Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, there’s something utterly magical about the smell of cinnamon swirling through a warm kitchen first thing in the morning, right? Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is the perfect cozy hybrid treat that blends the gooey, sweet decadence of a classic cinnamon roll with the soft, tender crumb of a coffee cake. Imagine biting into a cake that has all those luscious cinnamon swirls and a buttery streusel topping-paired perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee or tea. It’s basically a hug on a plate.

• Why this cake? It’s ideal for breakfast gatherings, brunches, or just a special weekend treat.
• What makes it stand out? The cinnamon sugar layers melt into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of cinnamon goodness that mimic a cinnamon roll but in an easier-to-make cake form.
• Audience love: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie looking for a showstopper, this cake is forgiving, fun, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.

So if you love cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and less labor-intensive, keep reading because this recipe is your new best friend.

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe brings together a soft, buttery cake base infused with vanilla, layered with a rich cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with a crisp streusel and creamy glaze. The end result? A moist, tender, cinnamon-swirled masterpiece.

• Prep time: About 20 minutes
• Bake time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: Roughly 1 hour including cooling
• Yield: One 9×13 inch pan (perfect for 12 generous slices)

This is a make-ahead cake, too! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk specifics. You want fresh, quality ingredients here because they really make a difference.

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups – the foundation for a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: 2 tsp – helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt: ½ tsp – balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened – adds richness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup – sweetens and tenderizes.
• Eggs: 2 large – bind everything and provide structure.
• Whole milk: 1 cup – moistens and enriches.
• Vanilla extract: 2 tsp – adds aromatic depth.

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar: 1 cup (light or dark) – adds caramel notes.
• Ground cinnamon: 2 tbsp – the star flavor.
• Butter: ¼ cup (melted) – helps create that gooey cinnamon swirl.

For The Streusel Topping

• Flour: ½ cup
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
• Butter: ¼ cup cold, cubed – for that crumbly, crunchy texture.

Optional Glaze

• Powdered sugar: 1 cup
• Milk or cream: 2-3 tbsp
• Vanilla extract: ½ tsp

How To Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s the step-by-step, with tips sprinkled in:

1. Preheat & prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry cake ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding milk and dry ingredients: Add the flour mixture and milk in thirds, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
6. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
7. Assemble layers: Pour half of the cake batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
8. Make streusel: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create coarse crumbs.
9. Top the cake: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
10. Bake: For 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool & glaze: Let cool 15 minutes before drizzling glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a little-why these ingredients and what they do:

• Butter: Contains fat that coats flour proteins, limiting gluten development. This creates a tender crumb and richness.
• Baking powder: A leavening agent that produces carbon dioxide bubbles when mixed with wet ingredients and heated. This helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Brown sugar: Contains molasses, adding moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor which enhances the cinnamon notes.
• Cinnamon: Contains cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for that warm, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma. Plus, it adds natural antioxidants.
• Eggs: Provide structure by coagulating proteins during baking, but also add moisture and richness.
• Milk: Hydrates dry ingredients and contributes to tenderness through fats and proteins.

Understanding these helps you tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Expert Tips

Here’s where you get the insider knowledge to make your cake next-level:

• Don’t overmix batter: Mix just until flour disappears to avoid a tough cake.
• Room temperature ingredients: This ensures better mixing and air incorporation for fluffiness.
• Even cinnamon swirl: Use a spatula to gently press the cinnamon mixture into the batter for distinct layers.
• Streusel texture: Keep butter cold until mixing, so the crumbs stay crisp.
• Use light or dark brown sugar: Dark gives more molasses flavor, light gives a milder sweetness.
• Test doneness carefully: The toothpick test is key-avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
• Make ahead: The cake improves after resting overnight in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up or personalize this classic? Try these:

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel or swirl for crunch.
• Apple cinnamon: Toss diced apples in cinnamon sugar and layer into the batter.
• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter alternatives.
• Maple glaze: Swap vanilla glaze for a maple syrup-based drizzle.
• Spiced up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to the cinnamon swirl for deeper spice complexity.

Final Words

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is truly one of those comforting, all-day treats. It’s simple enough to make any day special but impressive enough to wow guests. From the first bite-soft, buttery, cinnamon-swirled, with a crunchy topping and sweet glaze-it’s a slice of happiness.

I encourage you to try it, tweak it, share it, and savor the warm nostalgia it brings. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy day or hosting a brunch, this cake will become a fast favorite.

FAQs

What Is Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Cinnamon roll coffee cake is a delicious hybrid dessert that combines the flavors of a cinnamon roll with the texture of a coffee cake. It typically includes a soft, spongy cake base, a cinnamon swirl filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, often served with a drizzle of icing on top.

How Do You Make The Cinnamon Swirl For The Coffee Cake?

To make the cinnamon swirl, you combine cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter. The mixture is spread between layers of the cake batter before baking. As the cake bakes, the cinnamon filling creates a sweet swirl throughout the cake.

Can I Use A Store-bought Cake Mix For Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use a store-bought cake mix to save time. However, for a more homemade taste, you might prefer making the cake batter from scratch. The cinnamon swirl and streusel topping can still be made from scratch for added flavor.

What Ingredients Do I Need For Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

The main ingredients typically include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, and cinnamon. You’ll also need brown sugar and more butter for the cinnamon swirl, plus ingredients like streusel toppings (flour, butter, sugar) and icing (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) if desired.

How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Store leftover cinnamon roll coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the cake, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 months.

Can I Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make cinnamon roll coffee cake ahead of time. You can prepare the cake the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake it the next morning. Alternatively, you can bake it and store it in an airtight container to enjoy over the next few days.

Is There A Gluten-free Version Of Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free cinnamon roll coffee cake by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free as well.

What Can I Substitute For Sour Cream In Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. The tangy flavor and creamy texture will be similar. Alternatively, buttermilk or even whole milk can work, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I Add Nuts To The Streusel Topping?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping is a great way to add extra flavor and texture to the coffee cake. Just sprinkle them on top of the streusel before baking.

How Do I Make A Glaze For Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

To make a glaze for your cinnamon roll coffee cake, mix powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you want a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cake once it has cooled slightly.