Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, transforming its iconic swirls and flavors into a moist, easy-to-make cake. Rich with buttery cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for serving warm as a comforting breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick and bakes evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mix, add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined without lumps.
- Prepare the Cake Base: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Make Cinnamon Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth and creamy mixture; this creates the signature cinnamon swirl.
- Swirl in Cinnamon Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture on top of the cake batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create beautiful cinnamon ribbons.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake to melt slightly into the crevices, enhancing flavor and presentation. Slice and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Make sure not to over-swirl the cinnamon mixture to maintain defined swirls in the cake.
- The cake is best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the ground cinnamon in the swirl mixture by 1 teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
