Cinnamon Roll Swirl Coffee Cake From Scratch

Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe and explore tips, variations, and FAQs to make your baking experience perfect!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: This treat combines the richness of cinnamon rolls with the moistness of a coffee cake, creating a truly irresistible flavor combination.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this cake is versatile and perfect for any time of the day.
• Made from Scratch: What’s more, it’s made from scratch with no pre-made mixes—just simple, fresh ingredients to create a homemade masterpiece.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Swirl Coffee Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:   
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Prepare the Cake Batter:  
  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Then, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

• Make the Cinnamon Swirl: 
  In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until a paste forms. Afterward, pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it through. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top, then repeat the swirl process with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.

• Bake the Cake: 
  Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

• Prepare the Glaze: 
  While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. For the best results, drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm cake.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Swirl Coffee Cake

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: To achieve a smoother batter, it’s best to bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before starting.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, simply reduce the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup for a more balanced flavor.
• Add Extra Flavors: For an added twist, consider incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and nuttiness.
• Don’t Skip the Swirl: Most importantly, swirling the cinnamon mixture throughout the cake not only creates the signature marbled look but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect Pairing: Serve a slice of this coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Holiday Brunch Star: This cake is a fantastic addition to your holiday breakfast or brunch spread.
• Dessert Delight: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a decadent dessert option.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Swirl Coffee Cake

• Room Temperature: To keep the cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This way, it will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer to store it longer, place it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature or warm it up slightly for the best experience.
• Freezer: For even longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. In this case, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and warm it in the microwave.

Variations of This Recipe

• Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: For a chocolatey twist, add mini chocolate chips to the batter or cinnamon swirl, giving the cake an extra indulgent flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free option, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute, and you’ll still enjoy a delicious cake.
• Lemon Cinnamon Cake: For a bright and zesty touch, add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the batter, infusing the cake with a refreshing citrus flavor.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Swirl Coffee Cake

Q: Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

A: Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with 1 cup of regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

A: It’s best to bake the cake immediately after preparing the batter to ensure it rises properly. However, you can make the cinnamon swirl mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Q: How can I prevent the cake from being dry?

A: Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure you don’t overbake the cake. Check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.

Q: Can I use a bundt pan instead of a baking dish?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure to grease the bundt pan thoroughly and adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this coffee cake?

A: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore its soft texture.

This Cinnamon Roll Swirl Coffee Cake From Scratch is a show-stopping treat that’s not only delightful to make but also a joy to eat. No matter whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so feel free to share in the comments below. In the meantime, happy baking!