Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Cake is everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, but baked into a simple, shareable cake. With a tender, fluffy crumb swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet glaze, this dessert is warm, gooey, and completely irresistible. It delivers all the comfort and indulgence of homemade cinnamon rolls without the extra effort of rolling and shaping dough. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or an easy dessert, this cake is quick to prepare, feeds a crowd, and tastes just as indulgent as the bakery-style rolls that inspired it.
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Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and fluffy cake swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, combining the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add milk, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until combined. Stir in melted butter.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture over the cake batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For glaze: whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cake and serve.
Notes
- Best served warm, straight from the oven.
- Can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cake batter.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Milk – Provides moisture and richness.
Eggs – Bind the batter together.
Butter (melted) – Adds flavor and tenderness.
Brown sugar – Mixed with cinnamon for the gooey swirl.
Ground cinnamon – The star spice that defines the flavor.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the cake’s warmth and sweetness.
Powdered sugar – The base for the glaze.
Milk or cream – Thins the glaze to the right consistency.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture onto the cake batter. Use a knife to swirl it gently into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a smooth glaze.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and baking requires 40 minutes. Total time: 55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8 minutes. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Cream Cheese Glaze – Replace the glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Nutty Swirl – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon mixture.
Extra Spice – Add nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a more complex flavor.
Caramel Drizzle – Top with caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Mini Cakes – Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual portions.
Apple Cinnamon Cake – Fold diced apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Cinnamon Cake – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon swirl.
FAQs
Does this cake taste like real cinnamon rolls?
Yes, it has the same gooey, cinnamon-sugar flavor without the hassle of yeast dough.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and glaze just before serving.
Do I need an electric mixer?
No, the batter comes together easily by hand.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, bake in two 9×13-inch pans for a larger crowd.
What type of milk works best?
Whole milk is ideal, but any milk or cream can be used.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Avoid overbaking and store covered to retain moisture.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, just omit the baking powder and reduce the salt slightly.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze enhances the cinnamon roll flavor but the cake is still delicious without it.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Yes, cream cheese frosting makes it richer and more indulgent.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that transforms the flavors of gooey cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make cake. With its buttery cinnamon swirl, fluffy crumb, and sweet glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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