Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

Quick & Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe That Dazzles

Easy cinnamon roll coffee cake elevates ordinary mornings into delightful culinary adventures.

Warm, soft, and impossibly tender, this beloved breakfast treat marries classic pastry comfort with cake-like elegance.

Sweet spices dance throughout each delectable layer, promising a sensory experience that goes beyond typical morning fare.

Buttery crumbs melt gracefully on your palate, creating an irresistible balance of richness and delicate flavor.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a cherished family secret.

Breakfast just got significantly more exciting and deliciously indulgent.

What People Love About This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

What People Love About This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
  • Swirl with Cinnamony Delight: This coffee cake brings restaurant-style swirled textures right into your kitchen, creating beautiful marbled patterns that look professionally crafted with minimal effort.
  • Quick Comfort in One Pan: Perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings, this recipe requires just one baking pan and delivers maximum flavor with minimal complicated steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Decadent Dessert-Like Breakfast: Blending the luxurious taste of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a coffee cake, this recipe transforms an ordinary morning into a celebration of sweet, warm comfort that feels like a special treat without demanding professional baking skills.

Key Ingredients for the Best Coffee Cake Flavor

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and bulk to the cake, choose all-purpose flour for best results.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning, white granulated sugar works perfectly.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter, whole milk recommended.
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness and flavor, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.
Topping and Swirl Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides classic cinnamon roll taste and warming spice.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for creating a smooth, sweet glaze.

Easy Baking Directions for Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Easy Baking Directions for Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
Mix until smooth. Add:
  • Flour
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Stir ingredients until just combined. Gradually pour in milk, mixing until batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Spread Batter

Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Topping

In a small bowl, blend:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Cinnamon

Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency. Spoon the topping over the batter, creating a marbled effect by gently swirling with a knife.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the cake pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 6: Create Glaze

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until you reach a syrup-like consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Glaze

Remove the cake from the oven. Allow to cool slightly. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm cake, letting it soak in and create a delicious topping.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cake warm for maximum comfort, or at room temperature for easy serving. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Tips to Perfect the Swirl and Texture

Tips to Perfect the Swirl and Texture
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter just until ingredients combine to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
  • Create Swirl Perfection: Use a butter knife or skewer to gently drag through the topping, creating beautiful marbled patterns without disturbing the cake's base.
  • Check Moisture Levels: Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
  • Glaze Game Strong: Drizzle warm glaze while the cake is still slightly warm to help it seep into the crannies and enhance overall flavor.
  • Storage Secret: Cover the cake loosely with foil at room temperature to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days.

Best Storage Ideas to Keep It Fresh

Best Storage Ideas to Keep It Fresh
  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store your cinnamon roll coffee cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze Method: Slice the cake into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring you label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore the cake's original softness by placing it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Pro tip: Add a small splash of milk while reheating to help revive the cake's tender texture and prevent potential dryness.

Drink Pairings and Toppings for Coffee Cake Time

  • Pair with Smooth Vanilla Latte: The creamy, aromatic vanilla latte complements the cinnamon roll coffee cake's warm spices, creating a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat that balances sweetness and richness.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: The rich caramel notes and espresso depth perfectly cut through the cake's sweetness, offering a luxurious flavor combination that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries provide a bright, fresh contrast to the cake's dense, sweet texture, adding a light and refreshing element to each decadent bite.
  • Enjoy with Cold Milk: A classic glass of chilled milk creates a simple, comforting pairing that neutralizes the cake's richness while enhancing its cinnamon-sugar warmth.

Fun Ways to Change Up This Morning Favorite

  • Nutty Crunch Cake: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon topping before baking, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the coffee cake.
  • Apple Spice Variation: Fold diced fresh apples into the batter and add a pinch of ground nutmeg to complement the cinnamon, creating a seasonal autumn-inspired treat.
  • Chocolate Swirl Edition: Mix cocoa powder into half the batter and create a marbled effect by swirling chocolate and vanilla batters together before adding the cinnamon topping.
  • Cream Cheese Ribbon: Blend softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and dollop small amounts between layers of batter before adding the cinnamon swirl, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the cake.
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Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon roll coffee cake delivers pure morning comfort with layers of sweet spice and tender crumb. Warm notes of cinnamon and buttery richness promise a delightful breakfast companion you’ll savor bite by delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Fat and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 5 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
  3. Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, pure vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
  4. Slowly pour in whole milk, continuously stirring to create a silky, lump-free batter that flows easily.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly across the bottom.
  6. Create the cinnamon topping by combining melted butter, dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl until achieving a uniform, crumbly texture.
  7. Delicately spoon the cinnamon mixture over the batter, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns that marble through the cake’s surface.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no wet batter.
  9. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until reaching a smooth, pourable consistency.
  10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes.
  11. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the crevices and create a delectable finish.
  12. Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature, enjoying its tender crumb and sweet cinnamon swirls.

Notes

  • Crave-worthy cake transforms classic cinnamon roll flavors into an easy, irresistible breakfast treat.
  • Swirling technique creates beautiful marbled pattern that looks professionally decorated without complex skills.
  • Glaze adds extra sweetness, making each bite moist and indulgent with minimal additional effort.
  • Perfect for weekend mornings, potlucks, or spontaneous gatherings where you want to impress without complicated preparations.
  • Leftovers stay deliciously soft when stored covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, becoming even more flavorful as spices settle.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 386 kcal
  • Sugar: 33g
  • Sodium: 171mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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