This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake brings you the warm, cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time! A tender buttery cake for a cinnamon-sugar-studded topping, swirled and with a rich vanilla glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert or an afternoon nibble, this cake marries ease with great flavor. Easy to whip up and packed with cinnamon-spiced goodness, it’ll soon be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy Peasy: No yeast, no proofing—just stir, bake and devour.
Cinnamon Roll Flavor: All the signature flavors of a cinnamon roll in a simple pan cake.
Versatile: For breakfast or dessert — or a snack for your sweet tooth.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family get-togethers, holidays, or a potluck, I can guarantee you this one is going to go quick!
Adaptable: Add nuts, raisins or even a cream cheese glaze for an optional spin.
Key Ingredients:
Butter: Provides richness in both the batter and topping. Melted butter makes everything simpler and assures you a moist texture.
Eggs: Structure and leavening for the cake. For more consistent and better results, use eggs at room temperature.
Sugar: White sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar in the topping adds a deep, molasses-like flavor.
Flour: The base of the cake. Same with all-purpose flour: it yields a nice tender crumb, as well.
Vanilla: It flavors both the cake and the glaze, rounding all the sweetness with nuance and fragrance.
Baking Powder: The leavener that makes it rise.
Cinnamon: The main spice! Implant warmth and … spice, so that each bite is irresistible in its coziness.
Powdered Sugar: The glaze is made with powdered sugar, which gives the cake its signature sweet drizzle.
Full ingredients list with quantities plus instructions can be found in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
To ensure that it does not stick, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a big bowl, combine melted butter, eggs and sugar until very mix up.
Sprinkle the flour, the vanilla, the baking powder and salt into the bowl. Stir until just combined.
Slowly stir in milk until the batter is smooth and lump free.
Pour and Spread
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.
Spread it out evenly in the pan.
Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
Dot the topping mixture in spoonfuls all over the batter in the pan.
With a knife, swirl the topping into the batter to make a marbled effect.
Bake
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
Bake 30-35 minutes or until a tooth pick into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth while the cake is baking.
You want a glaze that is the same consistency as pancake syrup.
Glaze the Cake
After the cake is cooked, take it from the oven and allow it to cool a bit.
Drizzle the glaze over the top of the still-warm cake. Let it set as the cake cools.
Serve
Serve the cake warm for a comforting treat, or at room temperature for ease.
Serving Suggestions:
Breakfast or Brunch: A slice warm, with a steaming cup of coffee, chai latte or hot cocoa.
Dessert: For an extravagance, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Party Treat: Cut into bite-size squares for a dessert platter or to bring to a potluck.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 3 days. Cover it to keep it moist.
Refrigerate: For longer-term storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Microwave warm slices for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Freezing: Wrap slices well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for 3 months. Defrost at room temperature, and glaze before serving, if you want.
Variations to Try:
Nutty Cinnamon Cake: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a crunchy and nutty upgrade.
Raisin Swirl: Add some raisins to the topping mix for tiny bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Want to take it up to the next level? Swap the vanilla glaze for a notes of tangy cream cheese frosting — it’s rich, creamy and completely indulgent.
Spiced Up: Add a dash of nutmeg, cardamom or allspice to deepen the flavor.
Mini Cakes: Divide the batter among muffin tins, and reduce the baking time to about 20 to 25 minutes for individual portions.
Conclusion:
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls in an easier-to-make, more accessible format. With its buttery swirl and tender crumb and sweet glaze, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Ideal for any occasion, it’s as simple to make as it is to eat. Whip it up today — you won’t be sorry!
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.