Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is the ultimate breakfast mashup — all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a cinnamon roll, transformed into a tender, buttery coffee cake that’s perfect for slicing and sharing. This recipe is a celebration of cozy mornings and sweet indulgences, where a simple, from-scratch cake batter is swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar topping and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. The magic begins with a soft, buttery cake batter made from melted butter, eggs, sugar, flour, and milk. A luscious topping of melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon is dropped over the batter and swirled in with a knife, creating those beautiful, gooey ribbons of cinnamon sugar that make every bite taste like the center of a cinnamon roll.
The brilliance of this coffee cake lies in its simplicity and the way it captures all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll without the fuss of yeast, rising, or rolling. It’s the perfect treat for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you need a warm, comforting slice of something sweet. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee, and watch it disappear.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- All the flavors of a cinnamon roll, no yeast required — no rising, no rolling, just mix and bake.
- Gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl — every slice has ribbons of warm, caramelized cinnamon sugar.
- Sweet vanilla glaze — drizzled over the warm cake, it melts into every bite.
- Perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast — a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make.
- Tender, buttery cake — soft, moist, and delicious.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups milk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, eggs, and sugar until well blended. Add the flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Gradually add the milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the topping. Mix until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture evenly over the batter. Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Aim for a glaze consistency similar to pancake syrup.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set as the cake cools. Serve warm or at room temperature.
TIPS
- Don’t overmix the batter — mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Swirl gently — a light hand with the knife creates beautiful ribbons without mixing the topping completely into the batter.
- Glaze while warm — drizzling the glaze over the warm cake helps it seep into the cinnamon swirls.
- Add nuts or raisins — sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins over the topping before swirling for extra texture.
- Serve warm — this coffee cake is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.
STORAGE OPTIONS
Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Warm individual slices in the microwave before serving.
Freezer: This coffee cake freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious treat that brings all the flavors of a cinnamon roll to a sliceable coffee cake. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy morning at home, it’s a recipe that everyone will love. Enjoy!
