Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy occasion. Imagine the warm, buttery swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar baked into a moist, fluffy cake, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s all the comfort and joy of cinnamon rolls but without the fuss of rolling dough—just pure, sweet bliss in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to bringing this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe to life. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the all-purpose flour creating the perfect structure, or the cinnamon and sugars layering that iconic sweet-spicy flavor you adore.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s tender but sturdy base for those perfect swirls.
• 1 ½ cups milk: Keeps the batter moist and gives the cake a soft crumb.
• 1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the cake batter, balancing the richness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything for a smooth, tender texture.
• 4 teaspoons baking powder: Adds the lift that makes this cake so fluffy and light.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Elevates the sweetness and rounds out the taste.
• ¼ cup butter, melted: Incorporated into the batter for richness and moistness.
• 1 cup butter, softened: The base to the luscious cinnamon swirl layer.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes to the cinnamon layer.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cinnamon filling for perfect swirls.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines this cake’s irresistible flavor.
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar: For the silky-smooth vanilla glaze topping.
• 5 tablespoons milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant finish to the glaze that ties the whole cake together.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake comes out easily without losing any of those beautiful cinnamon swirls.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures your cake will have a consistent texture and that your sweetness and leavening distribute evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients to Batter

Next, pour in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until you have a smooth batter without lumps—this will give your cake a soft and tender crumb that’s just right for the cinnamon swirls.

Step 4: Spread Batter in Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This step is important because it creates an even canvas for the cinnamon swirl magic about to happen.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Layer

In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy. This rich cinnamon filling is what gives the cake its signature “cinnamon roll” flavor.

Step 6: Add and Swirl Cinnamon Mixture

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then gently swirl using a knife. This technique creates beautiful pockets of cinnamon sugar throughout, giving each bite a dreamy cinnamon roll sensation.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is absolutely intoxicating.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake bakes, mix confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until silky smooth. This glaze will add the perfect sweet, velvety finish that pulls the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe together.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool just enough so the glaze doesn’t sink in, but it should still be warm when you drizzle the glaze generously on top for maximum ooey-gooey effect.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Slice your cake into squares and serve warm. Trust me, the combination of a tender cake, cinnamon swirls, and glaze dripping down is nothing short of magical.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of additional cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top for some crunch and extra flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

Serve your Cinnamon Roll Cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Light fruit salads or fresh berries complement the cake’s richness wonderfully, adding a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake in individual ramekins, then drizzle glaze right before serving for an elegant touch. Or layer pieces between plates as an unexpected dessert trifle with whipped cream and fruit for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so it’s a great make-ahead treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted baked cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the glaze fresh before serving for that just-baked experience.

Reheating

Warm cake slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5–10 minutes. Fresh glaze drizzled on warm cake will bring back that irresistible cinnamon roll feeling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

While all-purpose flour works best for the right texture and rise, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just be sure to check if your baking powder is gluten-free too!

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes to keep the lactose out. The flavor will still be fantastic with these swaps.

How can I make the cinnamon swirl more pronounced?

Be generous with the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture and don’t be afraid to swirl it deeply into the batter before baking. This creates bolder pockets of cinnamon goodness.

Can I bake this in a different sized pan?

You can try an 8×8 inch pan for a thicker cake but adjust the baking time accordingly—expect it to bake longer by about 10–15 minutes.

What’s the best way to store leftover glaze?

Keep any extra glaze in an airtight container in the fridge. Before using again, stir well and add a little milk if it’s grown too thick for drizzling.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe captures everything we love about cinnamon rolls but makes it easy and fuss-free for any day you crave a warm, homey treat. I can’t wait for you to try it—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family and friends will be so impressed with every bite.

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