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The Sweet Occasion ยป Recipes ยป Breakfast

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Published: Jan 2, 2024 ยท Modified: Jan 2, 2024 by Maria Pagiotas ยท 11 Comments

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A classic buttery breakfast cake gets an update with this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake! All the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls are packed into an easy cake made with sour cream for added moisture. Enjoy a swirl of rich brown sugar and cinnamon inside the cake and a layer sprinkled on top and then drizzled with a tangy cream cheese glaze for the perfect finish!

Close of up slices of cinnamon roll coffee cake with drizzled cream cheese glaze and cinnamon sugar filling.

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Here at The Sweet Occasion, we love fluffy cinnamon rolls for breakfast. But when youโ€™re in a time crunch, like I constantly am, and still crave that classic flavor, Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a go-to. Itโ€™s made in a 9x13-inch pan to serve a crowd (or freeze the leftovers for another time).

This cake uses sour cream for an extra moist and flavorful breakfast treat. It has a swirl of a rich brown sugar and cinnamon flavored mixture baked inside.  Like my strawberry rolls and pineapple cinnamon buns, this coffee cake is finished with a luscious cream cheese topping.

Let me show you how to make this simple (but very flavorful!) breakfast cake.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy prep with cinnamon roll flavors. One bite into this coffee cake, and youโ€™ll taste the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. All you need is 15 minutes of prep!
  • Basic pantry ingredients. You will most likely have everything to make this easy coffee cake recipe. Flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, and vanilla (all standard baking ingredients). Youโ€™ll also need sour cream but, if you prefer, you can always swap it with yogurt.
  • One mixture two ways. Saves time with one brown sugar-cinnamon mixture used for both the filling and topping.

Ingredients You'll Need

Filling and Cake Ingredients

Ingredients for cinnamon roll coffee cake in bowls on a flat surface.
  • All-purpose flour. Gives the right amount of tenderness to the coffee cake (not too dense and not too cakey)
  • Baking powder and baking soda. Leavening agents allow the cake to rise and have a fluffy texture.
  • Salt. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the cake.
  • Butter. Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt that goes into the batter. Itโ€™s important to use softened butter. It should be slightly firm to the touch and not greasy, yet leave the impression of your finger when you press into it.
  • Granulated sugar. Adds sweetness to the cake. When the sugar and butter cream combine, air is incorporated into the batter, creating the perfect light and tender cake.
  • Eggs. Adds richness and contributes to the rise of the cake.
  • Vanilla. Pure vanilla extract is worth the splurge for the best flavor.
  • Sour cream. Adds moisture and richness to the cake. The acidity in sour cream helps create a softer and more tender cake. It also activates the baking soda. Ensure your sour cream is at room temperature so it mixes with the other ingredients into a smooth batter.
  • Brown sugar. Creates a slightly caramelized sweet filling and topping.
  • Cinnamon. The key ingredient for creating a traditional cinnamon roll flavored filling.

Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients

Ingredients for cream cheese glaze.
  • Cream cheese. Use block cream cheese. Its dense, firm texture is perfect for making frostings and glazes. Bring your cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth and creamy topping.
  • Butter. Youโ€™ll only need 1 tablespoon for added richness.
  • Powdered Sugar. Adds sweetness to the cream cheese glaze. The fine texture creates a smooth and creamy frosting consistency.
  • Heavy cream. Thins out the glaze to a pourable consistency. Add more or less depending on your desired consistency.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

  • Greek yogurt. Switch it out for the sour cream. Itโ€™ll still add moisture and richness to the cake without affecting the texture.
  • Milk. Substitute your milk of choice for heavy cream.

Helpful Tools for Making Homemade Coffee Cake

  • Digital kitchen scale or measuring cups. Using a scale will give you exact measurements for consistent results.
  • Measuring spoons.
  • Mixer. Youโ€™ll need a mixer for the cake batter and glaze (a handheld or stand mixer will work!).
  • 9x13-inch baking pan. I recommend using an aluminum pan (not a dark coated one). If you use a glass or ceramic pan, the heat will take longer to transfer to your cake (add 5-8 minutes to the baking time). 
  • Mixing bowl. Youโ€™ll need a small one for combining the filling ingredients, a medium one to whisk the dry ingredients and mix the glaze, and a large bowl for the batter.
  • Whisk. Used to whisk the dry ingredients.
  • Rubber spatula.
  • Small offset spatula. Makes it easy to spread the batter into an even layer.
Sliced cinnamon roll coffee cake arranged on a round wire rack.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Before you begin: Bring the butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature and read the recipe from start to finish. Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF/177ยฐC. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper on the bottom then grease and lightly flour the sides.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Cinnamon and brown sugar combined in a white bowl.

Mix the filling. Whisk the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Whisked dry ingredients in a glass mixing bowl.

Whisk dry ingredients. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Creamed butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer bowl.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat together for about 2 minutes using a mixer.

Eggs and vanilla combed with creamed butter and sugar in a stand mixer bowl.

Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.

Mixed cinnamon roll coffee cake batter in a stand mixer bowl.

Add dry ingredients and sour cream. Alternate adding the flour mixture with the sour cream until combined. Do not overmix!

Layered cinnamon roll coffee cake batter in a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Add batter to the pan. Spread half the batter into an even layer and sprinkle with half of the filling mixture. Top with remaining batter then cinnamon sugar and bake.

How to Make Cream Cheese Glaze

Creamed cream cheese and butter in a glass mixing bowl.

Combine cream cheese and butter. Beat together until smooth and creamy.

Mixed cream cheese glaze in a glass mixing bowl.

Add powdered sugar. Slowly beat in the sugar until combined. Add heavy cream and beat to combine.

Note: Typically, I fill a disposable pastry bag with the cream cheese glaze, snip off the tip, and drizzle it over the coffee cake. But you can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze or a small offset spatula to spread it over the top.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

As a trained pastry chef, I use these tips to bake the perfect cinnamon roll coffee cake every time.

  • Weigh your ingredients. Using a scale takes the guesswork out of measuring and gives consistent results.
  • Use room temperature ingredients. Bring all your ingredients (yes, the eggs too!) to room temperature. Doing this will allow your ingredients to mix evenly and smoothly.
  • Expect a thick cake batter. Your batter should be thick! Youโ€™ll need an offset spatula or knife to spread it in the pan.
  • Glaze the cake while warm. Typically, youโ€™ll see me be strict about only frosting cakes and cupcakes once they are completely cooled. But hereโ€™s the exception. Glaze this cinnamon roll coffee cake while still warm so the cream cheese mixture will ooze over the top.

Recipe Variations & Different Pan Sizes

  • Swirl the filling. Using a knife, swirl the cinnamon sugar filling and topping into the batter for a fun presentation.
  • Fall flavors. Do you love fall-flavored desserts like apple pie? Add ground nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to the brown sugar for a warm, cozy, spiced filling.
  • Bake in two 8-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter between two 8-inch round cake pans and bake at 350ยฐF/177ยฐC for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Bake in a 12-cup bundt pan. No need to change the baking time or temperature.
Close of up a slice of cinnamon roll coffee cake with drizzled cream cheese glaze on a plate with a fork.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Leftover cake. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Make ahead. Keep the completely cooled cake in the pan and tightly wrap it with aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature overnight. Pour the glaze over the cake just before serving.

Note: You can prepare the cream cheese glaze up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Set at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften before pouring over the coffee cake. Add additional cream or milk to thin to desired consistency.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

  • Baked Banana Donuts
  • Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
  • Sour Cream Banana Muffins
  • Blueberry Muffins

Get all of my breakfast recipes here!

I hope you love this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake as much as we do and that it becomes a family favorite! Please leave a comment below, I love reading your feedback! And if youโ€™d like to make this recipe later, donโ€™t forget to pin it on Pinterest! Happy Baking!

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Close of up slices of cinnamon roll coffee cake with drizzled cream cheese glaze and cinnamon sugar filling.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Maria Pagiotas
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9x13-inch cake 1x
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Description

A classic buttery breakfast cake gets an update with this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake! All the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls are packed into an easy cake made with sour cream for added moisture. Enjoy a swirl of rich brown sugar and cinnamon inside the cake and a layer sprinkled on top and then drizzled with a tangy cream cheese glaze for the perfect finish!


Ingredients

Scale

Filling & Cake

  • 147 g (โ…” cup) light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 390 g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ยพ teaspoon baking soda
  • ยพ teaspoon salt
  • 226 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 330 g (1 ยฝ cups) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 300 g (1 ยผ cups) sour cream, at room temperature

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 85 g (3 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 85 g (โ…” cup) powdered sugar
  • 60 g (ยผ cup) heavy cream

Instructions

Filling and Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF/177ยฐC. Butter and flour a 9x13-inch cake pan. Line with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the vanilla.
  6. With the mixer on low speed and in three parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
  7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixer over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the filling and carefully use a small offset spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
  8. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the baking pan before removing.

Cream Cheese Glaze

  1. Using a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until combined.
  2. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the powdered sugar, beating until completely incorporated.
  3. Add the heavy cream and mix until combined. Pour the glaze over the cake.

Notes

Storage:ย Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Make ahead:ย Keep the completely cooled cake in the pan and tightly wrap it with aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature overnight. Pour the glaze over the cake just before serving.

Cream cheese glaze:ย You can prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Set at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften before pouring over the coffee cake. Add additional cream or milk to thin to desired consistency.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thesweetoccasion on Instagram so we can see your creation!

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Comments

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  1. Lindsey says

    January 14, 2025 at 8:29 pm

    This is such a great coffee cake! The cream cheese glaze really takes it over the top and makes it taste just like a cinnamon roll!

    Reply
    • Maria Pagiotas says

      January 15, 2025 at 11:20 am

      Hi Lindsey! I'm happy you enjoyed this coffee cake! My favorite is creating cinnamon roll flavored desserts in all forms!

      Reply
  2. Gloria says

    January 09, 2024 at 7:56 pm

    Wow! Tastes just like cinnamon rolls but in a cake version. Will definitely be making this again soon.

    Reply
    • Maria Pagiotas says

      January 10, 2024 at 11:20 am

      Hi Gloria! So happy you enjoyed this recipe! That's exactly what I was going for ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  3. akshay malhotra says

    September 29, 2021 at 8:38 am

    Thank you for this wonderful blog dear , i definitely prepare this at home.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      October 04, 2021 at 1:51 am

      I'm pleased to hear that you enjoy this recipe! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. vishal kumar says

    August 30, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    I tried to bake this with this recipe and believe me the cake was a hit

    Reply
    • Maria says

      September 01, 2021 at 10:55 am

      I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed this coffee cake recipe!

      Reply
  5. Ronak Mehta says

    September 02, 2020 at 4:43 am

    Wow. It looks delicious. I love coffee cake. So, I will try to make it. Your recipe will help me. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      September 02, 2020 at 9:46 am

      Thank you so much! I hope you love making this tasty recipe!

      Reply

Hello! I'm Maria, a professionally trained pastry chef, blogger, and photographer. Here at The Sweet Occasion, you'll find easy and impressive baking recipes for everyday occasions that save you time. My goal is to inspire home bakers to bake from scratch.

More about me โ†’

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