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Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake

A moist and tender cake rich with buttery notes and a delightful cinnamon sugar ribbon, topped with a buttery crumb topping, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baking, Cinnamon Swirl Cake, Crumb Cake, Dessert
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Can be substituted with milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
  • 2 large eggs Can be replaced with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) Chopped walnuts or pecans suggested.

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch cake pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  • Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and chopped nuts, if using.
  • Carefully add the remaining batter on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently, creating a marbled effect.

Crumb Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix together additional brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon to form the crumb topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the cake batter.

Baking

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Can refrigerate for extended freshness. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven.