If you love your mornings sweet, cozy, and absolutely irresistible, this Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake is your dream come true! Each bite is soft, tender, and packed with warming cinnamon swirls and a buttery streusel, all finished with a luscious maple glaze.

The marriage of cinnamon and pure maple syrup makes this cake incredibly aromatic and flavorful, turning a simple breakfast staple into something truly special. It's quick to make, hard to mess up, and perfect for sharing with family or friends over a hot cup of coffee.

I've baked this cake for everything from Sunday brunches to holiday potlucks, and it never lasts long! If you want a new go-to for chilly mornings or a sweet treat to impress your guests, this coffee cake is a must-try.

A golden, cinnamon-swirled coffee cake sliced with sweet maple glaze drizzled over the top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bakes up soft and moist every time-no dry crumbs here!
Showcases rich maple syrup and cinnamon for maximum cozy flavor.
Comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.
Dressed up with an easy, decadent maple glaze you'll want on everything.

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Pure Maple Syrup

Real maple syrup brings a rich, nuanced sweetness and subtle caramel notes to both the batter and glaze. Opt for grade A amber for the best flavor. Avoid pancake syrups, which are mostly corn syrup-they just won't deliver the same deep, authentic maple taste.

Ground Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the heart of this coffee cake, infusing every bite with warmth and spice. Use freshly ground if you can, or at least make sure your spice is still fragrant. For a twist, try swapping in pumpkin pie spice or mixing in a dash of cardamom!

Sour Cream

Sour cream is key for that incredibly soft, moist crumb. Choose full-fat for the richest cake. Greek yogurt can act as a substitute in a pinch, but it gives a slightly tangier flavor.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar's molasses notes pair beautifully with maple and cinnamon, making the cake both flavorful and tender. Either light or dark brown sugar works, but dark brings even more depth. In a bind, you could use all granulated sugar-just know you'll lose a bit of that cozy, caramel richness.

Unsalted Butter

Butter brings flavor and richness to the cake and streusel. Let it come to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars. If using salted butter, just reduce the added salt slightly.

Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake cooking process

Instructions for Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish (or line with parchment for easy removal).

Make the Cinnamon Streusel

In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter with a fork. It should look like crumbly wet sand-this is your tasty swirl and topping!

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, beat the remaining ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup softened butter, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt together.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixture (whisk milk, sour cream, and ⅓ cup maple syrup together in a small bowl) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined-don't overmix for a tender cake!

Assemble the Layers

Spread half the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon streusel over the batter. Dollop the rest of the batter on top, smoothing gently. Finish by topping with the remaining streusel.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 33 to 36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs. The top should be golden and your kitchen will smell amazing.

Drizzle with Maple Glaze

Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes. For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the warm cake before slicing and serving.

Recipe Variations

Try It Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum) for a delicious gluten-free version. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too!

Make It Nutty

Love a little crunch? Stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel before layering. Their toasty flavor pairs beautifully with cinnamon and maple.

Vegan-Friendly Twist

Replace the butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs, and use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative. The cake stays moist and flavorful-no one will guess it's vegan!

Citrus Maple Mash-Up

Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest to the batter for a subtle citrusy lift. It adds brightness that enhances the maple and cinnamon combo.

Serving Suggestions

Serve big, warm slices of Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake with steaming coffee or chai for a comforting breakfast treat. For brunch, pair with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or Greek yogurt on the side. It's also gorgeous with a dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of extra cinnamon right before serving!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover coffee cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked magic. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months-just thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Bake the cake and glaze it the day before, then cover tightly. It's even more flavorful the next morning.

Q: Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of real maple syrup?

A: Real maple syrup gives the coffee cake its best flavor, but you can substitute maple-flavored syrup if that's what you have. The flavor won't be quite as rich or natural.

Q: Can I bake this in a round or loaf pan instead of a square pan?

A: Yes! A 9-inch round pan works perfectly, but baking time may vary slightly-start checking for doneness at 28 minutes.

Looking for a cozy breakfast that feels like a special treat? This Cinnamon Maple Coffee Cake is sweet, soft, and so easy to love. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out-don't forget to leave a comment or rating below with your results!