Moist Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

The Best Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Joy

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

Soft layers meld together with rich, buttery swirls of warmth.

Delicate spices dance across each tender crumb, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Memories of childhood mornings blend seamlessly with each delectable bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this surprisingly simple treat.

Home ovens will transform basic ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

You’ll want to slice into this decadent creation and savor every single moment of deliciousness.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but using 100% whole wheat might make the cake denser and less fluffy.

  • How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

  • Is it necessary to use an electric mixer for this recipe?

No, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a whisk or wooden spoon. Just ensure all ingredients are well combined and there are no large flour lumps.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Everyone Will Love

  • Simplify Baking: Ditch complex cinnamon roll techniques and enjoy a straightforward cake version that delivers all the delicious flavors without intricate rolling or shaping.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love this sweet treat that captures the classic cinnamon roll taste in an easy-to-serve cake format perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
  • Quick Comfort Dessert: Achieve bakery-style deliciousness with minimal prep time, making it an ideal solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your baking process by using a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making this recipe incredibly convenient for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and creates a smooth, rich texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Delivers a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Softened Butter: Creates a sweet and spicy swirl that gives the cake its signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Topping (Optional):
  • Icing: A sweet drizzle that adds extra indulgence to the finished cake.

Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll Cake Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out perfectly.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well combined and look smooth.

Step 3: Bring the Batter to Life

Pour into the dry mixture:
  • Whole milk
  • Fresh eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Pure vanilla extract

Blend everything with a whisk or electric mixer until the batter becomes silky and free of lumps.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate small bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Softened butter

Mix these ingredients until they form a rich, crumbly mixture.

Step 5: Create the Magical Swirl

Transfer the cake batter to the prepared baking pan.

Dollop the cinnamon mixture across the top of the batter. Use a knife or skewer to create beautiful swirling patterns throughout the cake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

Let the cake cool slightly. If desired, drizzle with a sweet vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Slice, serve, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this incredible cinnamon swirl cake.

Tips to Bring Out Cinnamon Roll Cake’s Flavor

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to create beautiful marbled patterns throughout the cake.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.
  • Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that's equally delicious.
  • Use a light hand when mixing to prevent overworking the batter, which can result in a tough cake.

Flavorful Twists to Try with Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use plant-based butter alternatives for the swirl and base.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Replace white sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free cinnamon for diabetic-friendly preparation.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk for a completely animal-product-free dessert.

What to Enjoy Alongside Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Serve warm alongside fresh coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat that feels like a comforting hug.
  • Dessert Elegance: Slice into neat squares and plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent after-dinner indulgence that melts in your mouth.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange slices on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for impressing weekend guests with minimal effort.
  • Portable Potluck Pleasure: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and pack in a container for a crowd-pleasing dessert that travels well to gatherings and family events.

Best Practices to Store Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Store leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it soft and moist.
  • Refrigerate the cake for extended freshness, which can preserve its quality for 5-7 days in a sealed container.
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent drying out and maintain texture.
Print
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Moist Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Moist Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Creamy cinnamon roll cake delivers classic bakery flavors in a delightful sheet cake format. Sweet layers of cinnamon swirl and cream cheese frosting promise pure comfort for dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (470 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1/3 cup (75 grams) melted butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (75 grams) softened butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Blend dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform base for the cake.
  3. Incorporate liquid components, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous batter without lumps.
  4. Transfer the smooth batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
  5. Create a cinnamon swirl mixture by combining brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until it reaches a creamy consistency.
  6. Delicately weave the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter using a knife or skewer, generating artistic marbled patterns throughout.
  7. Position the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
  8. Allow the cake to rest and cool slightly, then optionally embellish with a drizzle of sweet icing for added decadence.

Notes

  • Prevent flour lumps by sifting dry ingredients together before mixing, ensuring a smoother cake texture.
  • Soften butter at room temperature for easier blending and more consistent swirl patterns throughout the cake.
  • Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
  • Check cake doneness early to avoid over-baking, which can result in a dry, crumbly texture; start testing around 25 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 341
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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