Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time with this Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. A soft, buttery cake serves as the perfect base for a swirled cinnamon-sugar topping, all finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this cake combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. Quick to prepare and full of cinnamon-spiced goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Simple: No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Cinnamon Roll Flavor: All the iconic flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make cake.
Versatile: Serve it as a breakfast treat, dessert, or a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a potluck—it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a cream cheese glaze for a unique twist.
Key Ingredients:
Butter: Adds richness to both the cake and topping. Using melted butter simplifies the process and ensures a moist texture.
Eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise. Use room-temperature eggs for the best results.
Sugar: White sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar in the topping adds a deep, molasses-like flavor.
Flour: The base of the cake. All-purpose flour works perfectly to create a tender crumb.
Vanilla: Enhances the flavor in both the cake and glaze, making the sweetness more complex and aromatic.
Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises properly.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Adds warmth and spice, making every bite irresistibly cozy.
Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, giving the cake its signature sweet drizzle.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, eggs, and sugar until well blended.
Add flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
Gradually add milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Pour and Spread
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Spread it evenly across the pan.
4. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
Aim for a glaze consistency similar to pancake syrup.
7. Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set as the cake cools.
8. Serve
Serve the cake warm for a comforting treat or at room temperature for convenience.
Serving Suggestions:
Breakfast or Brunch: Pair a warm slice with a steaming cup of coffee, chai latte, or hot cocoa.
Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Party Treat: Slice into bite-sized squares for a dessert platter or potluck.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to retain moisture.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving, if desired.
Variations to Try:
Nutty Cinnamon Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Raisin Swirl: Mix a handful of raisins into the topping for a chewy, sweet addition.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.
Spiced Delight: Enhance the cake with a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a more complex flavor.
Mini Cakes: Pour the batter into muffin tins for individual servings—reduce baking time to about 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion:
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls, but in a simpler, more accessible format. With its buttery swirl, tender crumb, and sweet glaze, it’s destined to become a family favorite. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is as easy to make as it is to eat. Whip it up today—you won’t be disappointed!
Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake: A Swirled Delight of Comfort and Sweetness
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup butter melted (for topping)
- 1 cup brown sugar for topping
- 2 tbsp flour for topping
- 1 tbsp cinnamon for topping
- 2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
- 5 tbsp milk for glaze
- 1 tsp vanilla for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, eggs, and sugar until well blended. Add flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Stir until just combined. Gradually add milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the pan.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Aim for a glaze consistency similar to pancake syrup.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set as the cake cools.
- Serve the cake warm for a comforting treat or at room temperature for convenience.