Easy Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake: Your Go-To Recipe for Brunch & Beyond
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake, featuring a rich, spiced walnut tunnel through its center and a delightful cinnamon glaze on top. This aromatic and easy-to-make cake is truly perfect for any occasion, from a leisurely brunch to a cozy evening dessert.
Cinnamon spice coffee cake isn’t just a catchy name; it truly earns its title. The warm, inviting notes of cinnamon perfectly complement a freshly brewed cup of coffee, creating a harmonious flavor experience that’s hard to beat. While often associated with breakfast or brunch, this versatile cake transcends morning meals, making an equally wonderful dessert or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. Who could resist a slice of moist, tender cake, generously infused with fragrant spices and boasting a decadent tunnel of buttery, sugary walnuts running right through its core?
The Allure of Cinnamon in Baking
Cinnamon, a beloved spice across cultures and cuisines, brings more than just flavor to this coffee cake. Its sweet, woody aroma instantly evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. Beyond its delightful taste, cinnamon is also known for potential health benefits, including its ability to help stabilize blood sugar. This means a little sweetness goes a long way, allowing the natural flavors of the cake to shine without overwhelming your palate. The subtle spiciness of cinnamon, especially when paired with other warming spices like cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that elevates a simple cake into a culinary masterpiece. It’s the quintessential spice for bridging the gap between sweet and savory, making it an ideal partner for the slightly bitter notes of coffee.
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I whipped up this delightful coffee cake just over a month ago when my dear friend, Gail, came to visit. It had been ages since we last saw each other, and I was absolutely thrilled to spend the weekend catching up with her! Gail is married to my husband’s cousin, and from the very first time we met, we instantly clicked. Over the years, our friendship has blossomed, and we’ve come to know each other incredibly well, often texting throughout the week, sharing laughs and life updates.
We share a delightful obsession with Rae Dunn — if you’re not familiar, be warned, the cuteness is highly addictive if you decide to look it up! Gail lives about three hours away, so we often “virtually shop” for our Rae Dunn finds, sending each other cell phone photos of treasures we spot. Beyond our shared love for charming pottery, we have one very significant thing in common: our absolute, crazy adoration for all things Valentine’s Day. I’ve honestly never met anyone who loves it quite as much as I do, and it’s incredibly refreshing to finally have someone who just *gets me*. You know that feeling?
Gail is also an avid reader of blogs, and she truly understands the creative side of what I do. For some people, my job is a bit like Chandler’s on “Friends” – they know I work every day, but they don’t quite grasp *what* it is that I actually do. Gail, my #SisterFromAnotherMister, is one of those precious friends who truly supports and understands my passion. She’s also an incredible sounding board for new recipe ideas. With her amazing collection of recipes and her love for baking, I knew I had to create something truly special for her visit. And knowing how much she loves cake, this Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake was absolutely perfect.
Effortlessly Delicious: Easy Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake
What makes this Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake so remarkably easy to prepare? The secret lies in starting with a high-quality boxed cake mix and instant pudding mix. This clever shortcut drastically cuts down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor or texture. But even with this head start, it’s the personal touches – the addition of carefully selected spices and the layering of that incredible walnut spice tunnel – that truly elevate this cake from simple to sensational. The entire process, from mixing to baking, takes just a few minutes of active preparation. Then, as it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with an intoxicating aroma, reminiscent of holidays and comfort, instantly bringing a feeling of warmth and good cheer.
A Legacy of Coffee Cakes
If you’ve followed my recipes, you might notice I have quite a few coffee cake creations. Perhaps you’d assume I either drink a lot of coffee or have an insatiable love for these delightful cakes. The truth is, I believe coffee cakes might just be woven into my DNA! There’s something inherently comforting and celebratory about them, whether it’s a simple streusel-topped classic or a more elaborate creation like this spiced walnut tunnel cake. They represent a tradition of sharing good food with loved ones, making everyday moments feel a little more special.
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A Brief History of the Beloved Coffee Cake
The concept of coffee cakes, as we know them today, traces its origins back to 17th-century Vienna. These sweet, often spiced cakes quickly gained popularity as the perfect accompaniment to the then-newly trending beverage: coffee. As coffee spread across Europe, becoming a staple in cafes and homes, so too did its sweet counterpart. Each region, country, and even city added its own unique spin, leading to a rich tapestry of coffee cake variations. However, the fundamental principle remained consistent: the best coffee cakes masterfully blend sweet and spicy notes to perfectly complement the robust, often bitter characteristics of coffee. This historical connection underscores why cinnamon, with its inherent warmth and sweetness, is such an ideal spice for these cakes.
The Synergy: Why Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake is a Perfect Match
The reason Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake works so exceptionally well lies in the remarkable synergy between cinnamon and coffee. Cinnamon doesn’t just add flavor; it can actually enhance the perceived sweetness of coffee without the need for additional sugar. This makes it a fantastic pairing for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their morning brew but are looking to reduce sugar intake. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, cinnamon is recognized for its ability to help stabilize blood sugars, adding a mindful element to this delicious treat. It allows for that indulgent moment of sweetness while contributing a subtle, beneficial touch to your day, making every bite feel a little more wholesome.
Mastering Your Bundt Pan: Tips for a Flawless Cake
A bundt cake mold is a magical tool, capable of transforming any simple cake into an elegant work of art. But this magic only works if the cake slides out unbroken! There’s nothing quite as frustrating as carefully baking a beautiful bundt cake only for it to cling stubbornly to the pan, leaving you with a broken mess that even the most generous frosting can’t completely disguise. At that point, you might as well start over, or perhaps embrace the “deconstructed cinnamon spice coffee cake” look – it’ll still taste great, even if it looks like an epic fail. For a cake as special as this Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake, with its delicate walnut filling, ensuring a clean release is even more crucial.
The Art of Greasing Your Bundt Pan
Most modern bundt pans feature a non-stick surface, which certainly helps reduce the suspense of whether your cake will emerge perfectly. However, proper greasing is still paramount, especially for pans with intricate designs like the one I used for this recipe. Those little crevices and detailed patterns are notorious for clinging to cake batter.
**First and foremost: AVOID BUTTER!** This is one of the most common mistakes bakers make. The milk solids in butter can actually cause your cake to stick, and even worse, they can burn, leaving an unpleasant, acrid flavor. Instead, opt for vegetable shortening or a non-stick cooking spray specifically designed for baking. Make sure to liberally coat every single inch of the pan’s interior, especially getting into all the nooks and crannies. If you’re using an aluminum or cast iron bundt mold, this step becomes even more critical.
**Timing is everything:** Don’t grease your pan too early! If you apply the spray oil or shortening well in advance of adding the batter, it can simply run down to the bottom of the pan, leaving the sides unprotected. Grease it just before you pour in the batter.
**Enhanced release:** For an extra layer of non-stick protection and a delightful textural element, you can finely grind about a quarter cup of leftover walnuts into a powder, similar to flour, and sprinkle this dust into the greased pan. Make sure to rotate the pan to coat it evenly. Alternatively, a light dusting of granulated sugar can also work wonders, but be sure to invert the cake while it’s still warm. If the sugar cools too much, it can harden and glue the cake to the pan, creating the exact sticky situation you’re trying to avoid. And remember, unlike the finely ground walnuts or sugar, **do not use flour** to dust your bundt pan, as it can also cause sticking, much like milk solids.
Explore More Coffee Cake Delights
If this Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake has captured your heart (and your taste buds!), then I highly recommend diving into some of my other favorite coffee cake recipes. There’s a perfect coffee cake for every mood and every occasion. And just for the record, you absolutely do not need to be a coffee drinker to thoroughly enjoy a fantastic slice of coffee cake! They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, a glass of cold milk, or truly any beverage you fancy.
- Cherry Filled Coffee Cake
- Applesauce Coffee Cake
- Banana Bread Coffee Cake
- Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
You’re going to absolutely adore the incredible aromas that fill your kitchen while this Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake bakes to golden perfection! Now, let’s get right to the recipe so you can experience this delightful treat yourself. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 18.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- 2 3.4 ounce boxes of vanilla instant pudding
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
For the walnut spice tunnel
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of each: cinnamon star anise, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cloves
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Spice Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 10″ bundt pan. (or spray with non-stick cooking spray)
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In a bowl, stir together cake mix and instant pudding. Add in eggs, oil, and water and mix until combined.
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In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, walnuts, and spices.
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Add half of the batter to the prepared bundt pan, top with spiced nut mixture, cover with remaining batter.
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Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees, and bake for another 40 minutes.
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Cool slightly before inverting onto a plate. Glaze while still warm. (but not hot!)
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Delicious warm or cold.
Notes
Nutrition