Easy Iced Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake from Refrigerated Dough
Transform refrigerated cinnamon rolls into an impressive coffee cake that serves a crowd. This clever shortcut recipe layers buttery cinnamon roll pieces with nuts and extra cinnamon sugar, creating a pull-apart style cake with golden edges and gooey centers. Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or potluck gatherings when you want homemade flavor without the time investment. The original icing drizzle adds the classic finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup nuts, finely chopped
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Original Icing (8 Count)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven and butter pie pan with 1 tablespoon butter
- 2
Combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons over buttered pan
- 3
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons nuts over sugar mixture
- 4
Separate dough into 8 rolls and cut each into quarters
- 5
Place half the pieces evenly over nuts and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar mixture
- 6
Dot with remaining butter and top with remaining roll pieces and sugar mixture
- 7
Bake until golden brown
- 8
Drizzle with icing and sprinkle with remaining nuts
- 9
Cut into wedges and serve warm
Tips
Use any variety of finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for different flavor profiles.
Serve immediately while warm for the best gooey texture and optimal icing consistency.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days, reheat individual portions in microwave
Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed
Cut into wedges and serve warm on plates with forks
Common Mistakes
Avoid overbaking to prevent dry texture
Don't skip buttering the pan to prevent sticking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
requires significantly more time and skill
FAQ
Can I use a different pan size?
A 9-inch round cake pan or 8-inch square pan work well, but adjust baking time as needed for different depths.
How long will this keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes, wrap cooled cake tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.