Sarah BrownBefore diving into the delightful world of cinnamon roll coffee cake, let’s consider what to serve alongside it.
This dish has a rich, sweet profile that pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. Freshly brewed coffee, of course, is a classic choice. Its boldness complements the cake’s sweetness. If you’re feeling daring, try a flavored coffee like hazelnut or vanilla.
Tea also makes a lovely pairing—think of a nice Earl Grey or a chai for a hint of spice. To balance out the sweetness, fresh orange juice or a light fruit smoothie could work wonders. A side of fresh mixed berries adds a bright touch and introduces a refreshing acidity to each bite. Together, these options will elevate your brunch experience.
Mother’s Day is special. It’s a day to celebrate the superheroes in our lives—the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who shaped us. What better way to honor them than with a homemade brunch?
This year, I wanted to try something that’s both indulgent and comforting. Enter the cinnamon roll coffee cake. Imagine the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls paired with the fluffy texture of a coffee cake. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a heartfelt way to start the day.
What is Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?
Cinnamon roll coffee cake combines the elements of two beloved treats: the moist, dense qualities of a coffee cake and the swirls of cinnamon sugar found in a classic cinnamon roll. It’s a delightful union that results in a cake that’s perfect for brunch. While the cake is baked, it gives off an irresistible scent, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require complicated techniques. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a masterpiece that will impress anyone. This cake is versatile, making it a perfect addition to Mother’s Day celebrations or any occasion where sweet treats illuminate the table.
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What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The first bite of cinnamon roll coffee cake is truly heavenly. You’ll experience a warm, buttery taste that envelops your palate. Cinnamon plays the star role, enveloping the cake with its warm, spicy notes.
The sweetness of brown sugar adds depth, while a hint of nutmeg rounds out the flavor, creating an inviting warmth. Each mouthful is a blend of textures; the cake is tender and soft, and the cinnamon swirl provides delightful pockets of sweetness.
What’s interesting is how this dish strikes a balance. It isn’t overly sweet, making it easy to enjoy a second slice (or third!). The combination of spices elevates this cake from a simple breakfast option to an indulgent dessert. Pair this sweet creation with your choice of beverage, and you’ve got yourself a treat fit for any Mother’s Day brunch.
Why You’ll Love This?
You might be wondering, “What sets this recipe apart?” Here are a few reasons that make cinnamon roll coffee cake an extraordinary choice for your Mother’s Day celebration:
1. Simple Ingredients: The recipe calls for ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. No complicated grocery lists here!
2. Easy to Make: Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and quick.
3. Impressive Presentation: The spiral of cinnamon sugar creates an almost mesmerizing pattern, making it visually appealing for guests.
4. Flexibility: You can customize this cake. Add nuts for crunch, dried fruit for additional sweetness, or even a chocolate drizzle for an extra treat.
5. Make Ahead: It’s perfect for busy brunch preparations. Bake it the day before and simply reheat before serving.
Ingredients
To make this cinnamon roll coffee cake, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups sifted powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 4 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- 1½ cups whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (this new addition adds subtle warmth and depth)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (or use the same extract as above)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (adjust for glaze consistency)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While that’s heating up, grab your ingredients. This gives you a head start!
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will help keep your cake from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. This step is crucial; thorough mixing ensures that the baking powder reacts evenly throughout the cake.
Step 4: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla essence. Mix until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy base that will hold the cake together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine
Gently add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick and luscious.
Step 6: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Now comes the fun part!
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle about half of this mixture over the batter in the pan, creating a lovely layer of flavor.
Step 8: Top with the Remaining Batter
Spoon the remaining batter on top, carefully covering the cinnamon mixture. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some bits might peek through, which is just fine.
Step 9: Finish the Swirl
Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Using the tip of a knife or a skewer, swirl the mixture gently into the batter.
Step 10: Bake
Bake your cake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary.
Step 11: Cool and Glaze
Allow your cake to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and warm water to make a glaze. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the sweet glaze over the top.
Tips & Tricks
Here are five tips for a successful baking experience:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can hinder the mixing process.
Sift the Flour: Sifting the flour helps create a light texture in the final cake. It allows for even mixing.
Taste the Batter: It’s okay to taste the batter before baking. You can adjust the sweetness if necessary.
Use a Toothpick: Always test your cake for doneness using a toothpick. While the baking time is a guideline, individual ovens may vary.
Don’t Rush the Glaze: Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing. This ensures the glaze doesn’t melt into the cake too much.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this cinnamon roll coffee cake (approx. 1/12 of the cake) provides:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
How Can You Store This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?
This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to three months. Ensure it’s well-wrapped in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
Alternatives for Missing Ingredients
Follow these ideas if you find yourself lacking some ingredients:
- Flour Alternatives: If you don’t have all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour can work as a healthier option. It’ll create a denser cake but will still taste great.
- Butter Substitutions: If you’re short on unsalted butter, coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce can be used as substitutes for a unique flavor twist.
- Milk Choices: Any milk will do! If you’re out of whole milk, almond milk or oat milk can work just fine.
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake A Perfect Mothers Day Brunch Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups sifted powdered sugar for the glaze
- 4 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- 1½ cups whole milk room temperature
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg this new addition adds subtle warmth and depth
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence or use the same extract as above
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 –2 tablespoons warm water adjust for glaze consistency
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While that’s heating up, grab your ingredients. This gives you a head start!
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will help keep your cake from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. This step is crucial; thorough mixing ensures that the baking powder reacts evenly throughout the cake.
Step 4: Cream the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla essence. Mix until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy base that will hold the cake together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine
- Gently add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick and luscious.
Step 6: Layer the Batter
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Now comes the fun part!
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle about half of this mixture over the batter in the pan, creating a lovely layer of flavor.
Step 8: Top with the Remaining Batter
- Spoon the remaining batter on top, carefully covering the cinnamon mixture. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some bits might peek through, which is just fine.
Step 9: Finish the Swirl
- Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Using the tip of a knife or a skewer, swirl the mixture gently into the batter.
Step 10: Bake
- Bake your cake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary.
Step 11: Cool and Glaze
- Allow your cake to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and warm water to make a glaze. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the sweet glaze over the top.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can hinder the mixing process.
- Sift the Flour: Sifting the flour helps create a light texture in the final cake. It allows for even mixing.
- Taste the Batter: It’s okay to taste the batter before baking. You can adjust the sweetness if necessary.
- Use a Toothpick: Always test your cake for doneness using a toothpick. While the baking time is a guideline, individual ovens may vary.
- Don’t Rush the Glaze: Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing. This ensures the glaze doesn’t melt into the cake too much
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it has a binding agent in it, such as xanthan gum, for best results.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the cinnamon mixture. They provide a lovely crunch and pair well with the soft cake.
What if I don’t have ground nutmeg?
You can skip it if needed or use a pinch of pumpkin spice as a substitute. It adds a similar warm spice profile.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Replace the milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil or a dairy-free buttery spread in place of butter.
How can I level up this recipe?
Consider adding a layer of cream cheese filling. Mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla, and layer it in the cake before baking for an extra indulgent texture
Conclusion
This cinnamon roll coffee cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. When made with love, it captures the spirit of Mother’s Day beautifully. Whether you serve it as a centerpiece at brunch or as a sweet afternoon treat, it’s bound to bring smiles to everyone around.
Remember that the best part of baking is not just the final product—but the memories you create while making it. Your mom will surely appreciate the effort, and you’ll find joy in crafting this sweet surprise. Enjoy baking, and happy Mother’s Day!
