Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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If you’re craving the comforting warmth and irresistible sweetness of cinnamon rolls but want an easier, shareable dessert, this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It captures every gooey, buttery, cinnamon-kissed bite you love in a soft, moist cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat. The rich brown sugar and cinnamon filling swirls through a tender vanilla-infused cake, topped off with a luscious glaze that’s just begging to be devoured. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple for your cozy moments and gatherings.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating a perfect texture, taste, and balance of flavors. From the fluffy cake base to the melty cinnamon-sugar filling and sweet glaze, simple pantry staples come together to form something extraordinary.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to keep the cake light yet satisfying.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a perfect rise and soft crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and layers of flavor in both the cake and filling.
• Unsalted butter (softened and melted): Adds richness and moisture, essential for that buttery cinnamon swirl and tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, creating a balanced base for the cinnamon filling.
• Brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it brings deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
• Eggs: Bind everything together while adding a touch of fluffiness.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Buttermilk or whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this a true cinnamon roll sensation.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft cake layers.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the glaze, providing sweetness and a smooth finish.
• Milk for the glaze: Controls the glaze’s thickness and helps it drizzle perfectly over the cake.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. A touch of flour after greasing helps prevent sticking, so your cake comes out easily and looks flawless.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients set the foundation for your cake’s structure and light, airy texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake that just begs for the cinnamon swirl.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth, velvety batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to bring that cozy cinnamon roll vibe to every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined to keep your cake tender and soft, avoiding any overmixing that might toughen the crumb.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until silky and smooth. If you love a bit of texture, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet, buttery filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour your cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon the cinnamon filling on top and use a spoon or offset spatula to swirl it throughout the batter. This beautiful marbled swirl is what makes this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe feel just like a cinnamon roll in cake form.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Perfect

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake will rise and puff up nicely, with cinnamon swirls visible on the surface, promising delightful pockets of flavor.

Step 9: Whisk Together the Glaze

While the cake bakes, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency—thicker for a drizzle that stays put, or thinner for a light sheen across the top.

Step 10: Cool and Glaze Your Cake

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the top. Cut into squares, and get ready for that perfect blend of cinnamon roll comfort and cake simplicity.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped pecans over the glazed cake to add a lovely little finishing touch. Fresh berries or a light dusting of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor and presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to turn this sweet treat into a well-rounded, indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or cut into mini squares arranged on a pretty platter for parties. You can also layer the cake pieces with whipped cream and fruit for a delightful trifle experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend freshness, refrigeration works well, but allow the cake to come back to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for prepping ahead or saving for a special occasion.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. A quick reheat brings back that fresh-baked softness and lets the glaze melt slightly for a heavenly bite.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are completely optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free cake or have allergies. The cake and cinnamon swirl will still be incredible and just as flavorful.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, whole milk works just fine if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. For a slight tang similar to buttermilk, you can add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Keep an eye on the baking time as a larger pan or thicker cake may take a few extra minutes to bake.

What’s the best way to ensure the cinnamon swirl sinks properly?

Don’t worry about perfect swirling—just spoon the filling over the batter and gently swirl it with a spatula or knife. The filling will naturally sink and swirl as the cake bakes, creating that beautiful signature look.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring the magic of cinnamon rolls into a simpler, shareable form, this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s comfort in every bite, with the perfect balance of sweet, spice, and buttery richness. I promise once you make it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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