Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Name: Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: ¾ cups unsalted butter, softened ((one a half sticks)); 1 ½ cups sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt ((non fat or whole milk work)); 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 ½ cups all purpose flour ((original recipe calls for cake flour)); ⅔ cup all purpose flour; ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed ((half a stick))

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This recipe for Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a Starbucks copycat recipe so you can eat this delicious dessert at home! Made from the same recipe that Starbucks uses, you are going to love this classic treat.

Starbucks Cinnamon Coffee Cake is one of my favorite treats to get when I’m picking up my daily coffee. I was thrilled to find out that I could make it at home using the recipe provided at Starbucks website.

I have tweaked this recipe using the ingredients I have on hand and simplified some of the instructions. You are going to love the end result of this moist and delicious coffee cake laced with cinnamon goodness!

If you love coffee cake, be sure to try my Cherry Coffee Cake, Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake or my Blueberry Ricotta Coffee Cake. For a classic coffee-flavored dessert, check out my Tiramisu Recipe! Biscoff lovers be sure to this simple Biscoff Toffee recipe, and if you love cinnamon try these Cinnamon Chip Muffins!

Table of Contents

The BEST Cinnamon Coffee Cake

This recipe for Starbucks Cinnamon Coffee Cake is the best, especially since it’s a recipe shared from Starbucks itself. Here, I give you additional guidance and simplify how to make the recipe using what you have.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a sweet and satisfying snack cake with layers of flavors and textures. There is a crunchy cinnamon topping as well as cinnamon layer within the cake.

This is a great recipe to have on hand for entertaining. It’s simple to make and can feed a crowd. Plus, it’s great to make ahead of time.

I’ve updated the recipe so that you can make it in one bowl. In addition, I have tested this recipe out using different types of greek yogurt and flours, so that you can make it without having to purchase additional ingredients.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a great recipe to have on hand for brunches or the holidays. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make Starbucks Cinnamon Coffee Cake you will need: butter, sugar, eggs, greek yogurt, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, salt, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Flour: the original recipe calls for cake flour. I have made this recipe using both cake flour and all-purpose flour. The cake flour will give a slightly lighter cake crumb, but using it is definitely not necessary. All-purpose flour will work just fine here.
Greek yogurt: Starbucks’ recipe doesn’t specify what kind of greek yogurt should be used here. I have made this Cinnamon Coffee Cake using both nonfat and whole milk varieties. The whole milk made the cake slightly moister, but not it’s definitely not necessary. Feel free to use whatever plain greek yogurt you have on hand.

How to Make Starbucks Cinnamon Coffee Cake

This recipe has been modified from the original version from Starbucks. I have simplified the steps and make the baking instructions clearer, as well as provided substitutions for some of the ingredients.

To make this Cinnamon Coffee Cake, start by spraying a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray and lining with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

process shots showing how to make the recipe including dolloping the batter into the pan.

Step 1: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes. Add in the eggs and mix again. Then, add in the greek yogurt and vanilla and mix until well combined.

Step 2: To the same bowl, mix in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the flour and mix until all of the ingredients are well combined, scrapping down the sides of the bowl as you mix.

Step 3: To make the cinnamon streusel, in a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add in cubed butter and work into the mixture using either a fork or your hands.

Step 4: Spread half of the coffee cake batter into the bottom of the greased pan. Next, sprinkle on half of the cinnamon streusel mixture. Dollop on the remaining batter and use a butter knife to spread it around. Sprinkle on the remaining cinnamon streusel.

Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the coffee cake comes out clean. You will know the cake is done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Be careful not to over bake.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake slice on a white plate.

Let cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before cutting a square. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!

Recipe Tips and FAQs

To make Starbucks Cinnamon Coffee Cake, use a 9 x 13 inch baking pan rather than a loaf pan. A loaf pan will not be large enough.
The original recipe calls for cake flour. I have made this recipe multiple times and all-purpose flour works just fine.
You can use either whole or nonfat plain greek yogurt here.
Leftover Cinnamon Coffee Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.

What is coffee cake?

There are a few defining characteristics of coffee cake. Most coffee cakes have a vanilla base with a flavor layer of cinnamon, brown sugar, dried fruit or nuts. Almost all coffee cakes have a streusel topping but they are typically not frosted. There is no actual coffee in coffee cake.

How do you know when coffee cake is done?

You will know your coffee cake is done baking when the edges of the cake start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Check for doneness using a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Be sure to test for doneness soon so that you don’t over bake the cake.

Can I use a bundt pan instead of a 9 x 13 baking pan?

If you don’t have a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, a standard sized 10 cup bundt cake pan would be a great alternative. The baking times will differ, so be sure to test for doneness using a toothpick.

Cinnamon coffee cake slices piled on each other.

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