If you love starting your day with something sweet, warm, and utterly irresistible, then this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine all the best parts of gooey cinnamon rolls swirled together into a soft, moist coffee cake—what’s not to love? This recipe combines the classic flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar with a melt-in-your-mouth cake and a beautiful drizzle of icing on top. Inspired by lazy weekend mornings and memories of sharing fresh-baked goodies with family, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It’s a snap to put together and needs only a handful of pantry staples, making it ideal for both impromptu baking sessions and special occasions. If you’ve enjoyed my ever-popular Blueberry Streusel Muffins, you’ll fall for this coffee cake’s cozy charm, too. Ready to up your breakfast game? Let’s get baking and treat the whole family to something delicious!
What is Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?
Ever wondered what happens when a soft coffee cake and a gooey cinnamon roll have a delicious dessert baby? Enter the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake! The name might sound like a tongue-twister, but don’t worry—there are no actual cinnamon rolls hidden in the dough. It’s the best of both worlds: tender cake layered with a ribbon of spiced sugar and topped off with a nostalgic icing drizzle. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but I’d argue this cake will win the whole family over! Who could resist a slice with their morning coffee? Go ahead—take the plunge and whip up this cozy creation!
Why You’ll Love This
The Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake steals the show with its soft, buttery crumb and swirls of warm cinnamon and brown sugar. Not only will you save money by baking this at home, but you’ll have the freedom to customize the flavors and make it just the way your family likes. The rich cinnamon swirl and simple vanilla glaze take it up a notch, offering the nostalgic taste of classic cinnamon rolls without all the extra work or waiting. Think of it as the cousin to our popular Classic Coffee Cake—just a little bit spicier and sweeter! Give it a try and turn an ordinary morning into something extra special.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake comes together in less than an hour and is as easy as mixing, swirling, and baking! Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find the step-by-step process simple and straightforward. The results? A super satisfying breakfast (or snack) with a tender crumb, decadent cinnamon layer, and sweet vanilla icing. Forget waiting for dough to rise—this recipe lets you enjoy fresh-baked cinnamon roll flavor any time you crave it!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. - Cream Butter & Eggs:
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. - Combine Wet & Dry:
Stir the milk and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. The batter should be thick but smooth. - Layer Batter & Swirl:
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter, creating a marbled effect. - Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan. - Make and Drizzle Icing:
While the cake cools, whisk the powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the icing over the warm cake before serving.
What to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake With
The beauty of this coffee cake is its versatility. Enjoy it fresh and warm as a decadent breakfast with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, pair it with fresh fruit salad or a creamy Greek yogurt parfait. If you want to get fancy, serve it as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also a wonderful companion to a savory egg bake or crispy bacon for a complete breakfast spread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
For best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature—this creates a lighter, fluffier crumb. Not a fan of vanilla? Swap it for almond extract for a new flavor twist. Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until everything comes together so your cake stays tender. If you like a little crunch, toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar! If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a non-dairy milk and vegan butter. Overbaking is the most common mistake—start checking for doneness at 30 minutes and remove when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic and place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through. If frozen, let the cake thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. This way, every slice tastes as good as the first!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to keep it light yet wholesome.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake the night before, cover it tightly, and drizzle the icing just before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a 9×13 inch pan and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses or use coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Of course! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a delightful way to bring the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with cozy cinnamon and buttery sweetness, and perfect for any occasion—from lazy weekend mornings to special holiday brunches. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Be sure to try it with your favorite toppings or pairings, and don’t forget to explore more breakfast recipes on the blog for even more inspiration. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
- Whisk
- Butter Knife
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
Icing
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar For icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
- Stir the milk and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. The batter should be thick but smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan.
- While the cake cools, whisk the powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the icing over the warm cake before serving.