Coffee Cake Roll

Introduction

The Coffee Cake Roll is a dessert that effortlessly combines the rich, comforting flavors of a classic coffee cake with the fun and festive twist of a roll. Soft, spongy cake layers are infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a warm, aromatic base. But it’s the filling—an indulgent swirl of cinnamon sugar and butter—that truly takes this cake to the next level, offering that perfect bite of sweetness with every slice.

This cake holds sentimental value for me, reminding me of cozy mornings spent with family and friends. I first made it on a lazy Sunday when the weather was chilly, and the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house instantly made everything feel like home. The cake is delicate and fluffy, yet holds up beautifully when rolled, with just the right amount of sweetness from the cinnamon filling. The rolled form adds a delightful surprise to each slice, making it feel special while still offering the familiarity of a traditional coffee cake.

The Coffee Cake Roll is perfect for those moments when you crave a dessert that’s both satisfying and comforting. It’s wonderful on its own, but served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of whipped cream, it becomes even more delightful. Whether for a family gathering or a quiet moment of indulgence, this cake is sure to bring smiles and warmth to every bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that is as comforting as it is delicious, the Coffee Cake Roll is the one to make!

Perfect for:

Brunch gatherings
Holiday or special occasion desserts
Coffee pairings
A fun twist on traditional coffee cake
Easy-to-make crowd-pleasers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Coffee Cake Roll will win your heart:

Elegant Twist on a Classic: This cake brings a new flair to your favorite coffee cake with its light texture and roll-up presentation.
Perfect for Entertaining: A stunning dessert that’s sure to impress guests while still being easy to prepare.
Versatile: Can be served for breakfast, as a dessert, or for a sweet afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
Customizable: You can easily add extra flavors like nuts or fruit for a personal touch.
Quick to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake roll comes together in just under an hour.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 55 minutes
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Coffee Cake Roll:

For the Cake:

3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Filling:

¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Streusel Topping (for extra flavor):

¼ cup flour
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ingredient Highlights

Fluffy Sponge Cake: The base of the coffee cake roll is light and airy, providing the perfect structure for rolling.
Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: Adds the signature coffee cake flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Glaze: The powdered sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine.
Streusel (Optional): Adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to complement the soft cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Coffee Cake Roll:

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter until fully combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. Set aside.

Roll the Cake:

Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up tightly with the towel inside. Let it cool completely, about 10 minutes.

Assemble the Cake Roll:

Unroll the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it from the towel. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the cake.
Roll it Up Again: Starting from one edge, gently roll the cake back up, ensuring it’s tight but not too tight to crack.

Make the Glaze:

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the rolled coffee cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Optional Streusel Topping:

Prepare the Streusel: For a crunchy topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a small bowl. Rub the mixture together with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the rolled cake before baking, or serve on top after glazing.

How to Serve

Coffee Cake Roll is perfect for many occasions and can be served in several ways:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit.
For Dessert: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent treat.
As a Party Snack: Slice the cake into smaller rounds and serve as a finger-food style dessert for guests.
For Afternoon Tea: A slice of the cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee makes for an elegant snack.

Additional Tips

To make your Coffee Cake Roll even better, consider these tips:

Don’t Overbake the Cake: Keep an eye on the cake while baking to ensure it stays soft and moist, not dry or overcooked.
Chill the Cake: Let the cake cool completely in the towel before unrolling it to avoid cracks.
Use Fresh Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon provides the most vibrant flavor for the filling.
Add Nuts or Fruit: For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling or topping.
Practice Rolling: If you’re new to rolling cakes, don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the filling and glaze will cover up minor imperfections.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to try with your Coffee Cake Roll:

Nutty Coffee Cake Roll: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling or streusel topping.
Apple Cinnamon Roll: Add finely chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a fruit-infused version.
Chocolate Coffee Cake Roll: Incorporate mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Maple Glaze: Swap out the milk for maple syrup in the glaze for a warm, maple flavor.
Berry Coffee Cake Roll: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries to the filling for a fruity surprise.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Roll: Use pumpkin puree in place of some of the butter and spices in the cake batter for a fall-inspired flavor.
Cream Cheese Filling: Substitute the cinnamon filling with a sweetened cream cheese filling for a richer version.
Coffee-flavored Glaze: Add instant coffee granules to the glaze for a coffee-flavored topping that pairs perfectly with the cake.
Vegan Coffee Cake Roll: Use egg replacements and dairy-free butter and milk to make a vegan version.
Spiced Pecan Streusel: Add ground ginger or nutmeg to the streusel topping for extra spice and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: To freeze, wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw before glazing and serving.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if you want to extend its freshness, but the cake is best enjoyed within 2 days.

Special Equipment

The following tools can make preparing Coffee Cake Roll easier:

Jelly Roll Pan: Ideal for baking a thin, even layer of cake.
Parchment Paper: Helps the cake come out of the pan without sticking and makes rolling easier.
Whisk: For mixing the glaze and batter smoothly.
Kitchen Towel: Use a clean towel to roll the cake while it cools, preventing cracks.
Offset Spatula: Perfect for spreading the cinnamon filling and glaze evenly.
Bowl Scraper: Helps get all the batter out of the mixing bowl without wasting a drop.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key for the perfect glaze and filling.
Electric Mixer: If you don’t want to hand-mix, an electric mixer makes the job easier, especially for beating eggs.
Cooling Rack: Allows the rolled cake to cool properly after baking.
Pastry Brush: Useful for evenly brushing the glaze over the rolled cake.

FAQ Section

Can I make the Coffee Cake Roll in advance?
Yes, the cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it tightly wrapped and glaze it before serving.
What if my cake cracks when rolling?
Don’t worry! A small crack won’t ruin the flavor, and the filling will cover it up. If the cracks are large, try rolling it more loosely next time.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute in the cake batter.
Can I freeze this cake roll?
Yes, it freezes well if wrapped tightly. Just thaw it before serving and apply the glaze.
Can I add cream cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding cream cheese will make the filling richer and more decadent.
What other glazes can I use?
You can use a caramel glaze, chocolate drizzle, or even a simple honey glaze for different flavor profiles.
Is it possible to overbake the cake?
Yes, overbaking can make the cake dry and hard. Keep an eye on it during baking and check for doneness by lightly pressing the top of the cake.
Can I make this cake without the streusel topping?
Of course! The cake is delicious without it, but the streusel adds extra flavor and crunch if you’re looking for texture contrast.
How long does the glaze stay fresh?
The glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it before using.
Can I substitute the cinnamon for another spice?
Yes, nutmeg, ginger, or even pumpkin spice can replace cinnamon for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a moist, tender cake in one irresistible package. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a warm, comforting treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The swirl of cinnamon filling, with its subtle sweetness and a hint of spice, pairs beautifully with the light, fluffy cake.

What truly sets this coffee cake roll apart is its versatility; it can be enjoyed as a breakfast indulgence, a cozy afternoon snack, or even as a showstopper at your next gathering. Whether served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or chilled for a firmer texture, each slice is a moment of pure comfort.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this coffee cake roll is simple to prepare and will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring this delightful treat! Don’t forget to share your coffee cake rolls with me on social media—I’d love to see how you make it your own! Enjoy every heavenly bite!