Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug, this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is just what you need! Combining the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a simple sheet cake, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting family for brunch, enjoying a lazy weekend morning, or preparing meals ahead of time, this cake offers that delightful blend of convenience and indulgence.

What I love most about this recipe is how it fills your home with the most wonderful aroma while baking. Each bite is soft and sweet, swirling with gooey cinnamon goodness and topped with a creamy icing that brings everything together. Honestly, who could resist a slice of this deliciousness?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet cinnamon flavor, making it a hit at breakfast or brunch.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week—perfect for busy mornings!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm straight from the oven or at room temperature; it’s delicious either way.
• Indulgent Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and cream cheese icing makes every bite feel like a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these goodies for your baking adventure!

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 15 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp salt

For the Filling

• 6 tbsp cinnamon

For the Icing

• 4 ½ tbsp salted butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 4 ½ tsp corn syrup
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for an extra crunch.
• Change Up the Spice: Use nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
• Fruit Swirl: Add fresh blueberries or strawberries to the batter before baking for a fruity surprise.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup super easy!

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and unsalted butter until light and airy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cake that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the sour cream and stir until well combined. Then add in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Each ingredient adds moisture and flavor, making sure your cake stays soft.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until fully combined but avoid overmixing; we want that tender crumb!

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, prepare your filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This mixture will create beautiful swirls throughout your cake.

Step 7: Assemble in Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle the filling mixture over top, then swirl it through using a knife or toothpick for those signature cinnamon swirls!

Step 8: Bake

Pop your cake into the oven and bake for about 23-25 minutes until golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 9: Make the Icing

While your cake cools slightly, prepare icing by combining butter, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened—this will create that luscious topping we all crave.

Step 10: Finish Your Cake

Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until melted smoothly into your icing. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency—thick enough to pour but not too runny!

Step 11: Serve It Up

Let your icing cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled coffee cake. Now cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature—every bite is sure to delight!

Enjoy sharing this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with friends and family; trust me—they’ll be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Making this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a breeze, but a few helpful tips can elevate it to bakery-level perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the fluffy texture we crave.
• Swirl it well: When adding the cinnamon filling, make sure to swirl it in thoroughly but gently. This will ensure that every bite has that delightful cinnamon flavor without disrupting the cake structure too much.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature; use a toothpick to test the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to be devoured!
• Let it cool before icing: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before pouring on the icing prevents it from melting away completely and gives you that gorgeous drizzle effect.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

This delightful coffee cake is perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting brunch or enjoying a cozy morning at home, it’s all about presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.
• Fresh fruit: Add fresh berries or banana slices alongside each serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• A dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving adds an elegant touch and looks lovely on the plate.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and balances the sweetness of the coffee cake.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy side that complements the cake perfectly while adding some protein.
• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide savory contrast and are an easy way to make your breakfast spread more substantial.
• Coffee or tea: Pair your coffee cake with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea to enhance those comforting flavors, making your morning feel extra special.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake as part of a wonderful breakfast or brunch spread! It’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful breakfast throughout the week. It stores well and can even be made ahead of time for those busy mornings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, cut the cake into squares.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious recipe!

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. For each egg, use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before wrapping it.

What makes this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake different from regular coffee cake?

This recipe combines the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with a moist coffee cake, featuring swirls of cinnamon sugar and a rich icing that takes it over the top!

Can I freeze my Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Cut it into squares, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw before reheating!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a treat; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings comfort to your mornings. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, enjoying it with your morning coffee, or savoring it as an afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to delight everyone who tries it. So roll up your sleeves and get baking—your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas that will have everyone gathering around! Happy baking!