Classic Cinnamon Swirl Cake (Printable view)

Moist cake with cinnamon-sugar swirl and crumbly streusel topping, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

# What You Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1 cup sour cream
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cinnamon Swirl

10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ Streusel Topping

12 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
13 - 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then incorporate vanilla extract.
04 - Mix in sour cream until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring just until combined; do not overmix.
05 - Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
06 - Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Top with remaining batter and gently spread to cover.
07 - Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for streusel in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the batter.
08 - Bake for 38 to 42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • For extra flavor add 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the streusel.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired.
03 -
  • Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing.
  • Use parchment paper to easily lift the cake out of the pan.
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