Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Warm, gooey cinnamon roll cake bursts with comforting flavors that dance across your taste buds.

This delectable dessert blends the classic charm of traditional cinnamon rolls into a moist, irresistible cake.

Swirls of rich cinnamon weave through soft, tender layers, creating a decadent treat that feels like a warm hug.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, guaranteed to make mouths water.

Soft crumbs melt on your tongue, releasing aromatic notes of pure indulgence.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

FAQs

• What makes the cinnamon filling special?

The cinnamon filling is a mix of softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon that creates a spreadable, slightly grainy paste. When swirled into the cake batter, it produces a beautiful marbled effect with rich cinnamon flavor.

• Can I mix the batter by hand?

While a stand mixer is recommended, you can use a hand mixer or mix by hand. The key is to mix until just combined and avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a knife into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Look for a golden brown top and a fully set cake, which typically takes 35-40 minutes in a 350°F oven.

• What type of baking dish works best?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly. Use a nonstick spray with flour (like Baker’s Joy) to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.

Sweet Reasons To Enjoy Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Create a stunning marbled effect that transforms an ordinary cake into a visually striking dessert with simple knife techniques anyone can master.
• Capture the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient cake form that brings instant smiles to family and friends.
• Enjoy as a delightful breakfast pastry, afternoon pick-me-up, or decadent dessert that suits multiple occasions from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Ingredients That Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Special

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides the cake's structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cake base.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Melted Butter: Contributes to the cake's rich flavor and tender texture.

• Softened Butter: Creates a creamy base for the cinnamon filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a caramel-like swirl.
• Flour: Helps thicken the cinnamon filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides the signature warm, spicy flavor of the swirl.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet topping that complements the cake's cinnamon flavor.

Cinnamon Roll Cake: How To Make It

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create The Cake Batter

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Mix on low speed until ingredients are just blended.

Slowly pour in melted butter while mixing, being careful not to overmix.

Stop mixing as soon as the batter looks smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Spread The Batter

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Craft The Cinnamon Swirl Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients form a spreadable, slightly grainy paste.

Step 5: Create The Cinnamon Marble Effect

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling randomly across the cake batter.

Use a butter knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled pattern.

Avoid overmixing – just a few gentle swirls will create the perfect design.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking around the 35-minute mark.

The cake is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare The Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more milk to thin it out.

Step 8: Finish With A Glaze

Pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the cinnamon swirls.

Serve warm for a gooey treat or let it cool completely for neater slices.

Handy Pointers For Cinnamon Roll Cake Success

• Use Baker's Joy or flour-based nonstick spray to ensure easy cake removal and perfect presentation.
• Mix batter just until ingredients are incorporated, stopping as soon as everything looks smooth to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
• Use a butter knife to create gentle marble effects, dragging through the batter sparingly for a beautiful cinnamon pattern without overmixing.
• Adjust the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or milk for a thinner drizzle, tailoring it to your preference.
• Test cake with a knife around the 35-minute mark, looking for a golden-brown top and clean knife insertion to ensure perfect baking.

Keep Cinnamon Roll Cake Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain cake's moisture.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cake slice on baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore original texture and prevents drying.

Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake With These Ideas

• Pair Sweet Cinnamon Comfort with Creamy Coffee Companions: A rich, medium-roast cappuccino perfectly complements the cake's warm cinnamon notes, balancing sweetness with robust coffee undertones.
• Enhance Flavor with Nutty Sidekick: Serve alongside toasted almond slivers or pecan pieces to add delightful crunch and enhance the cake's buttery, spiced profile, creating textural contrast.
• Cool Down with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy sweetness to melt gently into the cake's swirled cinnamon layers.
• Refresh with Spiced Tea Pairing: Brew a chai tea or cinnamon-infused black tea to echo the cake's warm spices, providing a soothing, aromatic beverage that intensifies the dessert's comforting qualities.

Creative Variations On Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the texture remains light and fluffy. Use xanthan gum if the blend doesn't already include it to help bind the ingredients.
• Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives. Select a dairy-free glaze using powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.
• Low-Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content. Use a sugar-free glaze made with powdered erythritol and almond milk for a diabetic-friendly version. This variation maintains the classic cinnamon flavor while cutting down on added sugars.
• Keto-Friendly Cinnamon Roll Cake: Create the cake using almond flour or coconut flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use full-fat cream instead of milk. Make a cream cheese-based glaze using powdered erythritol to keep the carbohydrate count low while preserving the delicious cinnamon roll taste.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly cinnamon roll cake brings classic breakfast pastry magic into an irresistible dessert form. Swirling layers of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices create a moist centerpiece you’ll crave from first delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup (200 g) white granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (170 g) salted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray containing flour for optimal release.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixer bowl, then incorporate eggs, vanilla, and milk on low speed. Gradually stream in melted butter while mixing, ensuring minimal agitation to maintain a light texture.
3. Transfer batter to the prepared dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
4. Create the cinnamon filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until achieving a slightly grainy, spreadable consistency.
5. Distribute cinnamon filling across the cake batter in spoonfuls, then use a butter knife to create elegant marble-like swirls without overworking the mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring closely after 35 minutes. The cake is ready when a knife inserted into the center emerges clean and the top displays a golden-brown hue.
7. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust liquid ratios to achieve desired consistency – thicker with more sugar, thinner with additional milk.
8. Drizzle warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to penetrate the cinnamon swirls. Serve warm for a gooey experience or cool completely for more defined slices.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the cake batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
• When adding the cinnamon filling, use a gentle knife drag to create beautiful marbled patterns without completely blending the layers.
• Watch the cake closely in the final baking minutes, as ovens can vary slightly, to prevent overbaking and maintain moisture.
• Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or milk for a thinner drizzle, tailoring it to your preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg