Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow sweet treat lovers! If you’re anything like me, mornings are a sacred ritual-coffee in one hand, something sweet in the other. But what if you could combine the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll and the laid-back vibe of a coffee cake into one glorious breakfast masterpiece? Enter the Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake-a perfect blend of gooey cinnamon swirls, tender cake crumb, and a little sugary crunch on top.

This recipe is an absolute game-changer for brunches, lazy weekend mornings, or even just an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of joe. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, with ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your pantry. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie, this coffee cake will make you look like a kitchen rockstar.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

Ready for the magic? This cake takes the best of a cinnamon roll-the gooey cinnamon sugar filling and that melt-in-your-mouth texture-and bakes it right into a fluffy coffee cake. The top is crowned with a buttery cinnamon streusel that adds crunch and a little sweetness that’s just chef’s kiss perfect.

What makes it so easy is that you mix everything up in just a few bowls, swirl in your cinnamon filling, sprinkle that streusel topping, and bake until golden. No yeast, no long rising times, no complicated rolling or twisting – just pure, sweet, cinnamony delight.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get our hands messy, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need. Don’t worry-most of this is kitchen classic stuff:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour – the base of our tender cake
• Granulated sugar – for sweetness
• Baking powder – the leavening agent that makes it rise fluffy
• Salt – to balance flavors
• Milk – adds moisture and richness
• Vegetable oil or melted butter – keeps the cake moist
• Eggs – structure and richness
• Vanilla extract – for that warm, inviting aroma

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar – adds molasses-y depth and sweetness
• Ground cinnamon – the star spice of the show
• Melted butter – helps create that luscious cinnamon swirl

For The Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Cold butter – cut into little bits to make a crumbly topping
• Optional: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – for extra crunch and nuttiness

How To Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Okay, put on your apron because here’s where the fun starts. The steps are easy to follow, and I’ll talk you through it like we’re baking side by side.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Mix dry cake ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract.
4. Make the batter: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.
5. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl.
6. Assemble the cake: Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle or dollop the cinnamon mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter-don’t overmix or the swirl effect will vanish.
7. Make the streusel topping: Mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to crumble the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. If you want nuts, toss them in now.
8. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool for about 15 minutes, then slice up and serve warm with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Now, for a little nerdy kitchen science (because knowing the why makes baking even cooler):

• Baking powder: This is your little puff of air that makes the cake rise and become fluffy. It’s a chemical leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide bubbles when it hits moisture and heat.
• Brown sugar in the swirl and streusel: Unlike white sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which keeps the swirl moist and gives it that deep caramel flavor. It also helps the streusel clump together nicely.
• Butter vs. Oil: Butter adds rich flavor and a tender crumb, but oil keeps the cake super moist. This recipe lets you choose your weapon of moisture!
• Eggs: Eggs act as binders, providing structure and helping the cake hold its shape. Plus, they add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Not just a flavor booster, vanilla rounds out the sweetness and complements cinnamon perfectly, making your kitchen smell amazing.

Expert Tips

Here are some pro tips to take your cinnamon roll coffee cake from good to absolutely irresistible:

• Don’t overmix the batter! Once you add the wet to dry, stir just enough to combine. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake tough.
• Use room temperature ingredients – eggs and milk at room temp mix more evenly, creating a smoother batter.
• Swirl gently but enough to see beautiful cinnamon ribbons in your cake.
• Cold butter for streusel is key! It creates that crumbly, sandy texture instead of a greasy topping.
• Let the cake cool a bit before slicing-this helps it set and prevents it from crumbling.
• Serve warm with a drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting for a true cinnamon roll vibe.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tasty twists and turns you can try:

• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the swirl for texture and bursts of sweetness.
• Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice or apple pie spice in the swirl and streusel for a fall-inspired cake.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of milk for a tangy moisture boost and tender crumb.
• Make mini muffins with this batter for portable, individual treats.
• Drizzle with vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing after baking for extra decadence.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the batter or swirl for an adult-only twist.

Final Words

Honestly, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to make any day, yet special enough to impress guests or treat yourself. The blend of fluffy cake, cinnamon sugar goodness, and crumbly topping hits all the right notes and pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake promises smiles with every bite. Plus, it’s great for sharing-although I won’t judge if you keep most of it to yourself!

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients For An Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe?

The main ingredients typically include flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract. You will also need a topping or swirl of cinnamon and sugar to give it the characteristic cinnamon roll flavor.

Can I Use Store-bought Cinnamon Rolls For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought cinnamon rolls as a shortcut to save time. Just chop them into small pieces and mix them into the batter or use them as a topping to create a quicker version of the coffee cake.

How Long Does It Take To Make An Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

From start to finish, it usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, including preparation and baking time. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the method you use for preparing the ingredients.

Do I Need A Special Pan To Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

You can make this recipe in a standard 9-inch round or square cake pan. Some prefer using a springform pan for easier removal, but any regular cake pan will work well.

Can I Make The Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just warm it up in the oven for a few minutes before serving if you prefer it warm.

How Can I Add A Glaze To The Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

To add a glaze, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (or cream) until smooth. Drizzle it over the cake once it has cooled slightly for a sweet, finishing touch.

Can I Freeze Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Yes, cinnamon roll coffee cake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use dairy-free butter, milk (such as almond or oat milk), and a dairy-free glaze to make it a fully dairy-free recipe.

Is It Possible To Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to replace all-purpose flour in this recipe. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten and adjust accordingly if needed.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Enough Cinnamon For The Recipe?

If you don’t have enough cinnamon, you can substitute it with a mixture of ground nutmeg and allspice for a slightly different flavor profile. However, cinnamon is the primary flavor, so it’s best to have at least some on hand.