Description
This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake combines the best elements of a classic cinnamon roll and a moist, fluffy cake, topped with a luscious vanilla icing. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this 24-serving cake offers a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl baked into a tender cake base, finished with a creamy vanilla drizzle that oozes indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 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
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and the melted butter. Blend until smooth and well combined. Divide this batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl Topping: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and cinnamon. Continue beating until the mixture is fully incorporated and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Swirl Cinnamon Mixture into Batter: Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over the cake batter in each pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove from Pans: After cooling, carefully flip the cakes out onto serving plates or wire racks.
- Prepare the Vanilla Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle Icing over Cake: While the cakes are still slightly warm, drizzle the vanilla icing evenly over the top allowing it to ooze down the sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. For leftover slices, warm briefly in the microwave for a cozy treat.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For best flavor, enjoy the cinnamon roll cake slightly warmed. Microwave leftovers for about 15 seconds to rejuvenate softness and flavor.
- Use parchment paper in pans to prevent sticking and ensure clean removal.
- Swirling the cinnamon mixture well but gently creates the best marbled cinnamon layer without mixing it completely into the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
