Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

Published: June 18, 2025

Updated: June 20, 2025

Moist cinnamon roll coffee cake slice with thick vanilla glaze and gooey cinnamon swirl

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If you love cinnamon rolls but want something quicker, this cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe is the perfect fix. It’s soft, sweet, and packed with gooey cinnamon flavor, all in a simple cake form. No yeast, no waiting—just mix, bake, and enjoy. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make it step-by-step, plus get tips, variations, and answers to common questions.

Contents

1 What is a Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
- 1.1 A Sweet Twist on Two Favorites
- 1.2 Why People Love This Recipe
2 Ingredients for the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
3 Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe
4 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results
5 Tips to Make Your Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Extra Moist
6 Variations and Flavor Twists
7 How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
8 Storing and Reheating the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
9 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
10 Conclusion

What is a Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

A Sweet Twist on Two Favorites

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee cake blends the flavors of a cinnamon roll with the texture of a moist coffee cake. It has layers of cinnamon sugar swirled through soft batter, then topped with a rich vanilla glaze. Think of it as a shortcut to classic cinnamon rolls—less effort, same cozy flavor.

Why People Love This Recipe

It’s fast, made with basic ingredients, and bakes in under an hour. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this Cinnamon Roll Coffee cake hits the spot. Serve it warm with a drizzle of glaze, and every bite feels homemade and comforting.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Cake Ingredients: Choosing Quality for Better Texture

To get a soft, fluffy crumb and rich flavor, using quality ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need for the base of the cake:

All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the cake. Make sure to spoon and level it to avoid dense results.
Baking powder (4 tsp): This gives the cake its lift without using yeast. Go for aluminum-free if you prefer a cleaner taste.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
2% milk (1½ cups): Adds moisture and helps mix the batter smoothly.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake evenly.
Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and richness.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Melted salted butter (½ cup): Adds moisture and that classic buttery taste.

The combination of butter and milk is what gives this cake its signature moist crumb. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, and fold in the butter last for the best texture.

The Cinnamon Swirl: What Makes It Rich and Gooey

This is where the magic happens. The swirl not only adds a sweet and spicy layer but also melts into the batter as it bakes, creating gooey ribbons throughout.

Salted butter (1¼ cups, room temperature): Soft enough to mix easily but not melted.
Brown sugar (1 cup): Provides deeper sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the swirl so it stays in place as it bakes.
Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): Bold and fragrant—don’t skimp on this.

Mix these ingredients until creamy, then drop spoonfuls over the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake batter. Swirl it in with a knife for that signature marble look.

Sweet Glaze Ingredients: Creating a Smooth, Flavorful Finish

The glaze ties everything together with a smooth, sweet finish that sinks into the warm cake.

Powdered sugar (2 cups): Gives the glaze a silky texture.
Heavy cream (⅓ cup): Adds body and richness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the glaze with flavor that complements the swirl.

Whisk until smooth and drizzle generously over the warm cake. You can also dust it with a little extra cinnamon for a bolder finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

Preparing Your Pan and Preheating the Oven

Before mixing anything, set your oven to 350º Fahrenheit so it’s fully preheated when the batter is ready. This ensures even baking and the right rise. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment for easier cleanup.

Mixing the Batter: How to Avoid Overmixing

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. The goal is to mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake dense instead of soft.

After the batter forms, slowly pour in the melted butter, stirring lightly to incorporate. The batter should be thick but pourable. Once combined, spread it evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Adding the Cinnamon Swirl: The Knife Swirling Technique

Next, make the cinnamon swirl by mixing soft butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. It should be thick and spreadable. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.

Using a butter knife, drag it through the batter in a swirling motion to marble the cinnamon mixture into the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. Don’t overdo it. A few swoops are enough to create beautiful cinnamon streaks.

Baking Tips: How to Check for Doneness

Bake the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven. Start checking at 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If it’s still wet, give it 5 more minutes and check again.

Avoid opening the oven too often, which can drop the temperature and affect the rise. The top should be golden and slightly crisp around the edges when finished.

After baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze. This helps the glaze melt in just enough without running off completely.

Tips to Make Your Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Extra Moist

The Role of Melted Butter and 2% Milk

Moisture is what makes a cinnamon roll coffee cake unforgettable. Using melted butter instead of oil gives the cake a rich, indulgent base. Melted butter blends smoothly into the batter and helps keep the crumb tender and flavorful.

Adding 2% milk gives the right balance between fat and liquid. Whole milk could make the batter too heavy, while skim milk lacks richness. That’s why 2% is perfect—it adds body without weighing the cake down.

Avoiding a Dry Crumb: Mixing and Baking Time Tips

Overmixing is one of the top reasons cakes turn out dry. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until no flour streaks remain. A few lumps are fine. Stirring too much activates the gluten in the flour, making the cake chewy.

Another tip is to avoid overbaking. Even five extra minutes in the oven can dry out your cake. Use the toothpick test and pull the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake once it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Keep in mind, oven temperatures vary. If your cake seems dry, check your oven with an internal thermometer next time for accuracy.

Adding a Touch of Creaminess With the Glaze

The vanilla glaze isn’t just decorative. It helps trap moisture inside the cake and adds a smooth finish. Drizzling it while the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is still warm allows it to slightly melt into the top layer, creating a soft, sweet shell.

For extra decadence, double the glaze and serve some on the side. The combination of warm cake and creamy topping is why this cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe is so popular.

Variations and Flavor Twists

Adding Nuts or Raisins for Texture

If you want a little crunch or chew in every bite, nuts and raisins are great additions. Stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before pouring it into the pan. These nuts bring a toasty, buttery contrast to the soft crumb.

Prefer a chewy bite? Add ½ cup of golden or regular raisins to the cinnamon swirl. They absorb moisture and offer a naturally sweet surprise in each layer.

Making It Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free

Need to accommodate dietary restrictions? This cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe can easily be adapted.

For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of 2% milk, and swap butter with a plant-based alternative. Look for vegan butter sticks with at least 80% fat content for similar texture.

To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Avoid using single flours like almond or coconut flour alone, as they’ll affect structure and moisture balance.

Always test small batches first when adapting for food sensitivities.

Swapping Sugars or Adding Fall Spices Like Nutmeg or Cardamom

Want to deepen the flavor? Try switching out half the white sugar in the batter for light brown sugar. It’ll bring extra moisture and a light caramel note.

For a warm seasonal twist, add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the cinnamon swirl. Just ¼ teaspoon of any of these will add complexity without overpowering the cinnamon.

You can even blend in a bit of maple extract into the glaze for a cozy fall flavor profile.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Best Time to Serve: Warm vs. Cooled

This cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe is best served warm, right out of the oven or gently reheated. When warm, the cinnamon swirl is gooey, and the glaze slightly melts into the cake for a rich, comforting bite.

If you’re preparing it ahead, allow the cinnamon roll coffee cake to cool completely, cover it tightly, and reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving. You’ll bring back that soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.

For large gatherings, consider baking it the night before and glazing it in the morning.

Toppings and Pairings: What Goes Well With a Slice

A warm slice of this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with:

A hot cup of coffee or tea for a classic breakfast combo
Greek yogurt or a small scoop of vanilla yogurt for balance
Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness
Extra glaze on the side for drizzle lovers

You can also dust the top with extra cinnamon or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving to elevate its look and flavor.

For a brunch spread, serve alongside savory items like scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole to balance out the sweetness.

Presentation Ideas for Guests or Brunch

Serving guests? A few simple steps make this cake look bakery-quality:

Slice into neat squares and arrange on a cake stand
Add a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze
Place fresh mint leaves or cinnamon sticks on the side of the platter for a decorative touch
Serve each slice with a fork and napkin on small plates—simple yet elegant

Whether it’s brunch, a baby shower, or a cozy weekend at home, this cinnamon roll coffee cake is always a hit.

Storing and Reheating the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

How to Store It at Room Temperature or in the Fridge

Once your cinnamon roll coffee cake has cooled completely, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and moist.

At room temperature, place the cake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s kept in a cool, dry place.

For longer storage, move the cinnamon roll coffee cake to the refrigerator, where it will last for 4 to 5 days. Refrigeration helps maintain the texture of the glaze and cinnamon swirl but may slightly firm up the crumb. A quick reheat brings it back to life.

Reheating Tips for Keeping It Moist

To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the butter and reactivates the glaze. If reheating a larger portion, cover it with foil and warm it in a 325ºF oven for 10–12 minutes.

Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cinnamon roll coffee cake. You want it just warm enough for the swirl to become gooey again and the glaze to gently melt.

If the glaze looks a little dull after storage, feel free to mix a fresh half batch and drizzle on top after warming.

Can You Freeze Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Yes, this cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe freezes well. After cooling completely, cut the cake into individual slices or freeze it whole. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag.

For best quality, use within 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then reheat as described above.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overbaking and Undermixing: The Biggest Culprits

Two things can easily ruin your cinnamon roll coffee cake—overbaking and undermixing.

Overbaking causes the cake to dry out fast. Many home bakers leave it in the oven “just in case,” but this is where trouble starts. Always begin checking at the 30-minute mark, especially if your oven runs hot. A clean toothpick with a few crumbs is your signal to stop.

Undermixing, on the other hand, leaves pockets of unmixed flour and uneven texture. When combining dry and wet ingredients, stir gently but thoroughly. You want to avoid lumps of flour while still keeping the batter soft and not overworked.

A smooth batter and proper baking time make all the difference.

Ingredient Swaps That Can Ruin the Texture

Substituting ingredients sounds convenient but often leads to poor results if not done carefully.

Using low-fat milk or skim milk makes the batter thin and the cinnamon roll coffee cake dry. Stick to 2% milk or use a full-fat dairy alternative if needed.
Swapping melted butter with oil removes that rich flavor and moisture balance. Butter helps create the soft crumb this cake is known for.
Replacing brown sugar in the swirl with white sugar can make the filling gritty and less flavorful. Brown sugar is essential for a gooey, caramelized swirl.

Want to go dairy-free or gluten-free? Use tested replacements like a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or vegan butter sticks—not single-flour or low-fat options.

Why Swirling Technique Affects the Final Result

Swirling the cinnamon mixture correctly is what creates that signature marbled look and layered flavor. But here’s the trick: don’t over-swirl. Using a knife or skewer, make smooth figure-eight motions across the batter. Too much swirling blends the swirl into the batter and flattens the flavor.

Too little swirling leaves large clumps that may not bake evenly.

This technique is quick but impactful—it gives every slice those beautiful streaks of cinnamon that make the cinnamon roll coffee cake visually stunning and delicious in every bite.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or just want to enjoy something sweet and cozy with your morning coffee, this cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe delivers every time. It’s easy to prepare, packed with cinnamon flavor, and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze that takes it over the top. With no yeast or complicated steps, you get that warm, gooey cinnamon roll satisfaction in half the time.

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