Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake – Moist, Easy and Authentic

A Sweet Memory That Started It All

The first time I tasted an Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake was in my neighbor Ruth’s kitchen. She was Amish-born and baked like it was her love language. No frosting, no fuss—just a golden cinnamon sugar crust and the softest, most comforting bite I’d ever had. It tasted like comfort baked into every bite—like the kind of treat you’d find waiting on the kitchen table after a long day. When I asked for the recipe, she smiled and said, “Good food is meant to be shared.” I’ve baked that Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake ever since—with a few personal twists—and now, I’m sharing it with you.

What Makes This Cinnamon Coffee Cake So Special

If you’re craving something simple, cozy, and baked with love, this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm welcome—soft, buttery, and crowned with a sweet cinnamon streusel that crackles just slightly at the top.

Unlike flashy cakes with frosting and frills, this one celebrates tradition. Just like my Amish Apple Fritter Bread and Amish Applesauce Cake, it’s made from everyday ingredients, comes together quickly, and never disappoints. Whether you’re baking for a lazy Sunday morning or a last-minute dessert, this recipe brings comfort without complication.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make it, the baking tips that guarantee success, a few fun variations, and how to keep every slice as moist as the first. If you love comforting bakes, don’t miss our Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies or this rich Butterfinger Poke Cake for a chocolatey twist.

Let’s get baking.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What Makes This an Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

This Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake is more than just a simple dessert—it’s a slice of tradition. With its soft, tender crumb and crackly cinnamon sugar topping, it perfectly reflects the no-fuss, flavor-first style of Amish baking. There’s no frosting, no heavy filling—just pure, homemade comfort in every bite.

What makes an Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake truly “Amish” is the simplicity of its ingredients. Most Amish kitchens rely on pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and of course, cinnamon. This cake uses those same essentials, combining them in a way that feels humble yet deeply satisfying.

Coffee cake has a long history that dates back centuries, evolving over time across cultures and kitchens. As noted by the Smithsonian Magazine, coffee cake wasn’t originally meant to include coffee—it was simply meant to be served with coffee, as a warm, sweet treat. The Amish took that idea and made it their own: a simple, shareable bake that fits perfectly on a farmhouse table.

This Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake is true to that heritage. It has a delicate cinnamon swirl inside, a buttery streusel topping, and a soft texture that stays moist for days. It’s the kind of cake you bake once—and then again and again—because it just makes people happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

(And Smart Substitutions That Still Taste Incredible)

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The beauty of this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake is that it’s made from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Like most Amish-style recipes, it sticks to basics—nothing fancy, just reliable pantry staples that come together beautifully.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – For structure and tenderness. Feel free to swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you’re baking for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the batter and melts perfectly into the cinnamon swirl for that signature flavor.
• Brown sugar – Used in the streusel topping for extra moisture and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Cinnamon – The warm, fragrant spice that gives this coffee cake its cozy, unmistakable character. For a more aromatic result, try using Ceylon cinnamon (learn the difference via The Spice House).

Wet Ingredients

• Butter – Use unsalted for better control over flavor. It adds richness and keeps the crumb tender.
• Eggs – Help bind everything and provide structure.
• Sour cream – The secret to a moist, dense texture. You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk (see this King Arthur Baking article for how it works in cakes).
• Milk – Loosens the batter and helps balance moisture.

Streusel Topping

• A simple mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter makes the irresistible crunchy top.
• You can add chopped pecans or walnuts if you like a bit of texture.

Smart Substitutions:

• No sour cream? Use full-fat Greek yogurt or a mix of buttermilk and a touch of oil.
• Want it dairy-free? Try plant-based butter and swap in coconut or oat milk for a dairy-free twist that still tastes rich and cozy.
• Lower sugar version? Sub half the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or coconut sugar.
• Need gluten-free? A cup-for-cup GF flour blend works well—just avoid overmixing.

This ingredient list makes it easy to bake on the fly, and flexible enough to suit most dietary needs without losing that comforting, authentic flavor.3

Baking Tips for Moist, Perfect Results

Little Techniques That Make a Big Difference

Even though this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake is simple to make, a few smart baking tips can take it from “just good” to bakery-worthy. Here’s how to ensure your cake comes out soft, flavorful, and evenly baked—every single time.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the flour, mix just until everything is combined. Stirring too much can toughen the batter—once the flour goes in, mix just until combined to keep the cake soft and tender. Use a spatula and fold gently for best texture.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Bring your eggs, butter, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly and creates a more even crumb once baked.

Alternate Wet and Dry for Better Structure

Add the dry ingredients and milk in turns, beginning and ending with the dry—this helps everything mix evenly without overworking the batter. This ensures a better rise and smoother texture.

Don’t Underbake (or Overbake!)

Check for doneness around 35 minutes, depending on your pan size. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few soft crumbs clinging to it, not raw batter. If it’s bone dry, it’s overdone.

Tip: Metal pans tend to heat quickly and bake more evenly, while glass holds heat longer and can lead to overdone edges if you’re not careful. For more, see this Bon Appétit breakdown on how bakeware affects results.

It Cool Before Cutting

As tempting as it is to slice right in, give your coffee cake at least 10–15 minutes to cool. Letting it rest helps the cake firm up, so you get neat, easy slices.

These small baking habits make a big difference in the final product—keeping your Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake moist, flavorful, and irresistible from edge to center.

Fun Variations & Customizations for Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

Because Good Cake Deserves Options

One of the best things about this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake is how adaptable it is. The traditional version is wonderfully comforting, but a few simple tweaks can give it a fresh spin while keeping all the cozy, homemade charm.

Here are some fun ways to customize your Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake for the season, your diet, or your cravings:

Add Fruit for a Fruity Twist

Toss in chopped apples, sliced bananas, or even blueberries to add moisture and a burst of flavor. Apple chunks pair especially well with the cinnamon sugar base and enhance the classic Amish dessert vibe.

Add Nuts for Crunch

If you enjoy a bit of texture, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the streusel. They bring a rustic, earthy bite that complements the softness of the Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake beautifully.

Turn It Into Muffins or Mini Loaves

Want to make it grab-and-go? Try baking the batter in a muffin tin or mini loaf pans for perfectly portioned treats. Just reduce the baking time to 18–22 minutes for muffins and 25–30 for minis. These grab-and-go versions are great for brunch spreads or an easy weekday indulgence.

Make It Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free

This Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake can easily be adjusted for dietary needs:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Use dairy-free butter and your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat for an easy non-dairy option.
• You can swap the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, plant-based option.

Even with a few swaps, that signature cinnamon swirl and crunchy streusel still steal the show—every bite stays just as warm and comforting.

Seasonal Spice Swaps

Give it a fall makeover with pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg and clove. In winter, add a touch of orange zest or ginger for a festive twist on your Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake.

No matter how you personalize it, the heart of this recipe stays the same: a soft, moist crumb, warm cinnamon sugar, and that homemade charm that makes every slice feel special.

Serving, Storage & Leftover Ideas

How to Make the Most of Your Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

Fresh from the oven, this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake is the kind of treat that turns a quiet morning into something special. But the beauty of this cake is that it keeps well and can be enjoyed in more ways than one—even days later. Here’s how to serve it up, store it right, and reinvent leftovers like a pro.

Best Ways to Serve It

• Warm it slightly and enjoy with coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy snack.
• Finish it off with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a spoonful of yogurt for a cozy, well-rounded brunch.
• Turn it into dessert with a fluffy spoonful of whipped cream or a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Whether you’re starting the day or ending a meal, Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake fits right in with whatever you’re craving.

How to Store It

• Room Temperature: Store covered or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–6 days when sealed tightly.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store in a freezer bag. For best results, follow these expert tips on how to freeze cake properly without sacrificing texture.

Before serving leftovers, bring them to room temp or warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

• Mini parfaits: Layer cake cubes with fruit and yogurt.
• Toasted slices: Lightly butter and griddle for crispy edges.
• Cake trifle: Use chunks in a layered dessert with cream and berries.
• French toast twist: Dip slices in egg batter and cook like classic French toast.

Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake doesn’t just last—it adapts, transforms, and keeps delivering joy with every bite.

Nutrition Details for Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

What’s Inside Each Cozy Slice

While this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake is made for comfort, it’s still helpful to know what’s in each serving—especially if you’re baking for loved ones with specific dietary needs or simply want to enjoy it mindfully.

Here’s a general nutrition estimate per slice, based on a standard 9×9-inch pan divided into 12 servings:

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (1 slice)

• Calories: ~290–320
• Total Fat: 14–16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 38–42g
  • Sugars: 22–25g
• Protein: 3–5g
• Cholesterol: ~50mg
• Sodium: ~180–220mg
• Fiber: ~1g

📌 These numbers are approximate. To get exact values based on your specific ingredients and substitutions, you can use a recipe nutrition calculator.

Tips for Lightening It Up (If You Want To)

If you’re looking to cut back on sugar or fat but still enjoy the warmth of this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake, try these smart swaps:

• Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
• Reduce sugar by 25% or substitute with coconut sugar or stevia
• Swap in white whole wheat flour for a boost of fiber without losing the soft texture.
• Use applesauce in place of some butter for moisture without heaviness — it works beautifully, as outlined in this Healthline guide to using applesauce in baking
• Looking to cut back on sugar long-term? These heart-smart tips from the American Heart Association can help you make lasting changes.

Whether you make it classic or lightened up, this coffee cake still delivers that sweet, cinnamon-kissed comfort in every bite. It’s all about finding your perfect balance of flavor and feel-good baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Thoughts on Amish Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

There’s just something special about a slice of this Amish cinnamon sugar coffee cake — soft, cinnamon-kissed, and wrapped in nostalgia. It’s the kind of bake that doesn’t need frosting or fanfare to win people over.

If you loved the simplicity of this recipe, you might also enjoy our cozy Amish Apple Fritter Bread or this comforting Amish Applesauce Cake. Both follow the same wholesome, no-fuss philosophy.

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between, this cake brings warmth to any table. And honestly, there’s no better feeling than baking something from scratch that’s this simple—and this good.

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