There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar swirling through the kitchen. This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake takes all the warm, gooey flavors of a classic cinnamon roll and transforms them into a soft, crumbly coffee cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. It’s like getting the best of both worlds—without the hassle of rolling dough!
Picture this: a tender vanilla cake with a rich, buttery cinnamon swirl running through the center, all topped with a sweet glaze that melts into every crevice. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Whether you’re serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or enjoying a slice straight from the pan, this cake is pure comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve it warm for a comforting morning treat, or enjoy a chilled slice in the afternoon with coffee.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—just classic flavors coming together in the best way.
Quick and Easy: No yeast, no waiting, no kneading! Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this coffee cake comes together in a snap.
Customizable: Love nuts? Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Want an extra kick? A touch of nutmeg or cardamom takes the flavor to another level.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, this cake is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Here’s what makes this cake so irresistible:
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the cake perfectly tender.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl.
Flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it a soft yet sturdy texture.
Cinnamon: The star ingredient! It adds that warm, cozy flavor we all love.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and create a fluffy texture.
Milk: Keeps the cake moist and delicious. You can use dairy or a non-dairy alternative.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
Baking Powder: Gives the cake its light and airy texture.
Powdered Sugar & Milk (for the Glaze): The finishing touch that soaks into the warm cake, creating that classic cinnamon roll vibe.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to the right temperature so your cake bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown top.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter. This creates that irresistible swirl inside the cake.
Layer the Cake: Pour half the batter into a greased baking dish, then drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture, swirling with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the cake in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes!
Glaze It Up: While the cake is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle it over the top. Let it soak in for an extra gooey finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice it up, serve warm, and enjoy every bite. Pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
This cake is a delight on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve it:
With Coffee: A classic pairing—nothing beats a warm slice of cinnamon roll coffee cake with a fresh cup of coffee.
With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns this into an indulgent dessert.
With Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich, buttery cake.
With Fresh Fruit: Serve with berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing twist.
Warm or Chilled: Enjoy it fresh from the oven or refrigerate for a denser, more intense flavor the next day.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: You can bake this the night before and warm it up in the morning for a quick breakfast treat.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze for Later: Slice and wrap individual portions, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat for a quick, homemade treat.
Adjust the Sweetness: Prefer it less sweet? Reduce the sugar in the batter or use a lighter glaze.
Add Nuts or Raisins: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make a great addition to the cinnamon swirl.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A1: Yes! You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
Q2: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: Yes! Bake it the night before and warm it up in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q6: How do I get the perfect swirl?
A6: Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Don’t overmix—just enough to create a marbled effect.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q8: Can I skip the glaze?
A8: Sure! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
A9: Microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds, or warm the whole cake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Q10: Can I add a streusel topping?
A10: Yes! A crumbly streusel topping made with butter, sugar, and flour would be a delicious addition.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls, minus the hassle. It’s soft, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy morning at home or impressing guests at brunch, this cake will always be a winner. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a deliciously soft and sweet breakfast treat, combining the best flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a sheet cake. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or meal prep, this make-ahead breakfast is packed with swirls of cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy icing for the ultimate indulgence. Serve it warm for a cozy start to your day
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 6 tbsp cinnamon
- 15 tbsp butter, melted
For the rolls:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
For the icing:
- 4 1/2 tbsp salted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 tsp corn syrup
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and airy.
- Mix in sour cream, then add milk and stir to combine.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- In another bowl, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the filling mixture on top and swirl it in using a knife or toothpick.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a saucepan, prepare the icing by combining butter, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese, and continue stirring until fully melted.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, adjusting for desired consistency.
- Let the icing cool slightly, then pour over the cake.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- This cake freezes well. Slice and store in a vacuum-sealed bag with parchment paper between layers.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
- For extra decadence, drizzle caramel or sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg