Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

The Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe Everyone Adores

Sweet aromas of freshly baked cinnamon roll cake waft through kitchens, promising pure comfort and indulgence.

Delicate layers of buttery pastry swirl with warm spices that dance across your palate.

Clusters of rich, gooey filling promise a decadent experience beyond traditional desserts.

Soft, moist textures meld perfectly with each delectable bite of this irresistible treat.

Crafted with simple ingredients and minimal effort, this cake delivers maximum satisfaction in every slice.

Baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers unite around this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Let the magic of this recipe inspire you to create something truly extraordinary.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Overview

  • Blast Creamy Decadence: Indulge in a rich, silky Nutella cheesecake that delivers luxurious chocolate-hazelnut flavor without turning on the oven.
  • Master Minimal Effort: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing skills, making this dessert perfect for novice bakers wanting impressive results.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to wow friends and family with its irresistible combination of chocolate, cream cheese, and graham cracker crust that appeals to all ages.
  • Prepare-Ahead Champion: Can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free entertaining and eliminating last-minute dessert panic.

Ingredients For Cinnamon Roll Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake that provides structure and texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
  • Melted Butter: Adds flavor and helps create a moist cake.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • Brown Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy layer that gives the cake its signature swirl.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the cinnamon mixture and adds richness.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla: Combines to create a sweet, smooth topping that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.

Preparation Instructions For Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Craft the Cake Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous butter massage.

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Pour in milk, crack in some eggs, and drizzle melted butter. Whisk everything until the batter looks smooth and inviting.

Spread this golden mixture evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Magic Swirl

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon

Melt some butter and stir it into the mixture.

Using a spoon, dollop this cinnamon goodness across the cake batter. Grab a knife and create mesmerizing swirls throughout the surface.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean and dry.

Step 4: Whip Up the Irresistible Glaze

Grab a whisk and combine:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the glaze transforms into a silky, pourable delight. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 5: Finish with a Glaze Flourish

Once the cake emerges from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the top, watching it cascade down the cinnamon swirls.

Serve while warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Expert Advice For Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Ensure the batter is smooth and lump-free by whisking ingredients thoroughly before combining.
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for better integration and a more even cake texture.
  • Create a perfect cinnamon swirl by dropping mixture in random spots and gently running a knife through in zigzag motions.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking; start testing at 30 minutes with a toothpick.
  • For a richer flavor, replace some milk with buttermilk or add a dash of vanilla extract to the cinnamon swirl mixture.

Flavor Options For Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Nutty Crunch Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting Variation: Replace the vanilla glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting made by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Apple Spice Remix: Fold in diced fresh apples to the cake batter and sprinkle extra cinnamon for a warm, autumnal version of the classic recipe.
  • Chocolate Swirl Option: Substitute half the cinnamon in the swirl mixture with cocoa powder for a chocolatey cinnamon roll cake experience.

Foods To Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Cozy Brunch Centerpiece: Slice the warm cake and place on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves. Pair with steaming coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning gathering.
  • Weekend Dessert Night: Cut into generous squares and serve on individual plates with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle extra glaze on top for added sweetness.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Arrange cake slices on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for a beautiful presentation that guests will love.
  • Gift from the Kitchen: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine. Add a handwritten note for a personal touch, perfect for neighbors or friends who need a sweet surprise.

Storage Guidelines For Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Store the cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
  • Place parchment paper between cake slices when storing to prevent sticking and make individual servings easy to grab and enjoy.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer texture, but avoid whole wheat flour as it may make the cake dense.

  • How do I know when the cinnamon swirl is properly mixed?

Swirl gently with a knife in a figure-eight motion until you see marbled streaks throughout the batter, avoiding overmixing which can muddle the pattern.

  • Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?

You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature, but add the glaze just before serving to maintain its fresh, glossy appearance.

  • What if I don't have vanilla extract for the glaze?

Replace vanilla extract with maple syrup or almond extract for a different flavor profile, keeping the same measurement in the glaze recipe.

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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cinnamon roll cake merges classic pastry flavors into a delightful dessert experience. Warm spices and sweet glaze create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (720 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 56 tbsps milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the base mixture by combining dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, blending milk, eggs, and melted butter until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
  4. Transfer the cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan, spreading it to reach all corners.
  5. Craft the cinnamon swirl by mixing brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, creating a crumbly texture.
  6. Introduce melted butter to the cinnamon mixture, stirring until it becomes a cohesive, spreadable consistency.
  7. Scatter the cinnamon mixture across the cake batter’s surface, using spoonfuls to create an uneven pattern.
  8. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating beautiful marble-like patterns.
  9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  11. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes, letting the initial heat dissipate.
  12. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the crevices and create a delectable finish.
  13. Slice and serve the cake warm, enjoying the rich cinnamon swirls and sweet glaze.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to ensure a smooth, even cake batter with better mixing and texture.
  • Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
  • Add extra warmth by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl before baking for a delightful crunch.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 315 kcal
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 518 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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