If you love coffee cakes or cinnamon rolls, this recipe is for you! My Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake combines soft, sweet cake with a gooey cinnamon swirl. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Best of all, it’s easy to make! Follow me as I guide you through simple steps and tips to bake this delightful treat. Your family will love it, and so will you! Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
The ingredients for cinnamon roll coffee cake are simple and easy to find. I often use these items for many baked goods. You need all-purpose flour for the base. Granulated sugar gives it sweetness. Baking powder helps the cake rise. A little salt balances the flavors. Ground cinnamon adds a warm spice that makes this cake special.
Unsalted butter gives the cake richness. Milk keeps it moist and fluffy. Eggs help bind the ingredients together. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. For the cinnamon swirl, you mix brown sugar with more cinnamon. Finally, powdered sugar and extra milk create a sweet glaze to top it all off.
Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes the process smooth and fun. You will love how they come together to create this delightful treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Use butter or cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is mixed well for great flavor.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Add 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This helps create a moist cake.
Assembling the Cake
Now it’s time to layer the cake. Pour half of the batter into the greased pan. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling over this layer. Next, pour the remaining batter on top. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon filling.
Baking Process
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Enjoy the smell of cinnamon filling your kitchen!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Avoiding overmixing: Mix your batter gently. Overmixing makes the cake tough. Stir until just combined. A few lumps are fine. This helps keep your cake light and fluffy.
– Checking for doneness: Use a toothpick to test your cake. Insert it in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If it has batter on it, bake a bit longer.
Presentation Tips
– Serving suggestions: Cut the coffee cake into squares. Place them on a nice platter. This makes it look inviting and easy to grab.
– Garnishing ideas: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top. You can also add whole nuts for color. This adds a nice touch to your serving.
Glazing Tips
– Consistency of glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk. Aim for a smooth, drizzling texture. If it is too thick, add more milk. If too thin, add more sugar.
– Application technique: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Use a spoon or a small pitcher for control. This makes your cake look beautiful and tasty.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of your cinnamon roll coffee cake. One fun way is to add nuts, like walnuts or pecans. Just chop them up and mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon filling. This adds a nice crunch.
You can also add chocolate chips. They melt while baking and make the cake even more delicious. Mix in a cup of chocolate chips along with the batter for a sweet twist.
Another great option is adding fruit. You can use apples or blueberries. Chop the apples into small pieces and fold them into the batter. For blueberries, just toss in a cup before pouring the batter into the pan. This will give your cake a fresh taste.
Dietary Variations
If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking, so your cake will still taste great. Just check that all other ingredients are gluten-free too.
For a vegan version, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. This mix acts like an egg. Use almond milk instead of regular milk and vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. These swaps make your cake plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cinnamon roll coffee cake with coffee or tea for a cozy treat. The warm flavors of cinnamon blend well with a hot cup.
This coffee cake is perfect for brunch or dessert. Serve it with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a sweet finish. You can cut the cake into squares and place them on a nice platter. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch.
Storage Info
Cooling and Storing
After baking, let the coffee cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set. Then, you can move it to a wire rack to cool down completely. Make sure it cools before you store it. This way, it won’t get soggy.
Refrigeration vs Freezing
For refrigeration, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It keeps the cake fresh and moist. You can also place it in an airtight container. The cake stays good in the fridge for up to one week.
If you want to freeze the cake, slice it first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To reheat, let the slices thaw in the fridge overnight. You can warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Shelf Life
At room temperature, the cinnamon roll coffee cake lasts about three days. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. If you want it to last longer, refrigerating or freezing is the best option. Enjoy your cake while it’s fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but you should skip baking powder and salt. Self-rising flour already has these added.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. Mix 1 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.
Is it possible to make mini versions of this cake?
Yes! Use a muffin tin for mini cakes. Adjust the bake time to about 15-20 minutes.
This blog post took you through making a delicious coffee cake. We covered ingredients, steps, tips, and variations. You now have all the tools to create this treat with ease. Baking can be fun when you try new flavors or diet options. Remember to store your cake properly to keep it fresh. Enjoy serving it at brunch or with coffee. With these recipes and tips, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
