Name: Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with Vanilla Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons, divided; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder; 1 ½ cups milk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons cinnamon; 2 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you have a soft spot for warm, cinnamon-spiced treats, prepare to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with Vanilla Icing Recipe. It perfectly captures the gooey, buttery magic of a classic cinnamon roll but bakes up as a fluffy, sliceable coffee cake that’s absolutely irresistible. The silky vanilla icing drizzled on top brings everything together for a breakfast or brunch centerpiece that feels like a warm hug on a plate, inviting you to savor every decadent bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a thick, creamy light beige batter being poured from a clear glass bowl into the center of an empty round white baking pan lined with parchment paper. The batter forms a small mound on the flat pan surface as it spreads slowly. The background is a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe comes together with pantry staples and a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender cake crumb to the rich cinnamon swirl and smooth vanilla icing, every element adds its own special flavor, texture, or color to make this coffee cake truly shine.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb, with the additional two tablespoons helping to bind the cinnamon sugar mixture perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake base without overpowering the cinnamon notes.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely rise and light texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the cake soft and tender.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake and icing with a warm, aromatic touch.
Unsalted butter (two forms): Melted butter blends into the batter for moistness, while softened butter in the cinnamon swirl contributes to that luscious, gooey texture.
Light brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create a deep, caramel-like swirl within the cake.
Cinnamon: The star spice, delivering the iconic warm, spicy flavor that defines this coffee cake.
Powdered sugar: Key to making the silky, sweet vanilla icing that finishes off the cake perfectly.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with Vanilla Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 9-inch cake pans thoroughly, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This step ensures your cakes release easily after baking and helps maintain their beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Using a mixer, combine 3 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and the melted butter. Mix just until combined to keep the batter light and tender. Evenly divide this batter between your prepared pans to form the base of your cakes.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, and the cinnamon until fluffy and fully combined—this usually takes around 3 minutes. The mixture should become a rich, spreadable swirl that will create those iconic cinnamon pockets inside your cake.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl to the Batter

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter in each pan using two tablespoons at a time. Then, take a knife and gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter, creating beautiful, marbled cinnamon ribbons throughout your coffee cake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cakes for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before carefully flipping them onto serving plates so they’re ready for the icing.

Step 6: Whisk Up the Vanilla Icing

While the cakes cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until you have a smooth, pourable icing. This creamy drizzle is the perfect finishing touch that complements the warm cinnamon flavors with a hint of sweet vanilla.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Pour the icing generously over the slightly warmed cakes to let it gently melt and seep into every swirl and crumb. Your Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with Vanilla Icing Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it with you.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with Vanilla Icing Recipe

A white plate holds eight triangular slices of a layered dessert, each slice showing three layers: a light brown crunchy base, a soft beige middle with bits of nuts, and a creamy white top with a smooth icing drizzle pattern. The icing is thick and glossy, dripping slightly on the edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a cloth partially visible, featuring a pattern of small orange, red, and pink dots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of texture and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the vanilla icing before it sets. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a few delicate edible flowers can also elevate this coffee cake into an even more stunning centerpiece.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of your favorite morning brew, whether that’s coffee, tea, or a creamy latte. For a fuller brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness with savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering slices of this cake in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh berries for a stunning brunch dessert. Alternatively, cut into small squares to serve as bite-sized treats for a coffee hour gathering or a festive holiday party. Presentation is half the fun, and this cake shines no matter how you slice it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several mornings or sharing with friends during the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep this cinnamon roll delight longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen properly, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you want a sweet treat, simply thaw at room temperature or gently microwave.

Reheating

To recapture that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The vanilla icing will soften and the cinnamon swirl will become wonderfully fragrant again, reviving the cozy, comforting spirit of this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with Vanilla Icing Recipe in seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this cake?

While all-purpose flour works best for the right balance of structure and tenderness, you can try a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking if needed. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter substitutes to keep that rich flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.

Can I make this cake in one pan instead of two?

Definitely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check with a toothpick to make sure it’s cooked through without overbaking.

How thick should I spread the cinnamon swirl mixture?

Drop it in spoonfuls evenly across the batter, then swirl gently with a knife. The goal is to create lovely ribbons and pockets of cinnamon throughout without overly blending it into the batter.

Can I prepare the batter or cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

The batter is best made fresh to maintain its lightness, but you can prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge, making assembly quicker when you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the unmistakable warmth of cinnamon paired with the creamy sweetness of vanilla icing, and this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake with Vanilla Icing Recipe hits all those cozy notes perfectly. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or impressing guests at brunch, give this recipe a try and enjoy every swirl, every bite, and every moment it brings to your table.