Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

There are few things cozier than the scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, except maybe a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a blank notebook just waiting to be filled with a new plot twist.

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake has been a staple in my kitchen long before I started writing cozy mysteries. It’s the kind of recipe I return to over and over again simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for book clubs, potlucks, family weekends, or holiday get togethers. And yes, it’s also the perfect companion for mornings spent brainstorming suspects, red herrings, and unexpected alibis. My mornings often start with a strong cup of coffee, a bit of journaling, and something home-baked.

If you’ve followed my cozy mysteries, you know my heroine Taryn O’Kelly rarely solves a case without a cup of coffee and a family gathering. In fact Taryn makes this recipe for her Mother’s Day Brunch because it is so easy and just as delicious as a traditional cinnamon roll.

This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of indulgent comfort and everyday simplicity, with a few healthy tweaks to keep things balanced. If you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a cozy companion for your next mystery read, this cake delivers sweet satisfaction

Whether you’re a fellow mystery lover, a weekend baker, or someone who just appreciates a warm slice of something sweet with their coffee, this recipe is for you.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Is a Favorite

• Easy to make: No yeast, no rolling, no waiting for dough to rise.
• It tastes just like a cinnamon roll, but in cake form, it is perfect for brunch or snacking.
• Feeds a crowd: Bakes in a 9×13 pan, making it ideal for book clubs, potlucks, or family weekends.
• Freezes well, so you can bake now and enjoy later (especially when mystery strikes unexpectedly!).
• Pairs beautifully with mystery novels and morning rituals.

So how do you make this delicious Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat flour)
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups milk

Cinnamon Swirl Topping:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup softened butter

Glaze (Optional but Delicious):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
   In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar. add in yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and milk, stir until just combined. The batter will be thick but smooth.
3. Pour and Swirl:
   Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth it out. In the same bowl, mix the cinnamon swirl topping ingredients. Drop spoonfuls of the topping across the surface of the batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the mixture into the batter with a few figure-eight motions.
4. Bake:
   Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Add the Glaze (Optional):
   Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake for that perfect finishing touch.

Healthier adjustments (Optional!)

I believe in balance when it comes to living well, especially when you’re juggling creative projects, family life, and maybe a few imaginary murders. If you want to make this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake a little healthier, here are a few ideas:

• Swap half the flour with almond flour, oat flour, or coconut flour for extra nutrients.
• Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol if you’re watching added sugars. Or coconut sugar in place of white sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
• Try Greek yogurt instead of plain for a protein boost.
• Skip the glaze or use a light dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
• Freeze in individual squares for ready-to-go morning treats.

A Cozy Slice of My Writing Life

While I don’t indulge in sweets every day, this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is one of those special treats I pull out for moments that call for comfort, like a cozy brunch or a well-earned break after a busy week. I try to keep sugar in check, but sometimes a warm square of this cake and a good cup of coffee are just the thing to spark creativity. It’s quick enough for a weekday treat, but special enough to serve when friends come over to chat about their latest read or life events.

If you’re someone who enjoys a touch of sweetness with your cozy, this one’s a keeper.

Let’s Stay Cozy Together

📌 Pin this recipe so you can come back to it again and again.
📷 Share your version on Instagram and tag me @Salty_Inspirations_ I love seeing your baking magic!
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“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
— Virginia Woolf

As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations.