Picture this: a warm, soft, and fragrant cinnamon roll, fresh out of the oven, paired with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. It’s the kind of morning delight that makes the start of your day extra special. But what if you could combine the goodness of a cinnamon roll with the convenience of a coffee cake? In this blog, we’re bringing you a delectable Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake recipe that promises to elevate your mornings to a whole new level.
The Magic of Cinnamon Rolls and Coffee Cake
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat, known for their sweet, cinnamon-spiced swirls and luscious cream cheese frosting. Coffee cake, on the other hand, is a classic companion to a morning cup of coffee, often featuring a crumbly streusel topping. This recipe blends the best of both worlds, giving you the taste of a cinnamon roll with the ease of a coffee cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Coffee Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tsp of ground cinnamon for the filling. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add the 2 tbsp of cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture. Set this streusel topping aside.
4. Create the Coffee Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1 cup of buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Assemble the Coffee Cake:
- Pour half of the coffee cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon filling mixture over the first layer of batter.
- Add the remaining coffee cake batter on top of the cinnamon filling layer.
- Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping over the top layer of batter.
6. Bake and Enjoy:
- Bake the coffee cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese glaze. In a bowl, beat the 4 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp of milk (adjust to your desired consistency), and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until you have a creamy glaze.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm coffee cake. Allow it to set for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ease of Preparation: This coffee cake recipe offers the flavors of a cinnamon roll without the need for time-consuming yeast dough. It’s a quicker and more accessible way to enjoy that classic taste.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want a special breakfast treat, this coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and a cream cheese glaze makes this coffee cake a flavorful delight.
- Pairs Perfectly with Coffee: As the name suggests, this coffee cake is an ideal companion to your morning cup of coffee. The sweetness of the cake balances the bitterness of the coffee, creating a delightful pairing.
Conclusion
A cinnamon roll coffee cake is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make, shareable treat. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with your morning coffee, the warmth and sweetness of this coffee cake are sure to brighten your day.
So, the next time you want to treat yourself to a morning delight, whip up this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake and savor the comforting, aromatic flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese.
