Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Introduction
Few things smell as inviting as cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Add the soft crumb of a coffee cake, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food: easy cinnamon roll coffee cake. This recipe is the perfect marriage of two classic baked goods, bringing together the gooey swirls of cinnamon with the tender texture of coffee cake. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, enjoying it with your morning coffee, or saving it for dessert, this cake is as versatile as it is delicious.
Coffee cakes have been around for centuries, often enjoyed alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. (Curious about the history? Learn more about the origins of coffee cake and how it became a staple of breakfast tables worldwide.)
Not only is this recipe quick and simple, but it’s also adaptable. You can make it from scratch or use a shortcut with canned cinnamon rolls. Plus, cinnamon itself has added perks — studies suggest it carries health benefits that go beyond flavor, from antioxidant properties to helping stabilize blood sugar.
What Is Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?
Cinnamon roll coffee cake is essentially the best of both worlds:
- Cinnamon rolls: soft, fluffy bread spiraled with cinnamon sugar.
- Coffee cake: tender, moist cake topped with crumbly streusel.
When combined, you get a dessert-like breakfast cake with cinnamon swirls, buttery crumb topping, and a drizzle of sweet glaze. Unlike traditional cakes, coffee cake isn’t overly sweet and is meant to pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy cinnamon roll coffee cake isn’t just tasty — it’s practical. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Quick prep with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Feeds a crowd (great for holidays or potlucks).
- Can be made ahead for stress-free hosting.
Ingredients Needed For This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
For the Cake Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
The Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- Pinch of cinnamon
The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Substitutions & Variations:
- Use gluten-free flour blends if needed.
- Swap dairy with plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or apples for extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions Of Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix cake base: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in buttermilk, butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Add cinnamon swirl: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Drop spoonfuls over batter and swirl with a knife.
- Make streusel: Mix flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the cake.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the cake tender.
- For a perfect swirl, drag a butter knife gently through the batter in “S” patterns.
- Avoid overbaking; check a few minutes early.
- Want a shortcut? Use canned cinnamon rolls as your base. Just spread them in the pan, add streusel, and bake.
Variations of Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
One of the best things about easy cinnamon roll coffee cake is how customizable it is. With just a few tweaks, you can transform the classic recipe into seasonal treats or creative twists that suit any occasion. Here are some of the most delicious variations to try:
1. Classic Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
This is the traditional version — soft, moist cake with a buttery cinnamon sugar swirl and streusel topping. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a cozy weekend breakfast.
2. Shortcut Coffee Cake with Canned Cinnamon Rolls
Pressed for time? Use refrigerated cinnamon rolls as your base. Spread them in a baking dish, top with streusel, and bake. It’s fast, foolproof, and still full of homemade flavor.
3. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
For fall, mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the batter. The result is a warmly spiced cake that pairs beautifully with hot apple cider or chai tea.
4. Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Layer thin apple slices or diced apples between the batter and cinnamon swirl. The fruit adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake extra moist.
5. Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Cake
Swirl in a layer of sweetened cream cheese filling for a cheesecake-inspired twist. This version feels decadent enough for dessert yet still works for brunch.
6. Holiday Coffee Cake
Make it festive by topping the glaze with crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, or even red and green sprinkles. It’s a cheerful addition to Christmas morning breakfast.
With so many options, you can bake this cake year-round without it ever feeling repetitive. Each variation keeps the signature cinnamon roll flavor but adds a unique spin to match the season or your cravings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your easy cinnamon roll coffee cake with:
- Freshly brewed coffee or espresso.
- Hot cocoa with whipped cream.
- Spiced chai latte.
- Fresh fruit or vanilla yogurt on the side.
Upgrade your classic sandwich with this Avocado, Mozzarella, and Tomato Grilled Cheese — fresh, melty, and full of flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Make-ahead tip: Bake a day early, cool, and glaze before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Even though easy cinnamon roll coffee cake lives up to its name, there are a few baking missteps that can affect the final result. By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you’ll ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and picture-perfect every time.
1. Overmixing the Batter
It’s tempting to keep stirring until everything looks silky smooth, but overmixing develops too much gluten. This leads to a tough, dry texture instead of the soft crumb you want. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
2. Using Too Much Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star of this recipe, but adding too much can create a bitter, overpowering flavor. Stick to the suggested measurements for a balanced swirl.
3. Forgetting the Streusel or Glaze
The streusel topping adds texture, and the glaze gives that bakery-style finish. Skipping either makes the cake less indulgent. Always plan to include both — they’re simple but make a huge difference.
4. Overbaking the Cake
One of the fastest ways to dry out a cinnamon roll coffee cake is leaving it in the oven too long. Start checking a few minutes before the recommended bake time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely dry.
5. Not Letting It Cool Before Glazing
Pouring glaze on a hot cake causes it to melt and soak in, losing that beautiful drizzle effect. Let the cake cool slightly so the glaze sits on top.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll have a perfectly moist, flavorful, and bakery-worthy coffee cake every time.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 4g
Lighten it up: use low-fat milk, less sugar, or a reduced-fat glaze.
FAQs About Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Can I use canned cinnamon rolls instead of scratch batter?
Yes! It’s the easiest shortcut and still delivers great flavor.
How do I keep coffee cake moist?
Don’t overbake and store in an airtight container. Adding sour cream or yogurt to the batter helps too.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. Bake the day before and reheat. Glaze right before serving.
What’s the difference between coffee cake and crumb cake?
Coffee cake is lighter and less crumb-heavy, while crumb cake features a thicker streusel layer.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use a larger baking dish or two pans. Baking time may increase slightly.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen, and this easy cinnamon roll coffee cake captures that feeling in every bite. With its soft, moist crumb, buttery cinnamon sugar swirl, and irresistible glaze, this recipe is proof that delicious baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake delivers consistent results and is simple enough to whip up on a busy morning or before a holiday brunch.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. You can stick with the from-scratch version for that homemade touch or save time by using canned cinnamon rolls. The variations — from apple cinnamon to pumpkin spice — mean you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee, serve it with fruit for breakfast, or bring it to a potluck; either way, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable, this is it. Bake it once, and this cinnamon roll coffee cake might just become a family tradition, one slice at a time.
