Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the gooey sweetness of a warm cinnamon roll but crave the ease of a cake, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect solution. Imagine a soft, fluffy vanilla cake swirled with buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a creamy glaze that melts into every bite. It has all the comforting flavors of a homemade cinnamon roll, but without the time-consuming yeast dough and rising steps. This cake is ideal for brunch, holidays, or anytime you want a cozy dessert that wows the crowd. Easy to prepare and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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A Cinnamon Roll in Cake Form – The Ultimate Cinnamon-Swirled Dessert
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, fluffy cake swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, just like a cinnamon roll in cake form.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 5 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
- Stir in milk, eggs, and vanilla, then mix in melted butter until smooth. Pour batter into prepared dish.
- For the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Best served warm with extra glaze drizzled on top.
- Can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 4 days.
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure and tenderness.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter while balancing the cinnamon swirl.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay light.
Salt – Enhances the flavors.
Milk – Adds moisture and richness.
Eggs – Provide structure and stability.
Unsalted butter – Used in both the cake batter and the cinnamon swirl for richness.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor to the cake.
Brown sugar – Combines with cinnamon for the gooey swirl.
Ground cinnamon – The star spice that gives the cake its classic flavor.
Powdered sugar – Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
Cream or milk – Thins the glaze for easy drizzling.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
For the cinnamon swirl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl gently with a knife to create ribbons.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.
Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with cream or milk until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm cake. Serve slices warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12–15 servings. Preparation takes 15 minutes, baking requires 40 minutes, and cooling/glazing adds 10 minutes. Total time: about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore the gooey texture. Freeze unglazed cake for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Cream cheese glaze – Replace the simple glaze with cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
Nutty crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
Apple cinnamon roll cake – Stir diced apples into the swirl for a fruity twist.
Pumpkin spice swirl – Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the swirl for a fall-inspired version.
Mini cakes – Bake in muffin tins for individually portioned cinnamon roll cakes.
Chocolate swirl – Add cocoa powder to the swirl for a chocolate-cinnamon blend.
Overnight version – Prepare the batter and swirl the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
FAQs
How is cinnamon roll cake different from coffee cake?
It’s softer, gooier, and more like a true cinnamon roll in flavor and texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake and glaze just before serving for the freshest taste.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, the batter can easily be mixed by hand.
Can I use a boxed cake mix?
Yes, start with vanilla or yellow cake mix and add the cinnamon swirl.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or a large sheet pan for gatherings.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon filling?
Drag a knife or skewer through the batter in figure-eight motions.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake takes everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—gooey swirls, buttery sweetness, and creamy glaze—and transforms it into an easy, no-fuss cake. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a cozy treat, it’s a recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself baking it on repeat for family, friends, and special occasions.