Warm Crumb, Bold Brew: The Ultimate Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe with Bazan Coffee

There’s a reason the easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe is a beloved classic, it’s comforting, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. But what if we told you it could also be a tool for elevating your morning coffee experience, especially when paired with Bazan’s specialty Vietnamese roasts? In this expertly crafted guide, we combine trusted baking science, advanced pairing logic, and real-world barista insights to help you create a cinnamon coffee cake that’s as sophisticated as it is simple.

Based on research, and best practices we’ll show you how to make cinnamon coffee cake from scratch, pair it with the perfect brew, and adapt the recipe for your style and schedule.

Why Cinnamon Coffee Cake Works

Why Cinnamon Coffee Cake Works

1. Cinnamon’s Volatile Compounds

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and coumarin compounds that pair perfectly with coffee’s phenolic and caramel notes. Cinnamon enhances perceived sweetness and complexity when paired with high-quality Arabica.

2. Moisture and Structure Balance

Cakes made with sour cream or Greek yogurt retain more moisture and resist drying out. When combined with brown sugar and butter, the crumb structure becomes tender yet rich, ideal for pairing with medium to dark roasts.

3. Sensory Congruence

Flavor theory emphasizes “echoed notes” where ingredients like cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter reinforce similar compounds in specialty coffee, such as nutty, caramel, or spice-like aromatics.

Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 35–40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 9–12 slices

Ingredients

For the Batter:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt

  • 1/2 cup strong brewed Bazan Coffee (cooled)

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 1/2 cup flour

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

  • 4 tbsp cold butter, cubed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8x8" pan.

  2. Cream butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.

  3. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and coffee.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.

  5. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.

  6. Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon swirl.

  7. Add remaining batter.

  8. Prepare crumb topping and sprinkle over batter.

  9. Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  10. Cool 15–20 minutes before serving.

Elevate with Flavor Tweaks

Add Citrus Zest:

Enhances brightness when paired with floral Arabica.

Add Chopped Pecans or Walnuts:

Boosts texture and complements Robusta blends.

Espresso Drizzle:

Mix 1 tbsp brewed Bazan Coffee with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Bazan Coffee Pairings: Choose Your Roast Wisely

Cau Dat Arabica

Cau Dat Arabica

  • Tasting notes: Bell pepper, spices, caramel

  • Roast: Light-medium

  • Ideal brew: Pour-over, Chemex, AeroPress

  • Effect: Highlights cinnamon’s floral and citrus tones

Special Vietnam Blend

Special Vietnam Blend

  • Tasting notes: Cocoa, caramel, fruity

  • Roast: Medium

  • Ideal brew: French press, Clever

  • Effect: Echoes cake’s spice and brown sugar complexity

Fine Robusta – Krong Năng

Fine Robusta – Krong Năng

  • Tasting notes: Durian, caramel, honey

  • Roast: Dark

  • Ideal brew: Espresso, moka pot

  • Effect: Bold contrast, ideal for those who prefer richer flavor pairings

FAQs: Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Q1: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
 Yes, choose full-fat Greek yogurt for best texture.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
 Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum if not already included.

Q3: How should I store leftovers?
 Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5. Warm before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze it?
 Yes. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q5: What if I don’t have brewed coffee?
 Use 1/4 cup strong coffee concentrate or espresso + 1/4 cup water.

Why Bazan Coffee Is the Perfect Partner

Bazan Coffee isn’t just for sipping. Thanks to its meticulous sourcing, fermentation, and roast profiling, it performs equally well in cups and cakes. Grown in Vietnam’s volcanic soil at elevations up to 1,550m, Bazan beans:

  • Retain flavor when cooled and incorporated into batters

  • Match sweetness and spice from cakes with natural complexity

  • Offer clarity in both light and dark roast formats

Unlike commodity coffee, Bazan’s micro-lots are designed to complement culinary creations.

Bake Better, Brew Smarter: Shop Bazan Coffee Today

Whether you’re hosting brunch, baking for a holiday, or just treating yourself, the right cinnamon coffee cake deserves coffee that brings balance and brightness to every bite.

Visit our shop page and explore the Bazan roast that fits your kitchen, your cup, and your cake.

Because good baking starts with better beans and Bazan brings both to the table.

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