Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is the perfect way to combine two beloved treats into one delightful dish. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this cake serves up the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient cake form. With its soft and moist texture, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a decadent icing, it’s bound to impress family and friends. It’s also incredibly versatile for any time of year, making it a staple in your baking repertoire.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Making Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is simpler than you might think! Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a sheet pan. Then, you’ll make a delicious batter mixed with a swirl of cinnamon filling. After baking, a luscious glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with an indulgent cake that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 6 tbsp cinnamon
- 15 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 4 ½ tbsp salted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 ½ tsp corn syrup
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and airy.
- Mix in sour cream, then add milk and stir to combine.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- In another bowl, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the filling mixture on top and swirl it in using a knife or toothpick.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a saucepan, prepare the icing by combining butter, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese, and continue stirring until fully melted.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, adjusting for desired consistency.
- Let the icing cool slightly, then pour over the cake.
- Cut into squares and serve.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve it on its own or pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience. It also makes a lovely centerpiece for brunches or holiday gatherings. Consider adding fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra touch.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked feel.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
- Use fresh ingredients, especially the leavening agents, to ensure the cake rises perfectly.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon according to your preference; if you love a stronger flavor, feel free to add a bit more.
- For a caramelized top, consider sprinkling a bit of sugar on top of the cake before baking.
- Allow the icing to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake for better adhesion.
Variation
Consider adding nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the filling for an added crunch. You can also incorporate chocolate chips for a sweet twist. For a seasonal touch, try adding pumpkin spice in the fall or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and filling in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the cake just before you plan to serve.
2. Can I freeze the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
While the traditional recipe contains dairy and eggs, you can substitute these ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as oat milk, coconut yogurt, and flax eggs, to make a delicious vegan version.
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter Softened
- 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups sugar
- 0.5 cups ½ cup sour cream For moisture
- 0.75 cups ¾ cup milk Whole milk recommended
- 3 large 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups 3 cups flour All-purpose flour
- 3 tsp 3 tsp baking powder
- 0.75 tsp ¾ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups brown sugar Packed
- 6 tbsp 6 tbsp cinnamon
- 15 tbsp 15 tbsp butter, melted
For the Icing
- 4.5 tbsp 4 ½ tbsp salted butter Melted
- ¾ cup ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup 1 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 tsp 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4.5 tsp 4 ½ tsp corn syrup
- 4 oz 4 oz cream cheese Softened
- 3 cups 3 cups powdered sugar Sifted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar and unsalted butter until light and airy.
- Mix in sour cream, then add milk and stir to combine.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
Making the Filling
- In another bowl, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the filling mixture on top and swirl it in using a knife or toothpick.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
Making the Icing
- In a saucepan, prepare the icing by combining butter, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and corn syrup.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese, and continue stirring until fully melted.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, adjusting for desired consistency.
- Let the icing cool slightly, then pour over the cake.
- Cut into squares and serve.
