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Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake combines the sweet cinnamon swirls and buttery crumb of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a coffee cake, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Breakfast, Brunch, Cinnamon, Coffee Cake, Easy, Sweet
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

For the cinnamon swirl:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well mixed.
  • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Using a spoon, sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread gently. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  • Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl; you want visible swirls.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled cake. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch square baking pan
  • Electric Mixer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spoon
  • Butter knife or skewer

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and better texture. Don’t overmix the batter to keep your cake tender and fluffy. For a deeper cinnamon flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl. Swirling gently is key to keep visible swirls. Let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze so it doesn’t melt completely and become too runny. You can customize by adding nuts, dried fruits, or using alternative glazes and spices.