Name: Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487116H32M15S
Total time: PT-487116H32M15S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, homemade soured milk); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter; For the topping swirl: ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 1½ tsp cinnamon

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A warm hug in cake form—this Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake brings together a tender, moist crumb layered with sweet cinnamon swirls and topped with a delightfully crunchy sugar crust. Perfect for savoring alongside your morning coffee or as a comforting afternoon snack, this cake is simple yet irresistibly delicious.

Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this cake uses pantry staples and comes together with minimal effort. The buttermilk-based batter stays moist, the cinnamon-sugar layer adds sweet warmth, and the top bakes into a crisp, crackly crust. It’s easy to prep and perfect for any time—breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, it actually tastes even better the next day.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all‑purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, homemade soured milk)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
For the topping swirl: ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 1½ tsp cinnamon

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry until just combined—don’t overmix.
Spread half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar topping mixture.
Dollop remaining batter over the swirl and smooth gently. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon-sugar on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 9 servings.
• Prep time: ~10 minutes
• Bake time: 30–35 minutes
• Cooling time: ~15 minutes
• Total time: ~55–60 minutes

Variations

Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl or sprinkle on top.
Fruit twist: Stir soft chopped apples or pears into the batter for a fall vibe.
Brown sugar swirl: Use light brown sugar instead of white for caramel notes.
Spice upgrade: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin-pie spice or apple-pie spice for depth.

storage/reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keep for up to 5–6 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil/plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for ~15 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through—the crust stays crisp.

FAQs

What makes it “Amish” coffee cake?

I think it’s the simplicity—no frosting or fancy layers, just pantry basics, straight-from-scratch baking, and that cozy, rustic charm.

Is there coffee in coffee cake?

No coffee in the batter—just a name from the tradition of serving it with coffee.

Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely—I often use plain Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of milk. It keeps the cake moist and tangy just right.

How do I know when it’s done?

When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and springy.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! For a 9×13 pan, double ingredients and bake about 8–10 minutes longer—watch for that golden top.

Conclusion

This Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake is my go-to when I want effortless comfort from a slice of homemade goodness. With its soft crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and crackly top, it’s cake anyone can fall in love with. Plus, leftovers stay delicious and make great homemade gifts. Bake a pan, brew the coffee, and enjoy a simple, timeless slice of warmth.