Have you ever longed for the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll but wanted the ease of a cake? Look no further! This delightful cinnamon roll coffee cake brings together the best of both worlds. Each slice is a heavenly blend of soft, sweet cake and a gooey cinnamon swirl, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that seeps beautifully into the layers. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy weekend morning or serving it up at a gathering, this recipe is simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough to entertain guests. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

• Perfect for Gatherings: This cake is an ideal centerpiece for brunches, potlucks, or festive mornings, combining cozy cinnamon flavors with a sweet indulgence everyone will love.
• Irresistibly Delicious: With a tender cake base, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, you might find it hard to stop at just one slice!
• Beautiful Presentation: The marbled cinnamon swirl creates a stunning visual effect that’s as appealing as it is delicious.
• Easy-to-Make: Despite its bakery-quality look and taste, this recipe is straightforward and achievable for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and tenderness to the cake crumb.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, giving the cake its structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and sweetness into the batter.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake’s structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Whole Milk: The fat content contributes to a tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon and Light Brown Sugar: Create the signature swirl, adding warmth and caramel notes.
• Powdered Sugar: When mixed with milk and vanilla, it forms a smooth, sweet glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Don’t be daunted by the thought of baking this cake; it’s quite simple!

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Create the Batter: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Pour this batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter and gently swirl it in using a knife or skewer for a marbled effect.
6. Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit.
7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more to reach the desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Glaze the Cake: While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, ensuring it spreads evenly. Let it cool slightly for the glaze to set before you slice it up.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor – it’s the star ingredient!
• Measure Accurately: When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it down, which can make your cake dense.
• Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
• Swirl Wisely: When creating the cinnamon swirl, don’t mix too vigorously. Aim for distinct ribbons in the batter for a classic marbled look.
• Watch the Time: Oven temperatures can vary; check your cake around the 30-minute mark with a toothpick for doneness.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze’s thickness by adding milk gradually – thinner glazes soak in more, while thicker ones sit on top.
• Experiment: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or top with chopped pecans for an exciting crunch. A splash of maple extract in the glaze or incorporating cream cheese makes a festive touch.

How to Store

You can keep your delicious coffee cake fresh with these simple tips!

• To Store: Keep the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If stacking pieces, place wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.
• To Freeze: Wrap either individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to enjoy later.
• To Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds until warm. For larger portions, cover with foil and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.