When you want the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls but with the ease of a slice-and-serve cake, Cinnamon Roll Crumb Cake is the perfect bake. It has a tender vanilla cake base, a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl through the middle, and a thick buttery crumb topping that bakes golden and irresistible.
Unlike a traditional cinnamon roll that needs shaping and rising, this homemade crumb cake gives you the same warm, bakery-style taste with much less effort. It’s perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want your kitchen to smell like a cinnamon dream.
Ingredients
Makes 12 servings (9×9-inch pan)
Cake Batter
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (slightly cooled)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for extra softness)
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling time: 20 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a fork or your fingers until you get chunky crumbs.
Place in the fridge while you make the batter (this helps it stay crumbly).
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and sour cream.
Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix just until smooth (don’t overmix).
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the pan.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Add the remaining batter and gently spread to cover.
Step 5: Top with Crumbs
Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. Press very lightly so it sticks.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Cool for 20 minutes. Drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee, tea, or a latte.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Top with fresh berries for balance.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread with eggs and fruit.
- Wrap slices for lunchbox treats or snack boxes.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 1/12 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 grams |
| Sugars | 28 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 210 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Sour cream or yogurt adds moisture and a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon brings bold flavor without needing extra fat.
- Portioning into smaller slices is an easy way to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping servings lighter.
Tips for Perfect Crumb Cake
- Keep the crumb topping cold so it stays chunky while baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter—overmixing makes the cake dense.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
- Let the cake cool slightly before glazing so the glaze doesn’t melt away.
- For extra “cinnamon roll” flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the swirl.
Variations to Try
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap vanilla glaze for a cream cheese icing drizzle.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup diced apples into the batter.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping.
- Maple Glaze: Replace vanilla with maple extract and use maple syrup in the glaze.
- Extra Swirl: Double the cinnamon swirl mixture for a gooier center.
This Cinnamon Roll Crumb Cake gives you all the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls in an easy, sliceable cake. With a soft vanilla base, sweet cinnamon swirl, and buttery crumb topping, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Whether you drizzle it with glaze or enjoy it plain, this recipe guarantees a warm, cinnamon-sugar bite every time.
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