Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake – A Swirled Delight of Comfort and Sweetness

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the soft, tender texture of a coffee cake with the rich, sweet swirls of a classic cinnamon roll. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this cake delivers indulgence in every bite without the fuss of making traditional cinnamon rolls from scratch. Its soft, buttery layers, sweet cinnamon topping, and smooth glaze make it irresistible for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

The magic of this coffee cake lies in its layering technique and the balance of flavors. The cake batter creates a tender, moist base, while a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter forms a sweet, slightly crisp topping that mirrors the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls. Once baked, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla adds a finishing touch, giving the cake a glossy, sweet finish. This dessert is both visually appealing and comforting, making it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake combines the convenience of a simple cake recipe with the indulgent flavors of cinnamon rolls. It’s quick to prepare, requires common pantry ingredients, and yields a soft, moist cake with a rich, cinnamon-sugar swirl. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, there is no yeast involved, so you can enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors without waiting for dough to rise. The topping becomes golden and slightly crunchy during baking, contrasting beautifully with the soft interior. Drizzling the glaze over the warm cake enhances sweetness and creates a professional, bakery-style presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk

For the Topping:

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

These ingredients come together to create a soft, flavorful coffee cake with a sweet cinnamon topping and a glossy glaze. The cake batter provides a tender base, the cinnamon-brown sugar topping adds richness and texture, and the glaze adds a finishing touch of sweetness that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Step-by-Step Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until a smooth, pourable batter forms. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Prepare the topping by combining 1 cup melted butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the topping into the batter to create a marbled cinnamon effect. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once the cake has cooled for about 10–15 minutes, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, letting it settle into the swirls and edges. Slice and serve warm, or allow to cool completely for firmer slices. The glaze will set slightly as the cake cools, creating a sweet, glossy finish.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Use room-temperature eggs and melted butter to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and evenly. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to prevent a dense cake. Swirl the topping gently; over-swizzling can cause the cinnamon-brown sugar layer to sink. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for doneness using a toothpick. For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Add fresh berries or sliced fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast. For a dessert twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This coffee cake is also great for gifting—wrap slices in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Variations

Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for extra crunch. Swirl in cream cheese filling before adding the cinnamon topping to create a cream cheese cinnamon swirl cake. Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version. Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, aromatic twist. For extra sweetness, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, bake the cake, allow it to cool, and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

2. Can I freeze the cake? Yes, wrap the cooled, sliced cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

3. Can I make smaller portions? Yes, bake in an 8×8-inch pan or use muffin tins for individual coffee cake muffins.

4. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the batter? Yes, but reduce slightly if desired, as brown sugar adds moisture and sweetness.

5. How do I prevent the topping from sinking? Swirl gently into the batter and avoid overmixing.

6. Can I use almond or soy milk? Yes, non-dairy milk works well in this recipe.

7. How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

8. Can I add fruit to the batter? Yes, chopped apples, blueberries, or peaches complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

9. Can I skip the glaze? Yes, but the glaze enhances sweetness and presentation.

10. Can I make this gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute all-purpose flour.

Print

Conclusion

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a soft, sweet, and comforting dessert that captures the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in a simple, bake-and-serve coffee cake. With tender layers of buttery batter, swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, and a sweet glaze topping, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon treat. Quick to prepare, versatile, and visually appealing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, sweetness, and comfort to any occasion. Serve warm with your favorite beverage, and enjoy the swirled delight of cinnamon and sugar in every bite.