Cinnamon Roll Cake: A Sweet Twist to Your Favorite Treat

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Whether it’s for a cozy morning treat or a show-stopping dessert for friends and family, Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers the same warm flavors you love from classic cinnamon rolls, but with a fraction of the effort. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create this delicious masterpiece and even get a few tips to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you’ve ever craved cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to spend hours kneading and proofing dough, this cake is your dream come true. It combines the fluffy texture of a cake with the rich, buttery cinnamon filling of a roll—all topped with a luscious glaze. And the best part? You don’t need to be a baking pro to pull it off.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Before diving into the process, let’s gather everything you need. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for the cake, filling, and glaze.

For the Cake

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	3 cups
White granulated sugar	1 cup
Baking powder	4 teaspoons
Eggs (large)	2
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Milk (room temperature)	1 ½ cups
Salted butter (melted)	½ cup (1 stick)

For the Cinnamon Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Salted butter	¾ cup (1 ½ sticks)
Light brown sugar	1 cup
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon	1 tablespoon

For the Glaze

Ingredient	Quantity
Powdered sugar	2 cups
Milk	5 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, preferably one with added flour to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. While mixing, slowly pour in the melted butter. Stir until just combined; overmixing can make the cake dense.

3. Pour Batter into Pan

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, ensuring it reaches all corners.

4. Create the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. The mixture should form a thick paste.

5. Swirl the Filling

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter. Using a butter knife, swirl the filling into the batter to create a marble effect. Don’t overdo it—you want visible streaks of cinnamon throughout.

6. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake is ready when a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or milk for thinness.

8. Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the glaze over the top while it’s still warm. The glaze will seep into the swirls, adding extra sweetness to every bite.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake cool slightly for easier slicing. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort or at room temperature for a more structured texture.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the batter to keep the cake fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Use Softened Butter for the Filling: Softened (not melted) butter creates a paste-like consistency that swirls beautifully into the batter.
• Customize the Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of almond extract to the glaze for extra flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the glaze complements the warmth of the cinnamon filling without overpowering the cake.
• No Yeast Required: Skip the hassle of proofing dough while still enjoying the essence of a cinnamon roll.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a breakfast indulgence, a dessert, or a snack.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Cake with these sides to complete the experience:

• Hot Beverages: A cup of coffee or tea balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this dessert even more decadent.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Estimate)
Calories	340
Carbohydrates	50g
Protein	4g
Fat	14g
Sugar	30g
Sodium	200mg

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, but you’ll need to add a pinch of salt to the recipe to balance the sweetness.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

4. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use two 8×8-inch pans or a large round cake pan instead. Adjust baking times as needed.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

6. Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Certainly! Pecans, walnuts, or raisins make great additions to the cinnamon filling.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Cake brings the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into a simpler, more accessible format. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend breakfast or serving it as a dessert, this cake is sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this sweet, cinnamon-filled delight!

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