Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is the best of both worlds sweet cinnamon swirls and soft, buttery crumb in one simple bake. It’s perfect for cozy breakfasts or laid-back brunches and will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.

Intro & Personal Story

What is Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

If you love warm cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend hours waiting for dough to rise, this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is your new morning hero. It’s fluffy like cake, cozy like cinnamon rolls, and drizzled with a sweet glaze that melts right in. Every bite gives you that classic cinnamon swirl goodness with a tender crumb that’s easy to slice and share.

This isn’t just any coffee cake it’s inspired by the cozy mornings Emma and I (Ella here!) used to spend in our grandma’s kitchen. We’d stand on stools, cinnamon-dusted fingers in the mixing bowl, watching the sugar swirl into the butter like magic. We’d giggle every time she handed us the butter knife to “draw” swirls across the top. It felt like painting with brown sugar. And even though this version is quicker and easier, it brings back those exact memories every time.

Just like our no-bake creations like strawberry shortcake cheesecake rolls and lazy day lemon cream pie bars, this recipe delivers comfort without complication. But yes, this one uses an oven we promise it’s worth turning it on.

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

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• Author: Emma & Ella
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A tender, buttery cinnamon roll coffee cake swirled with brown sugar and topped with icing—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Ingredients

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2 cups All-purpose flour

1 tablespoon Baking powder

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/2 cup Granulated sugar

1/2 cup Butter, softened

2 large Eggs

1 cup Milk

1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon

1/2 cup Brown sugar

1/2 cup Powdered sugar

1–2 teaspoons Milk (for icing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
3. Cream butter. Beat in: Cream butter. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in milk and: Stir in milk and vanilla. Add wet to dry; mix just until combined.
5. Pour half the batter: Pour half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar.
6. Add remaining batter and: Add remaining batter and cinnamon-sugar. Swirl with a knife.
7. Bake 30–35 minutes until: Bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Whisk powdered sugar and: Whisk powdered sugar and milk for icing.
9. Drizzle icing over warm: Drizzle icing over warm cake. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for best texture. Swap vanilla with almond extract for a twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Why You’ll Love It

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake doesn’t need yeast, waiting, or any tricky steps. It’s mix, layer, swirl, and bake done in under an hour. It’s a breakfast cake that doubles as dessert, making it a perfect recipe for brunches, potlucks, or cozy Sunday mornings. The cinnamon-brown sugar layer adds warmth, while the icing on top brings just the right amount of sweetness.

And best of all? It pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. We’ve even served slices next to our no-bake coconut cream pie for dessert boards because yes, cake belongs at every meal.

Quick Overview

Here’s everything you need to know about this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake at a glance.Hosting or feeding a crowd — this one always earns its place.

Recipe Snapshot

What makes this cinnamon roll coffee cake stand out is the tender crumb and the beautifully marbled cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite. It’s a mashup that takes the coziness of brownie refrigerator cake and fuses it with the spiced swirl of your favorite brunch treat. And just like our 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake, it’s great for make-ahead prep or spontaneous weekend baking.

No fancy mixers or techniques here just basic pantry staples and a few bowls. This cake is best served warm, drizzled in icing, and shared with someone who appreciates the aroma of cinnamon in the morning.

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. Most of these are everyday pantry staples, and we’ve separated them into groups so you can gather everything in one go. Just like with our high protein cheesecake jars, simplicity and flavor go hand in hand.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar

Icing

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons milk (for drizzling)

Optional Notes:
Want to twist the flavor? Swap vanilla for almond extract like we do sometimes in our no-bake Easter cheesecake recipe for a subtle nutty vibe. Room temperature butter and eggs are key cold ingredients won’t mix smoothly.

This cake is so versatile that it even works with dairy-free milk or gluten-free flour blends (just make sure it includes xanthan gum for texture). The icing can be adjusted too add a hint of maple syrup if you’re into cozy fall flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake comes together with just a few bowls and simple steps. The cinnamon swirl bakes right into the batter, and the glaze adds that irresistible final touch. Follow along below or prep it while sipping on coffee yes, it’s that easy.

1. Preheat and Prep the Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This blends the leavening and creates a uniform base for the batter.

3. Cream the Butter and Eggs

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy using a whisk or hand mixer. Then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth. This step gives your cake a rich, tender texture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Stir the milk and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Gradually pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix it should be thick but smooth.

5. Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar over the batter. Pour in the remaining batter, top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar, and gently swirl through the batter with a butter knife.

That marble swirl? It’s exactly what we do in our date brownie balls quick, simple, and magical.

6. Bake It

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan.

7. Make the Icing

While the cake cools, whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Once the cake is warm but not hot, drizzle the icing generously over the top.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a multitasker it fits right in at breakfast, shines on a brunch table, and totally satisfies as a dessert. It’s simple enough for weekday mornings, but beautiful enough for guests. Here’s how we love to serve it.

Perfect for Any Time of Day

Morning Delight
Serve warm slices alongside your favorite coffee, tea, or oat milk latte. The cinnamon swirl pairs beautifully with a strong brew. It’s a great make-ahead for holiday breakfasts too just reheat and drizzle with fresh icing.

Brunch Centerpiece
Add this cake to a brunch spread with fresh fruit, soft cheeses, and maybe even something from our no-bake coconut cream pie collection for contrast. It’s easy to slice and share with guests.

Dessert Twist
Warm up a slice and top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. We’ve even tried pairing it with our no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake as a duo dessert it’s next level.

For Gifting or Gatherings

Wrap cooled slices in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet homemade gift. It holds up well at room temperature, so it’s great for potlucks or bake sales.

Pro Tips & Storage

Want your Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake to come out bakery-perfect every time? Here are our best tips, including how to store leftovers so they stay moist and delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Coffee Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Soft butter and room temp eggs mix better and give you a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can make the batter clumpy and uneven.

Don’t Overmix the Batter
Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients come together. Overmixing will make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy same rule we follow for our cheesecake and brownie cake.

Make the Swirl Pretty
When swirling the cinnamon sugar, drag the butter knife in a figure-eight motion for beautiful ribbons throughout the cake.

Double the Icing for Extra Sweetness
Want more icing? Double the glaze and drizzle half before serving and half after plating. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

How to Store Leftovers

At Room Temperature
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh on the counter for 2–3 days.

In the Fridge
To keep it longer, store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before eating.

Freezer-Friendly Too
Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil and stored in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or reheat gently in the microwave.

Want to switch it up? Try turning leftovers into dessert parfaits layered with whipped cream kind of like we do with our no-bake Easter cheesecake jars.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re craving cozy, sweet, and buttery this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is your go-to. It’s everything we love about brunch: warm swirls of cinnamon, soft crumb, and that drizzle of icing that makes every bite feel like home.Brunch or a weekend breakfast — always a hit.

Try it once, and it’ll be your new weekend favorite. Tag us on Pinterest or Facebook when you make it we can’t wait to see your swirls.