Experience the perfect fusion of two classic treats in this cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe. This cake blends the comforting texture of a coffee cake with the warm, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, this easy-to-make treat will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
Cinnamon roll coffee cake is a must-try dessert for anyone who enjoys the delicate balance of sweetness and spice. The cake itself is light, soft, and rich in flavor, complemented by a delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar. The best part? It’s topped with a crumbly streusel that adds texture and extra flavor, giving it a cinnamon roll-like experience in every bite. If you’re craving a comforting dessert with the soul-soothing taste of cinnamon, then this cinnamon roll coffee cake recipe will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this cake is a versatile and irresistible choice.
This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, so even novice bakers can successfully recreate it. With a few common ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to serve up a warm, homemade coffee cake that’s brimming with comforting cinnamon flavor. The recipe offers flexibility in terms of ingredients and variations, which means you can personalize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the ingredients, cooking instructions, and helpful tips that will guide you to creating the perfect cinnamon roll coffee cake!
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
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Preparation time: 20 minutes
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Cooking time: 45 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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Servings: 8 to 10
Why You Will Love This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
There are several reasons why this cinnamon roll coffee cake will become a favorite in your recipe collection:
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Delicious Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines two beloved treats—cinnamon rolls and coffee cake—into one delectable dessert. The cinnamon sugar swirl delivers the same satisfying flavor you’d expect from a cinnamon roll, while the light cake base offers a soft, moist texture.
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Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull off this recipe. The simple ingredients and clear instructions make it a perfect choice for beginner bakers or anyone who’s short on time but still wants to make something special.
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Versatile: Cinnamon roll coffee cake is ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s served at breakfast, as an afternoon snack with coffee, or as a dessert at a family gathering, this cake fits any occasion beautifully.
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Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can tweak the ingredients, making substitutions for dairy or gluten if needed. Additionally, you can experiment with different toppings, fillings, or spices to match your preferences.
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Crowd-Pleaser: The flavor profile of cinnamon roll coffee cake appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its balance of sweetness and spice, along with its comforting texture, makes it a sure hit among both kids and adults.
Ingredients Notes
The ingredients for cinnamon roll coffee cake are fairly simple, and most are pantry staples. Below is a breakdown of each:
For the Cake:
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All-purpose flour: The base of the cake; it provides structure and texture.
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Baking powder: This helps the cake rise and gives it a light texture.
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Sugar: A moderate amount of sugar sweetens the cake without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
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Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
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Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake.
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Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
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Butter: Butter is essential for flavor and ensures a tender crumb.
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Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
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Ground cinnamon: The star ingredient that provides the signature cinnamon flavor.
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Sugar: Combined with cinnamon, sugar creates the sweet, spiced swirl inside the cake.
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Butter: Ensures the cinnamon-sugar mixture spreads evenly throughout the batter.
For the Streusel Topping:
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Flour: The base of the streusel mixture.
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Sugar: Gives the streusel its sweetness.
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Cinnamon: Adds a bit of spice to the streusel, tying it together with the cake.
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Butter: Helps the streusel form a crumbly texture.
Substitutions and Variations:
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For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free milk substitute like almond milk.
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If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
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For a richer flavor, add some chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the streusel topping.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or a similar-sized pan). Grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together. Melt the butter and then pour it into the wet ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 4: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar together. This will form the swirl that creates those beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth but thick.
Step 6: Layer the Cake and Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Then, layer the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl, and top it with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon into the cake batter, creating a beautiful marble effect.
Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter to form the streusel topping. Use your fingers to crumble the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly mixture.
Step 8: Bake
Sprinkle the streusel topping over the cake batter and place the pan in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This cake is best enjoyed slightly warm, but it also stores well for later.
Storage Options
Cinnamon roll coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep the cake fresh. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. To enjoy it later, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the cake thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and then reheat if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
There are many ways to customize this cinnamon roll coffee cake to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions:
Substitutions for Ingredients:
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and milk with non-dairy alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.
Regional or Cultural Variations:
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Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex flavor.
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Fruit Addition: Incorporate fruit like apples or blueberries into the cake for a refreshing twist on the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Creative Twists for Adventurous Cooks:
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Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the streusel topping for added crunch.
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Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra indulgent touch, mix some cream cheese with a bit of sugar and swirl it into the batter before baking.
Pairings and Accompaniments
Cinnamon roll coffee cake is versatile enough to be paired with many beverages and sides. Here are a few suggestions:
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Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of tea, making it the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch spread.
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Fruit: Fresh fruit like berries, apples, or bananas complements the warm, cinnamon flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
While cinnamon roll coffee cake and cinnamon rolls are both flavored with cinnamon, there are key differences in texture and preparation. Cinnamon rolls are typically baked as individual rolls, while coffee cake is a single, sliced cake. The coffee cake has a lighter, fluffier texture, while cinnamon rolls are denser and often covered in a glaze. Both treats share the signature cinnamon flavor, but the coffee cake tends to have a more crumbly topping and a simpler preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does cinnamon coffee cake last?
Cinnamon coffee cake lasts for about 2 days at room temperature, up to 5 days in the refrigerator, or 3 months in the freezer.
What makes a cake a coffee cake?
Coffee cakes are typically served alongside coffee or tea. They are moist, tender cakes, often topped with a crumbly streusel and flavored with cinnamon or other spices.
How long to cook cinnamon roll cake?
Bake cinnamon roll coffee cake for about 40-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What’s the difference between a cinnamon roll and a cinnamon bun?
While both feature cinnamon, cinnamon rolls are often sliced individually, while cinnamon buns are more tightly rolled. Cinnamon rolls are typically sweeter and may be topped with icing, while cinnamon buns often feature a more dense dough and a gooey interior.
Best Time to Enjoy the Recipe
This cinnamon roll coffee cake is perfect for any time of the day. Whether it’s part of your morning breakfast, an afternoon tea, or served as a dessert after dinner, it fits beautifully into any occasion.
Presentation Tips
To present your cinnamon roll coffee cake attractively, cut it into even slices and arrange them on a decorative plate. Consider dusting the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for added elegance.
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