Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe combines the best of both worlds – the warm, comforting spices of classic cinnamon rolls with the easy, shareable format of a coffee cake that’s perfect for entertaining.

A large cinnamon roll coffee cake in a spiral shape is drizzled with white icing. A bowl with leftover icing and a spoon sits nearby on a wooden surface, next to a blue-and-white checkered cloth—perfect for your favorite cinnamon roll cake recipe.

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Quick Recipe Overview

Close up on a white plate with a slice of cinnamon roll coffee cake with cinnamon sugar coating and simple sugar glaze eaten with a metal fork and a cup of coffee in the background.

WHAT: A yeasted coffee cake made by rolling dough into ropes, coating them in butter and cinnamon sugar, then coiling them into a beautiful round cake pan creation.

WHY: All the flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls without the fussy shaping—this showstopping cake comes together with simple techniques and delivers bakery-worthy results every time.

HOW: Mix yeast dough, let rise, roll into ropes, dip in butter and cinnamon sugar, coil together, proof, bake until golden, and finish with glaze.

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Quick Recipe Overview
Why I Love Making Cinnamon Roll Cake
Ingredient Notes
Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
FAQs for Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
My Best Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cake
Storage & Reheating Tips
Similar Recipes to Try
More Delicious Coffee Cake Recipes to Try

Why I Love Making Cinnamon Roll Cake

I’ll never forget the first time I made this cinnamon roll cake for my family’s Sunday brunch. When I brought it to the table, still warm and drizzled with vanilla icing, my kids’ eyes went wide. They thought I’d spent hours making individual cinnamon rolls!

The truth? This recipe is actually easier than traditional cinnamon rolls because there’s no precise rolling, cutting, or arranging required. You simply roll the dough into ropes, give them a quick dip in butter and cinnamon sugar, and coil them into a cake pan. The result is a stunning centerpiece that pulls apart into soft, cinnamon-scented pieces.

The yeast dough is soft and easy to work with, and even if your ropes aren’t perfectly uniform, the finished cake still looks beautiful and tastes incredible. It’s become my favorite weekend baking project—impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough to make any Sunday morning feel a little more special.

🩷 Melissa

I always use a thermometer to heat my milk mixture to exactly 120-130°F because temperature really matters when working with yeast.

Getting it in that sweet spot ensures my dough rises beautifully every time—no guessing, no waiting around for sluggish dough, just consistent, reliable results.

Keep unworked dough pieces covered with plastic wrap while shaping. This prevents a dry crust from forming, keeping the dough soft and easy to work with.

Ingredient Notes

Quick Rise Yeast: Also called instant yeast or rapid rise yeast. Found near active dry yeast in the baking aisle. One standard packet equals 2¼ teaspoons.

Dough Temperature: The warm liquid (120-130°F) is crucial for activating quick rise yeast. Use a thermometer for accuracy—hotter temperatures will kill the yeast.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

A collage shows bowls of baking ingredients, flour and yeast mixing in a stand mixer, and twisted dough logs for Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake resting on a floured surface, some covered with plastic wrap.

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A large cinnamon roll in a spiral shape is drizzled with white icing. A bowl with leftover icing and a spoon sits nearby on a wooden surface, next to a blue-and-white checkered cloth—perfect for your favorite cinnamon roll cake recipe.

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5 from 2 votes

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe combines the best of both worlds – the warm, comforting spices of classic cinnamon rolls with the easy, shareable format of a coffee cake that's perfect for entertaining.

Prep Time35

Cook Time20

Rise Time1 30

Total Time2 25

Servings:

Calories: 215kcal

Author: Melissa Griffiths

Equipment

Ingredients

Coffee Cake Dough

2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 ¼ teaspoons quick rise yeast (1 package)
¾ cup milk
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons butter

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup butter (melted)

Glaze

½ cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt, and yeast; mix well using the paddle attachment.
2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 ¼ teaspoons quick rise yeast
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish, combine ¾ cup milk, water, and butter. Heat to 120° to 130º.
¾ cup milk, ¼ cup water, 3 tablespoons butter
Add warm liquid to flour mixture; blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
Switch to the dough hook and mix in the remaining flour a little at a time to make a soft dough, adding more or less flour as needed. Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in a warm place (80° to 85º) until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes.
2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
Grease a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet.
In a shallow dish or pie pan, combine nuts (if using), ½ cup sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon; mix well. Place melted butter in another shallow dish or pie pan.
½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup butter
Punch down dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and keep pieces covered with plastic wrap.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch long rope. Dip each dough rope in butter and then roll in sugar mixture to coat evenly.
½ cup butter
Place 1 strip in the center of the pan, winding to form a coil. Repeat with remaining dough, placing close together to make a round, flat coffee cake.
Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350º. Uncover coffee cake. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Carefully remove from pan; place on serving plate.
In small bowl, combine glaze ingredients, adding enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm coffee cake and serve.
1 to 2 teaspoons milk, ½ cup powdered sugar

Notes

Get the Texture Right: The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky when properly kneaded. Add flour gradually during mixing, as humidity can affect how much you need for the perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions: If desired, add ¾ cup finely chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar coating.

Yeast Options: You’ll want to use quick or instant rise yeast for this recipe. You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to allow more time for the dough to rise.

Rising Environment: Create an ideal proofing environment by placing your covered dough in an oven with just the light on.

Fresh Glaze: Wait until the cake has cooled for exactly 5 minutes before applying the glaze. This timing allows the glaze to soak in slightly while still maintaining its beautiful drizzled appearance on top.

Nutrition

How To Make Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

A collage of step by step photos of making the cinnamon sugar coating for the coffee cake.

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients, then heat the milk mixture to 120-130°F and add it to create a soft dough. Knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes, then let the dough rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.

Step 2: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 12-inch rope. Dip each rope in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture before coiling them together on a greased 12-inch pan to form a round coffee cake.

Step 3: Cover the shaped coffee cake and let it rise again until doubled, another 45-60 minutes. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Cool the cake on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a serving plate. Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable, adding more milk if needed for your desired consistency. Drizzle the vanilla icing over the warm cake, letting it cascade down the sides. Serve warm and pull apart into individual servings.

FAQs for Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel light and airy when gently poked. If you press two fingers into the risen dough and the indentation remains without springing back, it’s ready for the next step.

Why is my coffee cake dense instead of fluffy?

Dense coffee cake usually results from either over-kneading the dough, using expired yeast, or not allowing enough rising time. Make sure your yeast is fresh and give the dough adequate time to double in size during both rising periods for the best texture.

Can I add a cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze?

While the simple glaze is traditional, a tangy cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with this cake! Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, then spread over the cooled cake with a butter knife or offset spatula.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake should be deep golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 190-195°F. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

A collage of pictures showing the making the icing in a mixing bowl and drizzling it on the coffee cake.

My Best Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

☞Spiral Method Shaping: Start coiling from the center outward, placing your first rope in a tight spiral and wrapping subsequent ropes around it. Leave small gaps between ropes as they’ll expand during rising and baking. If a rope breaks, pinch the ends together and continue!

☞Double Coating: Dip each rope in melted butter before rolling in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This technique ensures every layer is flavored and creates the signature pull-apart texture that makes this cake so irresistible!

☞Create a Proofing Box: Turn on your oven light and place the covered bowl inside (oven OFF). This creates a warm, draft-free environment perfect for rising.

☞Don’t Skimp on The Butter Dipping: Make sure each dough rope gets a thorough coating of melted butter before rolling in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This butter creates those delicious caramelized layers and keeps the cake moist and tender.

☞Time the Glaze Perfectly: Wait exactly 5 minutes after removing the cake from the oven before drizzling the glaze. This brief cooling allows the glaze to soak in slightly while still maintaining its beautiful drizzled appearance on top of the cake. Apply it in generous spoonfuls while the cake is still on the baking sheet for easier cleanup.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cinnamon roll coffee cake pairs beautifully with classic brunch favorites. I love serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, and a fresh fruit salad with berries and melon.

Greek yogurt parfaits make a lighter accompaniment, while hot coffee, cappuccino, or chai lattes are perfect beverages. The cake also makes an excellent afternoon snack with hot tea—the vanilla extract in the glaze pairs especially well with black tea or chai.

For a celebratory brunch, I’ll add fresh squeezed orange juice or mimosas, and for holiday gatherings, maple glazed ham rounds out the spread perfectly.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Room Temperature

Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The glaze may absorb into the cake over time.

Refrigerator Storage

Not recommended as refrigeration dries out yeast breads and makes them stale faster.

Freezer Storage

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat the whole cake covered with foil at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare through shaping (after coiling the coated ropes on the pan), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow 30 minutes at room temperature before baking, adding 5 extra minutes to baking time. Add glaze after baking.

You can make cinnamon roll coffee cake the night before you want to serve it. Preferably use active dry yeast, follow the recipe as directed and store the shaped coffee cake in the fridge overnight. The next morning, allow the dough to rise for 1½ hours in a warm place before baking.

Similar Recipes to Try

Classic Cinnamon Rolls: If you love this cake, try making traditional cinnamon rolls for an even more indulgent treat with thick cream cheese frosting.

Monkey Bread: Another pull-apart cinnamon creation that uses similar flavors in a bundt pan with pieces of dough rolled in butter and cinnamon sugar.

Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A make-ahead breakfast bake that captures cinnamon roll flavors in an easy casserole format.

Cinnamon Swirl Brioche: For something slightly less sweet, try this enriched yeast bread with buttery layers and cinnamon sugar swirls running throughout.

A collage of 3 photos of a Sweet Petals Coffee Cake Close up on a freshly baked cinnamon roll coffee cake with sugar glaze being drizzled over it with a spoon.

More Delicious Coffee Cake Recipes to Try

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe – Twisted Coffee Cake Perfection

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Quick Recipe Overview

Why I Love Making Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ingredient Notes

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?