Cinnamon Roll Cake

Save This Recipe:

Dive into the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll—transformed into a soft, tender cake! This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate dessert for cinnamon lovers, blending warm spices, buttery goodness, and a luscious glaze into every slice. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat paired with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

With its beautiful spiral of cinnamon and sugar, this cake is as visually impressive as it is delicious. It’s the best of both worlds: the charm of a homemade cinnamon roll without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake

This recipe takes all the best parts of a cinnamon roll—the gooey filling, soft layers, and creamy glaze—and combines them in an easy-to-make cake form. Here’s what makes it irresistible:

• Warm Spices: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a comforting, aromatic swirl.
• Soft and Moist Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, thanks to the tender vanilla cake base.
• Decadent Glaze: A rich, creamy drizzle of icing adds the finishing touch, balancing sweetness with indulgence.
• Simple to Make: No yeast, no kneading, and no waiting for dough to rise—just quick steps to achieve perfection.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, treating your family to a weekend dessert, or craving something special for yourself, this cinnamon roll cake will become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Creating this heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cake is simple, and it all starts with basic pantry staples and a few rich, flavorful additions. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for a soft and tender cake.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Keeps the cake moist and buttery.
• 1 cup milk – Provides a light, fluffy texture.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 2 tsp baking powder – Ensures a beautiful rise.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates the signature gooey swirl.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon – The star spice for bold, warm flavor.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar – The base for the creamy glaze.
• 2–3 tbsp milk – Adjusts the consistency of the icing.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – For a hint of sweetness in the glaze.

---

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the easy steps to bake this gorgeous cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a thick paste. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cake batter. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve a pourable consistency.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake, letting it seep into the cinnamon swirls. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

How Long to Bake Cinnamon Roll Cake

Getting the perfect bake on your Cinnamon Roll Cake is key to achieving its soft and tender texture. While the general guideline is 35–40 minutes at 350°F (175°C), the actual time may vary based on your oven and the type of baking dish used. Here’s how to know when it’s ready:

• Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
• Golden Top: The surface should be lightly golden and slightly puffed.
• Springy Texture: Gently press the top of the cake—it should spring back slightly when touched.

Keep a close eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the cake.

---

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to stop at just one slice!), this cake stores beautifully for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator

• Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.

Freezer

• To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

---

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake

Make your Cinnamon Roll Cake stand out with these expert tips:

• Swirl with Care: When swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter, don’t overmix. You want to create distinct layers of cinnamon goodness.
• Double the Glaze: If you’re a glaze lover, make an extra batch to drizzle over individual slices for added indulgence.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl for a delightful crunch.
• Experiment with Flavors: For a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for extra depth.
• Serve Warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm when the cinnamon filling is gooey and the glaze melts into every bite.

With these tips, your Cinnamon Roll Cake will be nothing short of perfection!

Print