Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you ever dreamt of enjoying all the gooey, cinnamon-swirled glory of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of yeast or waiting for dough to rise, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is the answer to your cravings! Imagine a soft, buttery vanilla cake with ribbons of lush brown sugar and cinnamon, all draped in a sweet, silky glaze. Every bite brings back nostalgia and comfort, but with the simplicity of a cake. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just because you deserve something special with your coffee, this Cinnamon Roll Cake will transform any moment into a celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Cake really comes from simple pantry staples that, when combined, become an irresistible treat. Each ingredient has a special role—some for fluff, some for sweetness, some for that classic swirl—and together, they create pure happiness in a pan.

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation that gives your Cinnamon Roll Cake its soft but stable structure and classic crumb.
• White Granulated Sugar: Perfect for sweetness and keeping the cake tender.
• Baking Powder: Adds just the right lift, making the cake light and fluffy instead of dense.
• Large Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together while adding richness and a soft, moist texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla brings out warmth and depth, a background note that always sings in baked goods.
• Milk: Essential for a moist cake; use whole milk for extra richness, but any milk works!
• Salted Butter (melted): Butter in the batter gives a tender crumb and rich flavor; be sure it’s slightly cooled before adding.
• Salted Butter (softened): For the cinnamon filling, this lets the brown sugar and cinnamon melt into the perfect, gooey swirl.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brings a gorgeous caramel flavor and color to the signature cinnamon filling.
• All-Purpose Flour (filling): Helps the cinnamon filling keep its texture so you get those lovely ribbons instead of a sugar puddle.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show—don’t be shy, use a generous tablespoon for maximum swirl power!
• Powdered Sugar: The secret to a perfect, pourable glaze that sets beautifully on top.
• Milk (for glaze): Thins out your glaze; you can adjust for a thicker or thinner drizzle.
• Vanilla Extract (for glaze): Just a little turns your glaze into something irresistible.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray (the kind with added flour is perfect if you have it), so your Cinnamon Roll Cake slices come out with those gorgeous, crisp edges. Set the pan aside while you whip up your batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Begin mixing on low, letting all the ingredients blend just until mostly smooth. While the mixer is running, slowly pour in your slightly cooled, melted butter. Beat until just combined—remember, overmixing can sneakily make cakes tough, so stop once it all looks incorporated and luscious.

Step 3: Spread Batter in the Pan

Take that buttery batter and spread it evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for a really smooth surface, which makes swirling in the filling extra fun (and pretty!).

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While your cake base waits, mix the softened butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir with a spoon until it’s thick, creamy, and almost like a soft spread—it should be easy to dollop and swirl.

Step 5: Swirl in the Cinnamon Filling

Drop spoonfuls of that gooey cinnamon mixture all over your cake batter. Now, channel your inner artist: Take a butter knife and gently drag it through the batter and filling, swirling and marbling as much or as little as you like. The goal here isn’t perfection; just those signature ribbons that make every bite taste like the inside of a cinnamon roll.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. In most ovens, 40 minutes gives you a golden, set cake with gooey swirls and a heavenly smell that will draw everyone to the kitchen. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (no liquid batter!). Let it cool for a few minutes before glazing.

Step 7: Add the Sweet Glaze

While your Cinnamon Roll Cake is still a bit warm, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until super smooth. If you love a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar; for a thinner drizzle, splash in more milk. Pour or drizzle the glaze all over the warm cake, letting it trickle into the cracks and pools of cinnamon swirl.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Garnishes

A simple glaze is beautiful enough, but if you want to make your Cinnamon Roll Cake look extra special, try a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts, a pinch more cinnamon, or even a few fresh berries on the side for a pop of color. Powdered sugar dusted over the cake right before serving is a classic touch that always brings a little magic.

Side Dishes

This cake sings next to a mug of hot coffee, chai, or even a cold glass of milk. For brunch, serve it alongside crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or creamy scrambled eggs. The sweetness and spice of Cinnamon Roll Cake balance out savory breakfast favorites and make any morning feel like a holiday.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut your Cinnamon Roll Cake into generous squares and present them on a tiered cake stand—guaranteed to impress guests! You can also cut small cubes for a brunch buffet, or serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. If you’re packing up treats, wrap single squares in parchment for a bakery-style snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have any cake left, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For maximum moistness, you can also keep leftovers in the fridge for up to a week; just be sure to warm slices slightly before enjoying to revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Freezing

Cinnamon Roll Cake freezes beautifully! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap individual pieces (or the whole, unglazed cake) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then glaze just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that dreamy, just-baked taste, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop the pan in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. This perks up the cake and melts the glaze into all those tender swirls, making it as irresistible as the day you baked it.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake the night before and glaze it in the morning for maximum freshness. You can even freeze the unglazed cake and add the glaze after thawing for a “just made” taste.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Just add a pinch of salt to both your batter and cinnamon filling to balance out the sweetness and echo that bakery-style flavor you find in cinnamon rolls.

Is it possible to make Cinnamon Roll Cake dairy-free?

Certainly! Swap the butter for your favorite vegan margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The cake will still be delicious and comforting.

Why do I need to swirl the filling instead of mixing it in?

Swirling keeps that authentic cinnamon roll effect. It creates ribbons of gooey filling that mimic the look and bite of traditional cinnamon rolls, giving you pockets of flavor in every forkful.

How can I tell when my Cinnamon Roll Cake is done baking?

Your best guide is the clean knife test—insert a knife in the center, and it should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The top will look golden and set, and the kitchen will smell like a bakery!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a pan of homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake. Whether you’re bringing a little extra joy to a weekday morning or showing off at brunch, this cake is the kind of treat everyone will remember—and ask for again. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Print