Dutch Oven Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon coffee cake while camping or at home! This Dutch Oven Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake is soft, moist, and infused with warm cinnamon sugar swirls that melt in your mouth.

Baked over a campfire, grill, or in the oven, this foolproof recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Plus, the crumbly streusel topping and vanilla glaze take it to the next level.

Whether you’re making it on a camping trip or in your kitchen, this easy one-pot coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Perfect for Camping – No need for fancy equipment—just a Dutch oven and a campfire!
✔ Soft & Moist – The rich batter and cinnamon swirls create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✔ Deliciously Spiced – The cinnamon sugar filling and streusel topping add warmth and crunch.
✔ Easy One-Pot Baking – Minimal cleanup—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

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Ingredients

1- For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2- For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

3- For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

4- For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Dutch Oven

• If baking over a campfire, place hot coals under and on top of the Dutch oven for even heat.
• If using an oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease the inside of the Dutch oven with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• In another bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
• Pour half the cake batter into the Dutch oven. Swirl in half the cinnamon mixture using a knife.
• Add the remaining batter and repeat the swirl pattern.

4. Make the Streusel Topping

• In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake.

5. Bake the Cake

Campfire Method:

• Cover the Dutch oven with the lid. Place 8-10 hot coals underneath and 10-12 coals on top.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, rotating every 15 minutes for even cooking.

Oven Method:

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Glaze & Serve

• Let the cake cool slightly.
• Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the glaze. Drizzle over the cake before serving.

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Expert Tips for the Recipe

✅ Use Parchment Paper – Lining the Dutch oven makes it easier to lift the cake out.
✅ Adjust Campfire Heat – If baking over coals, check every 10 minutes to prevent burning.
✅ Make Ahead – Prepare the batter and streusel in ziplock bags before your camping trip.
✅ Add Nuts or Raisins – For extra crunch, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.