Name: Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup melted unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 3 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp flour; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze); 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)

Why You’ll Love Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is far quicker and easier than traditional cinnamon rolls but still delivers all that beloved gooey cinnamon goodness with a sweet glaze finish. It’s ideal when you want that cinnamon roll taste without the extra time and effort of shaping dough.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:
3 cups flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:
1 cup melted unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp flour

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Spray a baking pan with non‑stick spray (preferably with flour included).
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and baking powder; mix well.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the topping.
Spoon or drizzle the topping mixture over the cake batter.
Use a knife to swirl the topping into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake about 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and let it set before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra texture.
Apple Cinnamon: Fold in small apple chunks to the batter for an apple‑cinnamon variation.
Maple Glaze: Substitute some milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
Spiced Cake: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cake batter for a spicier twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Cover tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave 15–20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What makes this different from regular cinnamon rolls?

This is a coffee‑cake style recipe that captures cinnamon roll flavors without the time‑intensive process of rolling and shaping dough.

Can I use low‑fat milk?

Yes, you can substitute low‑fat or plant‑based milk if preferred.

Do I need to use a specific pan size?

A standard 9×13‑inch baking pan works best for even baking.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center: if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes — swap dairy and eggs with plant‑based alternatives like almond milk and flax “eggs.”

Can I add fruit?

Yes, small pieces of apple or berries can be folded into the batter.

Why didn’t my glaze set?

If the glaze seems too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches desired thickness.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just double ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting time as needed.

Is this suitable for a crowd?

Absolutely — making it in a larger pan makes it easy to serve many guests.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Serve slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a sweet treat.

Conclusion

This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a straightforward, delicious way to enjoy cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss. With a moist cake base, sweet cinnamon swirl, and simple glaze, it’s a crowd‑pleasing recipe you can whip up any day of the week.