Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, and nothing captures that feeling quite like Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. Growing up, weekends were all about indulging in delicious treats, and this cake became a staple at our family gatherings. Each slice of this cake is a delightful mix of tender, fluffy layers infused with just the right amount of cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or as a sweet treat to share with friends over coffee.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
15 mins
45 mins
Medium
340 kcal
4 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
14 g
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk
The Appeal of This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
1. The Perfect Blend of Flavors
What I love most about this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is its dual identity. It’s not just any cake; it’s a delicious cinnamon roll and coffee cake all in one! You get that warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls but in a cake that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
2. Easy to Make
If you’re not a pro baker, don’t worry! This recipe walks you through each step with ease. The method is straightforward, making it a great option for novice bakers to impress their family and friends.
3. Customizable Toppings
While the cream cheese glaze is a must, you can easily customize your Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. Think about adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruits to the batter before baking. The possibilities are endless!
4. Great for Sharing
This cake is perfect for gatherings. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy family dinner, everyone will appreciate the warm flavors and inviting aroma. I often bake it when I have guests over, and it never fails to impress!
5. The Aroma Alone is Worth It
Imagine your house filled with the warm scent of cinnamon as it bakes. It’s an experience that adds to the joy of baking. Even before the first bite, the smell will have everyone eagerly anticipating what’s to come.
6. Ideal for Any Season
While I think of this cake as a fall favorite, it’s wonderful any time of year. The comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar are universal, making it a treat that everyone can enjoy regardless of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

When it comes to the ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake, simplicity is key. The ingredients work harmoniously together to create a moist, flavorful cake that’s layered with a rich cinnamon filling. Each ingredient enhances the other, creating a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (half of one stick) – This adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Essential for sweetness and helps the cake rise.
- ¾ cup sour cream – Ensures the cake remains moist and adds a slight tanginess.
- 2 large eggs – Provides structure and stability to the cake.
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil – Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Brings a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon – The star flavor that pairs beautifully with sugar.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of our cake.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, optional and to taste – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, extremely soft and almost melted – Used for the filling and adds richness.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon – More cinnamon for the filling, enhancing the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (whipped or light are okay) – Adds creaminess to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavoring the glaze.
- 1 cup+ confectioners’ sugar, sifted is ideal – For that sweet glaze on top.
Directions for Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Making the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a journey filled with delicious anticipation. You’ll love how easy it is to bring together the batter and filling. Let’s dive into the steps!
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by spraying it well with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring the pan. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a clean release.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and sour cream. Mix on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
Add in the eggs, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat until everything is smooth and well incorporated, taking another 3 minutes.
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat until just incorporated; don’t overmix, about 1 minute on medium speed should do.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared springform pan and set it aside while you prepare the filling.
In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, place the ½ cup unsalted butter and heat it on high power until it just begins to melt, which should take about 1 minute.
Add the light brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter, whisking until everything is well combined.
Spread the filling mixture over the top of the cake batter in an even, smooth layer, similar to frosting a cake. Using a table knife, gently swirl back and forth to marble the filling into the cake batter. Aim for about 1 minute of swirling to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.
Place your pan on a baking sheet. This is a precaution in case your springform pan doesn’t have a perfect seal. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping has set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the edges, as they might brown too quickly.
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before glazing or serving. This cooling time helps the cake set.
For the glaze, in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, whisking until it reaches your desired consistency. You can adjust the sugar and cream ratios as needed.
Finally, drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and serve it up!
Things Worth Knowing
- Ensure your butter is soft but not melted when making the batter. This helps create a fluffy texture.
- When swirling the filling into the batter, don’t overdo it; a few gentle swirls will create the perfect marbled effect.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary. Check for doneness a bit earlier if needed.
- Letting the cake cool before glazing is crucial, as it prevents the glaze from melting into the cake.
Ways to Customize

If you want to add your own twist to the Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake, here are a few ideas to consider!
- Add nuts: Consider incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch.
- Use different spices: Experiment with adding nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor profile.
- Try different frostings: Instead of cream cheese glaze, a simple vanilla glaze or chocolate frosting can bring a different flair.
- Mix in fruit: Adding fresh or dried fruits like blueberries or raisins can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
- Make it a layered cake: Bake in two round pans and stack them with frosting between the layers for a show-stopping dessert.
Serve This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake With
This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks, making it versatile for any occasion. Here are some suggestions:
- Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee is the perfect accompaniment, enhancing the cake’s rich flavors.
- Tea: A warm cup of tea, perhaps chai or Earl Grey, can elevate your experience even further.
- Fresh fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
- Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on warm cake is a delightful way to enjoy this treat.
- Breakfast platter: Pair with scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns for a hearty brunch.
- Seasonal touches: Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for a holiday twist or top with fresh peaches in summer.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the warmth of cinnamon rolls and the ease of a cake. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, offering a cozy touch to any gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by spraying it well with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring the pan. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a clean release.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and sour cream. Mix on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add in the eggs, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat until everything is smooth and well incorporated, taking another 3 minutes.
- Now, it's time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat until just incorporated; don't overmix, about 1 minute on medium speed should do.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared springform pan and set it aside while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, place the ½ cup unsalted butter and heat it on high power until it just begins to melt, which should take about 1 minute.
- Add the light brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter, whisking until everything is well combined.
- Spread the filling mixture over the top of the cake batter in an even, smooth layer, similar to frosting a cake. Using a table knife, gently swirl back and forth to marble the filling into the cake batter. Aim for about 1 minute of swirling to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.
- Place your pan on a baking sheet. This is a precaution in case your springform pan doesn’t have a perfect seal. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping has set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the edges, as they might brown too quickly.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before glazing or serving. This cooling time helps the cake set.
- For the glaze, in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and combined.
- Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, whisking until it reaches your desired consistency. You can adjust the sugar and cream ratios as needed.
- Finally, drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and serve it up!
Notes
- Baking pan: A 9-inch square baking pan may be substituted if it's at least 3 inches in height. Don't use a 9-inch round cake pan because it's too shallow.
- Storage: If you prefer to refrigerate cream-cheese based glaze, you may wish to only glaze individual pieces of cake immediately prior to serving them and store the glaze in a small container in the refrigerator, as opposed to refrigerating the entire glazed cake, which will cause it to dry out. Or, you can glaze the cake and store it at room temperature anyway, as everyone has different food storage comfort levels.
- Keep in mind: Cake will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.


