There’s something about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house that brings me back to cozy Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. She would always have something baking, whether it was her famous cinnamon rolls or her delicate coffee cakes. This recipe for Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake beautifully combines both of those cherished treats into one delightful dish. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a family gathering or a quiet morning at home with a hot cup of coffee. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward method make it accessible even for novice bakers, while the rich flavors and textures make it a hit with everyone who tries it.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit various tastes or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and topping, and it will still be delicious. If you’re catering to a gluten-free crowd, swapping the regular flour for a gluten-free blend works wonders. And for those who prefer a richer taste, adding a bit of cream cheese to the glaze can take this coffee cake to the next level. No matter how you choose to make it, the result is always a comforting, sweet, and satisfying treat that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Baking this coffee cake has become a beloved ritual in my home. The process of mixing the batter, layering the cinnamon sugar, and watching it rise and turn golden in the oven fills me with a sense of nostalgia and joy. My children eagerly gather around the kitchen, hoping to be the first to taste a warm slice straight from the oven. It’s a simple pleasure, but it brings us together and creates moments of shared happiness. Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a lazy weekend morning, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to our lives.
INGREDIENTS
Cake:
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
3 cups flour
2 tsp vanilla
4 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1½ cups milk
Topping:
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp cinnamon
Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and sugar. Mix until well blended.
Add the flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Gradually add the milk, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Pour and Spread:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until it forms a smooth mixture.
Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and has a consistency similar to pancake syrup.
Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to set into a harder glaze as the cake cools.
Serve:
The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Variations and Substitutions
Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in both the cake and the topping if you prefer a less sweet version.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to cater to those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Richer Flavor: Add a layer of cream cheese to the glaze for a richer, more indulgent topping.
Summary
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is not only a breeze to make but also a joy to eat. Its combination of soft, fluffy cake with a sweet cinnamon topping and a drizzle of sugary glaze makes it irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying a piece on your own, this coffee cake brings a sense of warmth and comfort that’s perfect for any occasion. The adaptable recipe allows you to cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat and let it become a new favorite in your home.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serves: 12-14
Serving size: 1 roll
Smartpoints: 8
Calories: 243, Fat: 9 g, Saturated fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Sugar: 5 g, Sodium: 174 mg, Fiber: 1.4 g, Protein: 4.2 g
Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups milk
Topping:
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and sugar until well combined. Add flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk until smooth.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake: Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before drizzling with glaze.
