Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven, filling your home with warmth and comfort. This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect marriage of two classic treats: the soft, buttery goodness of cinnamon rolls and the ease of a simple cake. It’s indulgent, family-friendly, and ridiculously easy to whip up.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe on a chilly Sunday morning when I craved cinnamon rolls but didn’t want the hassle of yeast and rising dough. The result? A moist, tender cake swirled with ribbons of cinnamon sugar, finished with a sweet glaze that melts right into the surface. Ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Get ready to meet your new favorite treat. This Cinnamon Roll Cake offers all the decadence of classic cinnamon rolls without any of the fuss.

First, it’s quick and easy to make. No kneading, no waiting for dough to rise—just mix, swirl, and bake! Perfect for mornings when you want a special breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.

This cake is perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, a family gathering, or as a cozy dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm for a gooey cinnamon roll experience or let it cool for a snack that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Finally, it’s a budget-friendly indulgence. Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, it’s as affordable as it is delicious.

Ready to bring a little sweetness to your day? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Cake lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one contributes to the cake's irresistible flavor and texture.

Flour forms the base of the cake. I recommend all-purpose flour for a tender crumb, but feel free to experiment with a gluten-free blend if needed.

Granulated sugar and brown sugar create a balance of sweetness. The granulated sugar is used in the batter, while the brown sugar is mixed with cinnamon for those signature swirls.

Butter adds richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened for the batter and melted for the cinnamon sugar mixture. Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can use salted butter and skip adding extra salt to the batter.

Cinnamon is the star of the show. Its warm, spicy flavor is what makes this cake feel like a true cinnamon roll. Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best results.

Milk and eggs give the cake structure and keep it moist. Whole milk works beautifully, but you can substitute almond or oat milk if you prefer.

Powdered sugar and vanilla extract are whisked together for the glaze, adding a sweet, creamy finish to the cake.

You’ll also need a hand or stand mixer, a mixing bowl, and a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe.

How To Make This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Creating this Cinnamon Roll Cake is a breeze, even for novice bakers. Follow these steps to bring this cozy treat to life.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking dish. This ensures an even bake and prevents sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the flour and baking powder, mixing until the batter is just combined.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. The consistency should be thick but pourable.

In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This is where the magic happens! Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto the batter, then use a knife to swirl it through, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the cake.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar.

While the cake cools slightly, prepare the glaze. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, letting it seep into the swirls for maximum flavor.

This cake is best enjoyed warm, but it’s just as delicious at room temperature.

Storage Options

Cinnamon Roll Cake stores beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks.

To store at room temperature, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. The flavors will stay vibrant for up to 5 days, but be sure to let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

You can also freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a quick treat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cinnamon Roll Cake is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Add nuts. Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it festive. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a holiday twist, or sprinkle the glaze with colorful sprinkles for a fun, kid-friendly touch.
• Use a different glaze. Swap the vanilla glaze for cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent cake.
• Go dairy-free. Substitute plant-based butter and milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Try a loaf version. Pour the batter into two greased loaf pans and adjust the baking time to 40-45 minutes.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This cake is a canvas for your favorite flavors.

Now, grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this warm, comforting delight. Your taste buds will thank you!

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