Coffee Cake Roll

Introduction

When it comes to cozy, comforting desserts, few things can beat the allure of a Coffee Cake Roll. Imagine the fluffy, tender texture of a classic coffee cake wrapped around a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, all smothered in a luscious cream cheese frosting. This dessert combines the warmth of a home-baked treat with the festive appeal of a rolled cake, making it perfect for any occasion—be it a brunch, a special holiday treat, or just an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee.

I’ve always loved the way a coffee cake feels like a hug in dessert form. It’s warm, comforting, and has that perfect balance of sweetness without feeling over-the-top. And the roll? Well, that takes things to a whole new level, transforming the traditional coffee cake into something that’s not only delicious but also a showstopper. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful rolling, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’re going to want to try this Coffee Cake Roll recipe:

• Irresistible Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: The heart of this cake is the cinnamon-sugar filling, which adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: This cake is airy and soft, just like the best coffee cakes, yet firm enough to roll without cracking.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a brunch, or a special celebration, this cake will impress every time.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth, tangy frosting that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon swirl perfectly.
• Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, this coffee cake roll is easy to make and doesn’t require special baking tools.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this cake in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy days or party prep.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes for the cake, 30 minutes for the frosting to set
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per slice: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Coffee Cake Roll:

For the Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to reach desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Coffee Cake Roll:

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease the paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.

Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

1. Mix Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Add the Swirl: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cake batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While it’s cooling, prepare a clean kitchen towel by sprinkling it lightly with powdered sugar.
3. Roll the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, carefully flip it onto the prepared towel. Peel away the parchment paper, then roll the cake up with the towel inside. Allow it to cool completely in the towel.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake Roll

1. Unroll the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it from the towel.
2. Frost the Cake: Spread an even layer of the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the Cake Again: Carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Be gentle to avoid cracking the cake.
4. Chill: Place the rolled cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set before slicing.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Coffee Cake Roll:

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into 12 even pieces and serve on a platter.
2. Serve with Coffee: Pair each slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea to bring out the flavors of the cake.
3. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
4. Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or a fruit compote to add a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich sweetness.
5. Decorate with Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an indulgent treat.
6. Serve Chilled: Refrigerate the cake for a cool and refreshing dessert, perfect for warm weather.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Coffee Cake Roll with these helpful tips:

1. Be Gentle When Rolling: Roll the cake carefully to prevent cracking. If the cake does crack slightly, don’t worry—it’s still going to taste delicious!
2. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
3. Customize the Filling: Experiment with adding nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for added texture.
4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
5. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cake while baking. Every oven is different, and you want to avoid overbaking it, which could cause it to dry out.
6. Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. Freeze for Later: If you have extra cake, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Recipe Variations

Consider these creative variations for your Coffee Cake Roll:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a chocolatey twist.
• Fruit Filling: Try a fruit filling like apple cinnamon or berry compote for a fresh, seasonal variation.
• Maple Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze for a unique fall-inspired flavor.
• Nutty Swirl: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for an extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
• Spiced Frosting: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Ensure proper storage to maintain the quality of your Coffee Cake Roll:

• Storage: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the whole rolled cake (unfrosted) or individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen cake in the fridge overnight, then frost before serving.

Special Equipment

You may need these kitchen tools to

make the Coffee Cake Roll:

• Jelly Roll Pan: A 15×10-inch jelly roll pan is the perfect size for this recipe. It gives the cake the right thickness for easy rolling.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures an easy removal.
• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will make the frosting process quicker and smoother.
• Clean Kitchen Towel: Used to help roll the cake without it sticking to itself.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the cake into perfect, clean pieces.

faq section

If you’re thinking about trying this Coffee Cake Roll or already have a few questions in mind, you’re in the right place! Below are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you get the best results and enjoy this delicious treat.

• Can I make this coffee cake roll ahead of time?
• Yes! You can bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Just keep both the cake and frosting refrigerated, and assemble the roll the next day for a quicker prep when you’re ready to serve.
• How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?
• Gentle Handling: The key to preventing cracks is to handle the cake gently. After baking, let it cool slightly before rolling, then roll it up in a clean kitchen towel while it’s still warm (but not hot). This helps it maintain its shape without breaking.
• Rolling Slowly: Roll the cake carefully and slowly to avoid putting too much pressure on it.

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Conclusion

This Coffee Cake Roll will quickly become a go-to favorite for both casual and special occasions. Its fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon swirl, and creamy frosting make it a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, the fact that it’s so easy to make yet looks so impressive makes it perfect for any gathering.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a brunch, or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!