Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake combines the best of two beloved treats into one irresistible morning cake. If you love the warm spice of cinnamon rolls but want to skip the yeast and waiting time, this recipe is your answer. This easy coffee cake recipe delivers all the cozy flavors you crave in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings and weekend brunches.
The magic happens when tender vanilla cake meets rich cinnamon-sugar swirls and finishes with a creamy icing that soaks into every layer. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require hours of rising, this homemade cinnamon roll cake recipe comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re looking for quick coffee cake recipes for tomorrow’s breakfast or a make ahead coffee cake for guests, this cinnamon swirl coffee cake delivers every time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup sour cream
- 0.75 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy works)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 1.5 cups brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 15 tablespoons melted butter
For the Creamy Icing
- 4.5 tablespoons salted butter
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4.5 teaspoons corn syrup
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper. Having everything ready ensures your batter doesn’t sit around while you prepare the pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about two to three minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy, not dense.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract, then sour cream. Stir until everything combines smoothly. The batter may look slightly curdled at this point, which is normal. Add milk and stir until the mixture looks creamy again.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. A few small lumps are fine and keep your morning cake tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a paste. This cinnamon sugar coffee cake filling is what makes every layer delicious.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Drizzle half the cinnamon filling over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then add the rest of the cinnamon filling. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the filling through the batter to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix or the layers blend together too much.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be light golden brown.
Step 8: Make the Icing
While the cake cools slightly, prepare the icing. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, granulated sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and corn syrup. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and add cream cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The icing should be pourable but not too thin.
Step 9: Finish and Cool
Pour the warm icing over the slightly cooled cake, allowing it to drip into all the crevices. Let the icing set for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips and Variations for Your Coffee Cake Bars
How to Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl
The key to beautiful swirls is a gentle hand. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl through the layers without stirring too vigorously. You want distinct swirls visible in each piece, not a completely blended filling.
Add Texture with Streusel
For a cinnamon streusel coffee cake version, sprinkle a simple streusel topping over the filling before adding the final batter layer. Mix three tablespoons flour, three tablespoons butter, and three tablespoons brown sugar into crumbs and scatter over the filling.
Try Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Dice one fresh apple and scatter the pieces over the first layer of cinnamon filling. This adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake moist. This apple cinnamon coffee cake variation is perfect for fall mornings.
Make It Amish Style
The Amish cinnamon coffee cake traditionally uses more generous amounts of cinnamon and butter in the filling. If you love bold cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon to seven tablespoons and add an extra two tablespoons of melted butter to the filling.
Customize for Dietary Needs
This easy coffee cake recipe adapts well. Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Substitute almond or oat milk for dairy milk. Replace butter with dairy-free butter alternative if needed. The results are nearly identical.
Add Nuts and Spice
Fold one cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for extra crunch. Add one-quarter teaspoon of nutmeg or one-eighth teaspoon of cardamom to the cake batter for subtle depth.
Serving Suggestions for Breakfast Sweets
The Classic Pairing
Serve a warm slice of this cinnamon cake with a hot cup of fresh coffee or tea. The warm flavors complement each other perfectly. This is the timeless way to enjoy your morning cake.
Elegant Brunch Presentation
Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries on the side. This simple brunch cake idea transforms an everyday cake into something special for entertaining.
Dessert Indulgence
Top a slice with vanilla ice cream while the cake is still warm. The melting ice cream mingles with the gooey icing for an indulgent treat that rivals any bakery dessert.
Light Afternoon Treat
Enjoy a slice chilled or at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or latte. Refrigerated cake becomes denser and more cake-like, making it perfect for afternoon snacking.
Make Ahead Coffee Cake Strategy
Bake early in the morning and keep covered at room temperature. Warm individual slices for 20 seconds in the microwave just before serving for that fresh-baked taste and texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature Storage – Keep this cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The icing will firm slightly, but the cake stays moist.
Refrigerator Storage – Cover the pan or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Cold cake slices are easier to cut cleanly.
Freezing Instructions – Let the cake cool completely. Cut into individual squares, place parchment paper between layers, and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods – Microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds for quick warming. For the whole cake, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This restores the just-baked texture.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Cinnamon Breakfast Cake
This cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe proves you do not need hours of preparation or complicated techniques to create bakery-quality treats at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning morning cake that tastes like you spent all day baking.
Keep this recipe for your best coffee cake recipes collection. It works for busy weekday breakfasts, weekend brunch entertaining, and make ahead coffee cake preparations for the week. The combination of tender crumb, cinnamon swirls, and creamy icing creates a breakfast sweets recipe your family will request again and again.
Try this easy coffee cake recipe this week. You will understand why so many home bakers consider this their favorite go-to cinnamon cake for every occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour in this cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe?
Yes. Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture. Using all whole wheat flour will make the cake denser. Keep the ratio at half and half for best results in this easy coffee cake.
What if I do not have sour cream?
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt in equal amounts. You can also mix regular yogurt with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes. Both options keep the cake moist and tender.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Do not pull it out with wet batter still attached. Check around the 23-minute mark for a half-sheet pan size.
Can I make this coffee cake without heavy cream in the icing?
Yes. Use half and half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. The icing will be slightly thinner but still delicious. You may need to use a bit more powdered sugar to reach the right consistency for this coffee sheet cake icing.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing before baking?
Prepare the batter and filling layers in your pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding five to eight extra minutes to the baking time. This make ahead coffee cake strategy saves morning preparation time.
How many servings does this cinnamon breakfast cake make?
This recipe yields eight generous servings when cut into squares. For smaller portions at a brunch, cut into 12 pieces. Everyone gets a portion with plenty of cinnamon swirls and icing.
Can I double this cinnamon swirl coffee cake recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredient amounts and use two half-sheet pans or one full-size sheet pan. Bake time remains the same since the cake depth stays consistent. This makes an impressive amount of homemade cinnamon roll cake for big gatherings.
What makes this different from store-bought coffee cake?
Homemade cinnamon roll cake tastes fresher and contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients. You control the sweetness level and can adjust flavors to your preference. Homemade versions also cost significantly less than bakery options while tasting just as good or better.
Can I add chocolate chips to this sweet breakfast treats recipe?
Yes. Add one cup of chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling or sprinkle them over the first batter layer before adding more filling. Mini chocolate chips work best since they distribute evenly throughout this morning cake.
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the batter and use a knife to gently swirl it through.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before glazing.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before serving.
