Follow these steps to bake a coffee cake that will fill your home with warmth and your heart with joy:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside. This is a step my mom always emphasized – a well-greased pan is your best friend!
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This was always my favorite part as a child, sneaking a taste of the sweet, creamy mixture.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Add the milk and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and airy.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Drizzle this mixture over the cake batter, using a knife to swirl it gently into the batter. This step is where the magic happens, creating that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation as the house fills with the scent of cinnamon is one of life’s simple pleasures.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If you like a thicker glaze, use less milk.
9. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. For me, this final step always feels like a moment of triumph, turning an everyday cake into something special.