Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
If you’re a fan of gooey cinnamon rolls and crave the ease of a classic sheet cake, then this Cinnamon Roll Cake is about to become your new baking obsession. Picture all the magic of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll—tender crumb, buttery cinnamon swirls, and a sweet vanilla glaze—transformed into a cake that’s perfect for sharing at brunch or indulging in with your afternoon coffee. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, with a soft, vanilla-scented base, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a decadent drizzle that make each bite downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, but each one is carefully chosen to deliver the signature taste and texture of Cinnamon Roll Cake. From creamy butter to aromatic cinnamon, every element works together to make this cake unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing structure while keeping it soft and light.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the cozy cinnamon notes.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures a fluffy, tender crumb in every slice.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and richness, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add lift for a perfect rise.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lends a warm, inviting aroma that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Infuses the cake with a rich, buttery flavor that keeps it moist.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup, for swirl): Blends easily with the cinnamon and sugar for that signature swirl.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup, for swirl): Adds caramel-like sweetness and depth to the cinnamon layer.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, for swirl): Helps the cinnamon swirl hold together and creates a slightly chewy texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for swirl): The star spice that brings this cake its classic, comforting flavor.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups, for glaze): Forms the base of the sweet, silky glaze that finishes the cake.
- Milk (5 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, for glaze): Adds a fragrant finish to every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your Cinnamon Roll Cake will release easily and bake evenly, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, then mix until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. The goal is a pourable, creamy batter that promises a tender, bakery-style crumb.
Step 3: Pour and Swirl
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. In a separate bowl, stir together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture all over the surface of the cake batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it through, creating beautiful ribbons of cinnamon goodness in every slice.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Try not to overbake—slightly underbaking will keep your Cinnamon Roll Cake extra gooey and irresistible.
Step 5: Glaze While Warm
While the cake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this luscious glaze all over the warm cake, letting it soak in and form that iconic, sweet finish. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake
Garnishes
A classic drizzle of vanilla glaze is all you need, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle on some chopped toasted nuts for crunch, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This cake shines alongside a hot cup of coffee, a creamy chai latte, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, pair it with a fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or even a savory breakfast casserole to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the Cinnamon Roll Cake into neat squares and stack them on a tiered cake stand. Or, serve warm scoops in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. Mini individual servings in ramekins are a fun, personalized option for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container; just bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–20 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven. If you love that gooey, just-baked feel, add a fresh drizzle of glaze after reheating to liven things up.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and simply cover tightly once cooled. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and a quick reheat brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the swirl?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of golden raisins make delicious additions to the cinnamon swirl layer. Just fold them in before dropping spoonfuls over the batter.
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Most blends work well, though you may notice a slightly different texture.
What’s the best way to get perfect swirls?
Use a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl through the batter, taking care not to overmix. Aim for broad, sweeping motions to create beautiful ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout the cake.
Can I halve the recipe for a smaller batch?
Yes, you can halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan. The bake time may be slightly less, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a way to enjoy all the flavors of a cinnamon roll with half the effort, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is your answer. There’s something so comforting about sharing a warm slice with loved ones, and I hope you’ll make it a staple in your kitchen too. Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Cinnamon Roll Cake that captures all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a moist, swirled cake perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish to ensure uniform baking.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until fully combined into a thick mixture.
- Create cinnamon swirl pattern: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter and swirl through the batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Make the glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Once the cake has baked, drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Slice and serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra gooey texture, slightly underbake the cake and let it rest before slicing.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for a delightful crunch.
- This cake is best enjoyed warm, paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
