Keto Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Published May 15, 2024 • Updated February 18, 2026
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All the cinnamon roll flavor packed into a low carb coffee cake, and I use a keto cake mix to keep it ridiculously simple. Only 1.7 net carbs per slice.
I combined two of my favorite things on this site, my keto cinnamon rolls and my original keto coffee cake, into one recipe. The result is a spongy, moist cake with buttery cinnamon swirled through every layer and a vanilla creme glaze drizzled on top. I make this when I want something that feels special but takes almost no effort.
Here’s why I keep coming back to this keto cinnamon coffee cake. It takes three shortcuts that make the whole process feel effortless, and the result still tastes like I spent all morning baking.
Why this low carb coffee cake works
- A keto cake mix does the heavy lifting. I’ve tested several brands and they all work here. Most larger grocery stores carry them now, and the texture is honestly better than a lot of from-scratch low carb cakes I’ve tried. I reach for Duncan Hines or Good Dees depending on what’s in stock.
- No rolling, no shaping, no dough stress. You get all the cinnamon roll flavor without making a yeast dough. I just swirl the buttery cinnamon mixture right into the batter. It takes about 30 seconds.
- One pan, no fuss. I bake this in a square dish every time. Pour, swirl, bake. If you’re looking for more keto cake recipes that keep things simple, this is the place to start.
What I love about this keto coffee cake is how it fills the house with that warm cinnamon smell while it bakes. My family wanders into the kitchen before I even pull it from the oven. I usually make it on a Sunday morning alongside a pot of coffee, but it works just as well as a keto breakfast option during the week if you bake it the night before.
The cinnamon swirl layer is the real star. I use a mix of butter, brown sugar-free sweetener, cinnamon, and a couple tablespoons of the reserved cake mix to thicken it up. When you drop it into the batter in small chunks, it creates these pockets of gooey cinnamon throughout the whole cake. Every slice looks different, and that’s part of the charm.
If you’re into almond flour recipes, you can absolutely make this from scratch using a basic keto yellow cake recipe. I’ve done it both ways. The box mix version wins for me on busy mornings, but the from-scratch version has a slightly denser crumb that some people prefer. Either way, the cinnamon swirl and glaze work the same.
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Keto Cinnamon Cake Ingredients
1 box yellow keto cake mix, plus ingredients needed to make cake (eggs/oil/milk) -
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup brown sugar-free sweetener
-
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze Ingredients
-
1/2 cup powdered allulose sweetener
-
1 ½ - 2 tablespoons milk of choice
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Reserve some cake mix
Pull out 2 tablespoons of cake mix and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 °F. Spray a square baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- 1 box yellow or white keto cake mix
Prepare cake mix
Prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Pour cake batter into prepared baking dish.
- 1 box yellow or white keto cake mix
- ingredients listed on the box to make cake
Buttery cinnamon mixture
In a separate medium bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar-free sweetener, cinnamon and reserved cake mix until smooth.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar-free sweetener
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons reserved cake mix
Bake the cake
Bake cake at 375 °F according to the instructions on the box or until cake is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove cake from the oven and set aside.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any keto cake mix?
I've tried four or five different brands for this recipe and they all work. Just follow whatever instructions are on your box for the base batter (eggs, water, oil) and use those same baking temps. My favorites are Duncan Hines for the lightest texture and Good Dees for the lowest carb count.
Can I make this keto coffee cake from scratch?
I've made it both ways. If you have a basic keto yellow cake or white cake recipe you like, use that as your base, add the cinnamon swirl, and bake according to your recipe's directions. I find the box mix version turns out lighter, but the from-scratch version has a denser, more traditional coffee cake crumb that I also enjoy.
Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes?
I've done this and they're cute for a brunch spread. Pour the batter into a lined muffin pan, drop a small spoonful of cinnamon mixture into each one, and bake at 375 degrees for 20-24 minutes. I check mine at 18 minutes since my oven runs a little hot.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
I freeze slices of this all the time. I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then toss them in a freezer bag. They hold up for a solid 2 months. To thaw, I move a slice to the fridge the night before, then give it 20 seconds in the microwave. Tastes like I just baked it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I've prepped this the night before several times. I make the batter and cinnamon swirl, pour everything into the pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, I let it sit out for about 15 minutes while the oven heats up, then bake as usual. My Sunday morning shortcut.
What's the best way to reheat leftover coffee cake?
I microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds and it comes back to life. That's all it takes. I tried reheating in the oven once (325 degrees for about 8 minutes, covered in foil) and it worked too, but honestly the microwave is faster and the result is just as good.
What's the best keto cake mix for this recipe?
I reach for Duncan Hines most often because it gives me the lightest crumb, and it's easy to find at most grocery stores. Good Dees is my backup, especially when I want to shave a couple extra carbs off. I've used both gluten-free and regular keto mixes and both work here.
Why is it called coffee cake if there's no coffee in it?
I get this question a lot. It's called coffee cake because it's meant to be eaten alongside coffee, not because it contains any. It's a style of cake, usually with a crumb topping or cinnamon swirl, that pairs perfectly with a cup of joe. I always have mine with a black coffee, and it's become my favorite weekend ritual.
I resisted the box mix route, but the cinnamon butter swirled through this batter makes it better than the from-scratch version I've been making for years.
Ha, same thing happened to me when I first tested it. The box batter stays lighter, so the cinnamon swirl doesn't just get absorbed into the crumb. From-scratch keto batters are usually denser and it changes how the swirl distributes.
Moist and delicious!
This is so yummy! Good flavor. I love King Arthur keto mixes. I will definitely make this again and again.