Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Bake with Orange Pecans
A crowd-pleasing coffee cake that transforms refrigerated cinnamon rolls into an impressive breakfast or brunch centerpiece. Buttery brown sugar and orange peel create a caramelized base, while quartered cinnamon roll pieces are tossed in cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. Chopped pecans add crunch throughout and on top. The result is a pull-apart style cake with gooey centers and golden edges, finished with the original icing for authentic cinnamon roll flavor. Perfect for feeding a group without the fuss of individual rolls.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 375°F and spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray
- 2
Mix melted butter, brown sugar and orange peel in small bowl, pour into pan and top with half the pecans
- 3
Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl
- 4
Separate dough into 10 rolls and cut each into quarters
- 5
Toss dough pieces in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat
- 6
Arrange coated pieces in single layer in pan
- 7
Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and no longer doughy in center
- 8
Drop icing by teaspoonfuls over top and sprinkle with remaining pecans
- 9
Cool in pan 10 minutes, cut into squares and serve warm
Tips
Use a 13x9-inch metal pan for even browning and easier removal of the finished coffee cake.
Don't skip the cooling time - it allows the caramel base to set properly for cleaner slicing.
Save some pecans to sprinkle on top after baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Good to Know
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Assemble the night before, cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Best served warm. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or the bottom will become too hard and caramelized
Cut dough pieces evenly so they bake at the same rate
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Different citrus flavor
FAQ
Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of Grands?
Yes, but you'll need 3 cans of regular size rolls to fill the pan properly. Adjust baking time to 18-22 minutes.
What if I don't have orange peel?
Skip it entirely or substitute with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract mixed into the butter mixture for different flavor.
How long will this keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days. Reheat portions in microwave before serving.