Looking for a delicious treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or tea? Look no further than this indulgent yet simple Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake recipe. Combining the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a coffee cake, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your breakfast or brunch rotation. With a buttery cake base, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a creamy glaze, each bite is a taste of comfort and warmth. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions, even beginner bakers can whip up this delightful treat in no time. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible coffee cake!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups milk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter, eggs, and sugar until well combined.
- Stir in the flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and milk until a smooth batter forms.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until a thick, paste-like mixture forms.
Step 3: Layer the Cake Batter and Filling
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the cinnamon filling mixture over the batter in an even layer.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon filling, spreading it out to cover evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Coffee Cake
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm coffee cake, then slice and serve.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before pouring the remaining cake batter.
- Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with the flavors by adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling, or swapping the vanilla extract in the glaze for almond or maple extract.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Take this coffee cake to the next level by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version
- Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content of the cake.
- Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar in both the cake and the glaze.
Low-Carb Version
- Replace the sugar in the cake batter with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour to create a low-carb, gluten-free cake base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this coffee cake? A: Absolutely! Wrap individual slices or the whole coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk, in place of regular milk in the cake batter.
Q: Can I omit the glaze if I prefer a less sweet coffee cake? A: Of course! The glaze is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet coffee cake. Alternatively, you can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch.
In conclusion, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving something sweet. With its buttery cake base, cinnamon swirl filling, and creamy glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Plus, with options for keto and low-carb variations, everyone can enjoy a slice of this delicious coffee cake. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and indulge in a slice of comfort and warmth!