Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake combines the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a coffee cake, making it a perfect breakfast treat or dessert. Featuring a tender, moist batter swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this recipe is straightforward to prepare and delightfully delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until you get a crumbly, spreadable mixture.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon swirl. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the coffee cake is baked, allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before slicing and serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or a handful of chocolate chips to the cinnamon swirl mixture before layering.
- Leftover coffee cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days without losing freshness.
- You can also make a mini muffin version of this coffee cake for individual servings and faster baking times while keeping the cinnamon swirl and glaze intact.
