Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something with a quicker, fuss-free twist, this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the warm, gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar baked into a tender, moist cake and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that simply melts in your mouth. It’s everything you crave in a cinnamon roll, but with the ease of a cake. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic of this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe comes from simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the cake’s structure, adding moisture, or delivering that classic cinnamon sweetness.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for your cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, keeping it light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to a soft texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the cake its stability.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Vital for moistness and buttery richness in both the batter and cinnamon swirl.
• Brown sugar: Packed for the cinnamon swirl, it imparts a deep caramel flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the swirl its signature warmth and aroma.
• Powdered sugar: For that dreamy vanilla glaze that glides perfectly over the cake.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously to ensure your cake won’t stick and comes out with perfect edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures that your leavening agent is well distributed throughout the flour for a consistent rise.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This blend of wet ingredients will create a moist cake base that is bursting with vanilla flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough, so keep it gentle for a tender crumb.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Fold in the melted butter carefully until the batter is smooth and glossy. This adds that rich, buttery essence that you expect from a cinnamon roll-inspired cake.

Step 6: Spread the Batter

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to make sure it bakes uniformly.

Step 7: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon so the spices are fully incorporated. Add softened butter and stir until you get a thick paste bursting with cinnamon goodness.

Step 8: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture

Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Then, using a butter knife or toothpick, swirl it gently through the batter in a marbled pattern. This is where your cake gets that irresistible cinnamon roll effect.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until inserting a toothpick into the center comes out clean. The aroma will be an inviting preview of the delicious cake within.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze adds a perfect sweet finish that ties the whole dessert together.

Step 11: Finish with the Glaze

Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze evenly on top. The warmth helps it soak in slightly while still giving you that picture-perfect glossy finish.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool a bit more to set the glaze before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar over the glazed cake for an elegant touch. You can also add chopped pecans or toasted walnuts for a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the softness of the cake.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own, but pairing it with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte elevates the experience. If you want to keep breakfast vibes, serve it alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to add some refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, cut the cake into squares and place each piece on a pretty plate topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This transforms a simple cake into a stunning dessert centerpiece, perfect for family gatherings or brunch parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, storing in the fridge is also an option but bring pieces back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature to enjoy the cake’s original softness and flavor later on.

Reheating

When reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to warm through and revive that freshly-baked feel. For a crispier edge, warm slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid drying out your cake.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser cake with a slightly nuttier flavor. For the best texture, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

Is this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Not as written, but you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. Be sure to check that baking powder is gluten-free as well for a successful cake.

Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before swirling it into the batter.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

Regular salted butter can be used, but reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to keep the sweetness balanced.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should also be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is the perfect way to indulge your cinnamon roll cravings without the fuss of rolling dough. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its tender crumb, melty cinnamon swirl, and that irresistible glaze drizzled on top. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and share it with your loved ones—because some treats are just too good to keep to yourself!

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