If you adore the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls but want to enjoy that delicious flavor in a more coffee-friendly style, this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends the tender, moist crumb of a classic coffee cake with the irresistible swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, finishing off with a sweet glaze that takes every bite to cloud nine. It’s easy to bake, perfect for sharing at breakfast or brunch, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in building the texture, flavor, and look of your Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe. From the fluffiness of the flour and leavening to the sweet and aromatic cinnamon swirl, every component brings a little magic to this dish.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness throughout the cake batter to balance the spices.
- Baking powder: Your lift agent, ensuring the cake rises perfectly light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the sweetness from becoming flat.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Brings richness and helps create the luscious swirl in the cake.
- Brown sugar: Its molasses content adds a deep, caramelized sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this coffee cake its signature flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Used to create a simple glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness on top.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish to ensure the cake slides out effortlessly once baked, setting the stage for a flawless Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures the cake will have a delicate balance of sweetness and the right amount of lift.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until combined. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, forming the foundation of your cake’s soft crumb.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix; this step is key for a tender and fluffy cake rather than a dense one.
Step 5: Pour and Spread the Batter
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. An even layer ensures consistent baking and a beautiful final look to your coffee cake.
Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this fragrant mix evenly over the batter. Next, dollop spoonfuls of softened butter across the cinnamon sugar, setting you up for the classic marbled effect.
Step 7: Swirl the Batter
Carefully use a knife to swirl the cinnamon-sugar and butter into the batter, creating those iconic cinnamon roll swirls that will dazzle your taste buds.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This careful baking seals in all the flavors and textures of your coffee cake.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
While the cake bakes, combine powdered sugar and a tablespoon of milk in a bowl, whisking until smooth. This glaze is the final touch that adds a luscious sweetness and glossy finish.
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm surface so it melts slightly, enhancing every bite of your Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder over the glaze. Fresh berries also add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of rich coffee or chai tea. For a more substantial breakfast, serve it alongside creamy yogurt topped with honey and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into small squares and arranging them on a tiered platter for an irresistible brunch display. You can also serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its full flavor and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to preserve it longer, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing its delightful texture.
Reheating
To enjoy later, thaw the frozen cake overnight in the fridge, then warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for the ideal texture, but if needed, you can try a gluten-free blend. Just note the texture might be denser or slightly different.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or margarine to keep the same rich flavor without dairy.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts or even plumped raisins into the cinnamon sugar mixture makes for a lovely extra layer of flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly, checking often to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe is one of those charmingly simple treats that feels homemade and special all at once. Whether you’re surprising loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy morning, this coffee cake delivers warmth, sweetness, and satisfaction in every forkful. Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and make this little slice of happiness today!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a delightful bake that captures the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make coffee cake form. Featuring a moist, tender crumb swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these together thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent and sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well blended. This will create the liquid base for the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to create the signature cinnamon swirl.
- Add Butter Drops: Drop small spoonfuls of softened butter atop the cinnamon-sugar layer. This adds richness and helps meld the swirl into the cake when baked.
- Swirl Mixture: Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar and butter through the batter to create a visually appealing marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Make Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch that complements the cinnamon swirl.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- If desired, warm the milk slightly for the glaze to help it combine smoothly with powdered sugar.
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of melted butter in the batter.
- This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl adds a nice crunch.
