Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

I've spent the last two weeks talking about fruit, so today, why don't we talk about something to go with all that fruit.  Something like a Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake?  Sure sounds good to me!  After all, you can't just live on fruit alone--we need a little sugar, flour, and cinnamon in our lives!

The first time I made this coffee cake was when we stayed at my Aunt's house last Christmas.  I always bring along something that we can eat for breakfast on Saturday morning.  This Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake was a hit with everyone, but I didn't get a chance to photograph it before it was devoured.  Oh well, that gave me a good excuse to make it again!

This cake is more than just your average coffee.  It has a crust.  And not just any crust either, this crust is made out of cinnamon rolls.  So not only do you get a delicious coffee cake, you also get a cinnamon roll in each bite.  Breakfast can't get much better!

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:
1 (8 count) can cinnamon rolls, with frosting
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 Tablespoons flour
2 Tablespoons butter, melted

1.  Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate the rolls.

2.  One at a time, press the cinnamon rolls between your palms to flatten.

3.  Place flattened rolls on the bottom and sides of a greased 10" pie plate to form the crust.  Pinch any gaps together to seal the crust.

4.  In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, vegetable oil, egg, milk, and vanilla.

5.  Add the baking powder, salt, and 1-1/2 cups of flour and stir until no lumps remain.

6.  Pour the batter over the prepared crust.

7.  In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, 2 Tablespoons flour, and melted butter.

8.  Sprinkle the topping over the coffee cake.

9.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out mostly clean. (Note: my cake took nearly 45 minutes to bake.  Be aware that ovens cook differently and keep an eye on your cake.)

10.  Allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls.

Serve cake warm or at room temperature.  Cover leftovers with plastic wrap and store on the counter.

Source: Crazy for Crust