A warm, comforting aroma fills your kitchen, swirling with the promise of a delicious treat. The kitchen counter is dusted with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, and a golden-brown cake, studded with swirls of cinnamon, sits proudly in the center. Yes, my friends, you've just baked a masterpiece - an easy cinnamon roll coffee cake!
This recipe is a delightful dance between simplicity and decadence. It's a perfect treat for those lazy weekend mornings, cozy afternoon gatherings, or even a weeknight pick-me-up. The aroma alone will transport you to a world of pure comfort and happiness. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a baking adventure together!

Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake: A Sweet & Simple Delight

INGREDIENTS

For the cake batter:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk

For the cinnamon filling:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the crumble topping:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and diced

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the cake batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the milk to the butter mixture, beating until combined.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!

Prepare the cinnamon filling:

1. In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the cake:

1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter.
3. Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and diced butter for the crumble topping. Use your fingers to rub the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cake batter.

Bake and enjoy:

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for an even better coffee cake:

For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
If you're feeling adventurous, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
For a more intense cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling to 2 tablespoons.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! You can add a dash of cardamom, ginger, or even a hint of orange zest to the filling.
This easy cinnamon roll coffee cake is a surefire winner! Enjoy this simple yet delicious treat with a steaming cup of coffee, a warm smile, and the cozy comfort of your kitchen.