Are you ready to indulge in a sweet and easy treat? This Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is all you need for a perfect morning or afternoon delight. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a soft, moist coffee cake that features a delicious swirl of cinnamon and a sweet glaze on top. Let me guide you through this delightful recipe that will impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed firmly
– ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
– 2 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)
Gathering these ingredients is key for a great cinnamon roll coffee cake. Flour gives the cake structure. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder helps it rise. Salt balances flavors and enhances the taste. Butter keeps the cake moist and adds richness. Milk provides creaminess, and eggs bind everything together.
Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. Ground cinnamon brings that classic taste we love in cinnamon rolls. Brown sugar adds depth and a slight caramel flavor to the filling. Pecans give a nice crunch if you choose to use them. Finally, the glaze made of powdered sugar and milk adds a sweet finish.
With these ingredients ready, you are set to make this delightful treat. Check the Full Recipe for detailed steps and enjoy your time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cake bake evenly.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This keeps the cake from sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until there are no lumps.
4. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine ½ cup of melted butter (slightly cooled), 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Mixing and Baking
1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine.
2. In a small bowl, blend ½ cup of packed brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for the filling.
3. Spread half of the batter into the baking pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar filling evenly over it. If using pecans, sprinkle half of them here for extra crunch.
4. Add spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the filling, spreading it gently. Aim for a marbled look, not a solid layer.
5. Use a knife or skewer to swirl through the batter. Create a beautiful marbled effect, but do not overmix.
6. Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Glazing and Serving
1. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Adjust milk for desired thickness.
2. After baking, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. This makes slicing easier.
3. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake while it’s still in the pan. Allow it to melt slightly into the cake.
4. For serving, dust extra powdered sugar on top or add whole pecans for a nice touch. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee!
For the full recipe, check the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Ensuring the cake remains moist: To keep your cake soft, do not overmix the batter. Mixing too much can lead to a dry cake. Also, remember to check for doneness early. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.
– Proper swirl technique for cinnamon filling: For a great swirl, use a knife or skewer. Gently drag it through the batter. Do not mix too much; you want to see the cinnamon filling. This makes it look nice and taste great.
– Baking pan alternatives and tips: If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, a round cake pan works too. Just adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. You may need a few more minutes for thicker cakes.
Flavor Enhancements
– Suggestions for spices or extracts: You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon for a warm flavor. Almond extract also pairs well with vanilla for a nice twist.
– Adding mix-ins, like chocolate chips: If you love chocolate, throw in some chocolate chips. They melt and mix perfectly with the cinnamon. Just fold them into the batter before layering.
– Using flavored glaze options: Instead of plain glaze, try adding a bit of vanilla or almond extract to the glaze. This adds extra flavor that complements the cake. You can also add cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze.
For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your baking!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can play with flavors to make this cake even more fun. Here are a few ideas:
– Pumpkin spice cinnamon roll coffee cake: Swap in pumpkin puree for some of the milk. Add pumpkin spice mix for a fall twist.
– Apple cinnamon coffee cake twist: Add diced apples to the batter. Mix in some extra cinnamon for a fruity flavor.
– Nutella-stuffed coffee cake option: Layer Nutella between the cake batter. This makes the cake rich and chocolatey.
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit diet needs. Here are some simple swaps:
– Gluten-free options for the flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cake soft and tasty.
– Vegan substitutions for eggs and milk: Use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs. Replace milk with almond or oat milk.
– Sugar alternatives for health-conscious individuals: Try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. This helps cut down on calories while keeping the sweetness.
These variations make your easy cinnamon roll coffee cake fun and suitable for everyone. Explore these options to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your cinnamon roll coffee cake fresh, store it properly. If you plan to eat it within a day, you can leave it at room temperature. Just cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. This helps keep the cake moist and tasty.
If you want to save it for a few days, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh for up to five days. But, remember, cold storage can make the cake a bit dense.
Long-term Storage
For longer storage, freezing the coffee cake is a great option. Cut the cake into slices, so you can grab one when you want. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help prevent freezer burn. The cake can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want it warm, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, it will taste fresh and delicious, just like when you first made it.
For the full recipe, check out the instructions above!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this coffee cake a day ahead. Just keep it covered on the counter. This helps the flavors blend nicely. You can also bake it, cool it, and store it in the fridge.
How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
To stop the cake from sticking, grease the pan well. Use butter or non-stick spray. You can also use parchment paper on the bottom. This makes it easy to lift the cake out later.
What is the best way to reheat leftover coffee cake?
To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms the cake without drying it out. You can also use the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Can I use a different type of nut or no nuts at all?
Yes! You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. If you prefer no nuts, just leave them out. The cake will still taste great without them.
Additional Questions
What’s the texture like?
The texture is soft and fluffy. The cinnamon filling adds a nice swirl. This makes each bite moist and flavorful.
How long does this coffee cake last?
This coffee cake lasts about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week.
Is this cake suitable for serving at events?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for events. It is easy to slice and serve. Plus, it looks great on a dessert table. For the full recipe, check out the details above!
This blog post covered how to make a delicious cinnamon roll coffee cake. We outlined key ingredients and gave step-by-step instructions for preparing, baking, and glazing. Baking tips and flavor variations let you personalize the cake. For storage, we shared how to keep it fresh short and long-term.
Now you can bake this delightful treat any time. Enjoy sharing it with friends or family! Your new skills will surely impress, and the taste will keep them coming back for more.
