat pastry flour for a fiber boost.
• Swap half the sugar with coconut sugar for lower glycemic impact.
• Try applesauce instead of some of the butter.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Adaptations

This Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe can be adjusted:

• Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.
• Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
• Ensure your brown sugar is vegan-certified.

Gluten-Free Variations

For a gluten-free version:

• Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend with xanthan gum.
• Ensure all ingredients (like baking powder) are certified gluten-free.
• The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor remains heavenly.

Adding Nuts or Fruits

Enhance flavor and texture by folding in:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Diced apples for a fall twist
• Raisins or dried cranberries

Just keep mix-ins under 1 cup total to maintain structure.

Kid-Friendly Baking Tips

Make baking fun and educational:

• Let kids measure ingredients and stir batter.
• Use fun-shaped pans like mini bundts.
• Allow them to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping.

They’ll love the process—and the results!

Occasions Perfect for This Cake

This coffee cake fits right in at:

• Holiday breakfasts
• Sunday brunch
• Potlucks or bake sales
• Housewarming gifts
• Cozy snow days indoors

It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Comfort Food Classic

Few things rival the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven. This Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe isn’t just dessert—it’s a reminder of grandma’s kitchen, simplicity, and the joy of homemade treats.

Reviews from Real Bakers

“I make this every Christmas morning. It’s tradition now!” – Hannah, Indiana
“So easy and better than any store-bought version!” – Linda, Pennsylvania
“I added apple chunks and it was amazing!” – Chris, Ohio

How This Cake Tells a Story

Each bite tells a story of tradition, family, and simple joy. The Amish are known for preserving community and culture through food, and this cake is a delicious tribute to those values.

Where to Buy Amish Ingredients

For that extra-authentic touch, look for:

• Amish markets or farmer’s markets
• Local co-ops or organic grocery stores
• Online retailers that specialize in Amish-made goods

Fresh farm butter and eggs make a real difference.

Kitchen Tools That Make Baking Easier

• Hand or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula for gentle folding
• 9×13 baking dish
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula for spreading batter evenly

Final Tips for a Perfect Bake

• Room temp ingredients mix better.
• Always grease the pan—even if nonstick.
• Let the cake rest before slicing for clean edges.
• Enjoy it fresh, but know it’s just as good the next day.

Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe

This old-fashioned favorite is everything a coffee cake should be—tender, moist, and layered with that unmistakable cinnamon sugar crunch. Whether you follow it exactly or add your twist, this recipe never fails to bring warmth and smiles to the table.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let sit 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

How do I get a crisp topping?
Mix cold butter into the topping and bake uncovered to achieve a light crust.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use two pans or a larger one, and increase the bake time slightly.

Is this cake overly sweet?
No, it’s perfectly balanced between spice and sweetness. The topping provides most of the sugar.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

What type of cinnamon is best?
Use Ceylon cinnamon for a sweet, subtle flavor or Cassia for a spicier punch.

Conclusion

The Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe is a timeless treasure you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re baking for comfort, celebration, or just because, this recipe offers simple ingredients, big flavor, and a warm reminder that homemade is always best.