If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but want something quicker and easier to make, this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is absolutely your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures all those warm, sweet spices and luscious swirls in a tender, fluffy cake form that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. Imagine cutting into a beautiful cake layered with cinnamon sugar swirls and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze—each bite is a burst of nostalgia and happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, moist cake with just the right amount of sweetness. Each component plays a part in balancing texture, flavor, and that classic cinnamon roll experience.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the soft yet sturdy base for the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness that complements the cinnamon swirl.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly, giving it a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture to the batter.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and moist while contributing a slight creaminess.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant depth that lifts the cinnamon notes.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Mixed with cinnamon, it creates the luscious swirls of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers that unmistakable cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened: Combined with cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl’s gooey texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the silky, sweet glaze topping.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds just the right hint of vanilla to the glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan is crucial to prevent sticking and to create those nice, golden edges we all love.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures all these essential dry parts mingle evenly, setting the stage for a smooth batter without lumps.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, blend the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients add moisture, richness, and flavor, and combining them before adding to the dry ingredients helps ensure a uniform batter.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ones, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to a tougher texture, so it’s okay to leave a few small lumps; they’ll bake out perfectly.
Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, creating a smooth surface that will be the canvas for your cinnamon swirl masterpiece.
Step 6: Make and Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter together until blended into a rich, gooey topping. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the batter, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it gently through the cake, creating beautiful, flavorful ribbons of cinnamon.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake your cake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready and perfectly moist.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a classic cinnamon roll glaze that’s smooth, sweet, and just the right consistency for drizzling.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze the Cake
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for about 10 to 15 minutes—this prevents the glaze from melting off immediately. Then drizzle the glaze over the warm cake so it gently soaks into every bite.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
This cake is best enjoyed warm, with the glaze still slightly gooey—each forkful will remind you exactly why this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a winner.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your cake with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or sliced almonds for added crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy glaze. A light dusting of additional cinnamon or a few fresh berries can also brighten the presentation and the palate.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the cinnamon flavors perfectly. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creamy Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. You can also layer cut pieces between thin sheets of frosting to create mini cinnamon roll cake sandwiches—pure delight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon roll cake loosely covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist without drying out the swirl or glaze.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cinnamon roll cake pieces will stay delicious for up to three months and make for a quick morning treat when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the soft texture and slightly melts the glaze, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is recommended for the right texture, but you can substitute whole wheat flour, though the cake will be denser. For gluten-free options, look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend but expect a slightly different crumb.
Is it necessary to melt the butter for the batter?
Yes, melted butter incorporates more evenly into the batter, contributing to its moist and tender crumb. Softened butter is used only in the cinnamon swirl for that creamy texture.
Can I prepare this cake without the glaze?
Absolutely! While the glaze adds that signature cinnamon roll sweetness, the cake is delicious on its own. You might want to dust it lightly with powdered sugar or serve it with cream cheese frosting for variation.
How can I make the cinnamon swirl more pronounced?
Feel free to increase the brown sugar and cinnamon in the swirl mixture for a stronger flavor. Just be careful not to overload it, or the batter might become too heavy to rise properly.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter?
Drop small dollops evenly on top of the batter and use a thin knife or toothpick to gently ripple the cinnamon mixture through. Try not to overmix to keep those lovely swirls defined after baking.
Final Thoughts
You truly cannot go wrong with this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. It’s a warm hug in dessert form, effortlessly combining familiar flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast or an anytime treat, this cake promises comfort and smiles. Don’t wait – get your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of this cinnamon magic today!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring soft cake swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make, single-layer cake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Make Cake Batter: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix for a tender cake texture.
- Prepare Cake Base: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Create Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until fully blended, then drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it through the batter gently.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before drizzling the glaze evenly over the top.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon roll cake warm to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Notes
- Ensure the melted butter for the batter is cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Swirling the cinnamon mixture gently prevents it from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean with only a few moist crumbs.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- The cake is best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
