If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for warm, comforting flavors, this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the gooey cinnamon swirls of a classic cinnamon roll beautifully spread throughout a moist, tender cake, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the essence of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling and shaping dough. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this cake brings those iconic cinnamon roll vibes in a delightfully simple and shareable form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Each component plays a critical role, from providing the perfect crumb to delivering that irresistible cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze that finishes it all off.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, lending structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a little crunch to the crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Moistens the batter and contributes to the soft texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses buttery goodness and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brightens the flavors and complements cinnamon notes.
- For the cinnamon swirl: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon—these combine for that classic cinnamon roll filling taste.
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract—creates a smooth, glossy topping that melts perfectly over warm cake.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Batter
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined. Then, add the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth with no lumps. This mixture is what creates that soft, tender cake that acts as the perfect backdrop for the cinnamon swirl.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, blend the softened butter, packed brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. This mixture packs all the warm, sweet cinnamon flavor inside the cake. Once your base batter is poured evenly into the greased pan, drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the batter. Take a knife and gently swirl the mixture through the batter for those beautiful marbled cinnamon streaks you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and baked butter will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait for the finished product!
Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. This sweet topping is the final touch that elevates the cake to that luscious, bakery-style cinnamon roll goodness.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is out of the oven and has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake so it seeps into every delicious swirl. Now it’s ready to be sliced and enjoyed—warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, consider garnishing your cinnamon roll cake with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch or a light dusting of cinnamon powder. Fresh berries can add a pop of color and a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re serving it for brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt balances the rich sweetness perfectly. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfect single servings that are great for parties or gatherings. Another fun idea is to layer cake slices with cream cheese frosting in a trifle bowl for a stunning cinnamon roll cake trifle. Presentation can be as simple or fancy as you like, and it’s always sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer. Make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out or absorb other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cinnamon roll cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked, warm cinnamon roll feeling, especially when drizzled again lightly with glaze if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for the right texture, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but expect the cake to be denser. You might want to mix half whole wheat with half all-purpose to keep some lightness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for both the batter and cinnamon swirl. The flavor will still be fantastic and just as comforting.
Can I add nuts to the cinnamon swirl?
Absolutely, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture adds a wonderful crunch and extra depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and spice perfectly.
How thick should the cinnamon swirl layer be?
The swirl should be thick enough to be noticeable throughout the cake but not so thick that it sinks or overwhelms the batter. Dropping it in spoonfuls and swirling gently ensures a balanced cinnamon flavor in every bite.
Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe in a round pan?
Yes, a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch round pan will work, but the baking time may be slightly longer, so start checking around 35 minutes and adjust accordingly until a toothpick comes out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe offers all the cozy comforts of a cinnamon roll with the ease of a simple cake. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones over coffee or breakfast. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this sweet, cinnamon-filled slice again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a soft, tender cake base swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make cake combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla into a luscious, marbled treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Pour the batter: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a separate bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a thick, paste-like mixture forms.
- Add the cinnamon swirl to the batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the top of the batter in the baking dish. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and glaze: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 10 minutes. While still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the cake for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 pieces and serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon roll cake!
Notes
- This cake is best served warm and fresh to enjoy the soft texture and gooey cinnamon swirl.
- Leftover slices can be reheated briefly in the microwave to restore warmth.
- For added texture and flavor, consider mixing chopped pecans into the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Ensure not to over-swirl the cinnamon mixture to maintain the visual marble effect.
