Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

The Sweet Magic of Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Comfort bakes its way into kitchens with this irresistible cinnamon roll cake that melts hearts and satisfies sweet cravings.

Layers of soft, buttery dough swirled with warm cinnamon promise pure indulgence in every single bite.

The aroma alone will draw people from across the house, enticing them toward this delectable treat.

Rich, decadent, and impossibly smooth, this cake delivers bakery-style magic right from your own oven.

Forget complicated pastry techniques – this recipe brings professional-level deliciousness within easy reach.

Drizzled with a cream cheese glaze that adds luxurious richness, each slice offers a perfect balance of tender cake and spicy cinnamon warmth.

You won’t be able to resist cutting just one more piece of this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Why Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Is a Must-Bake

  • Perfect for bakers wanting to improve their technique without complicated steps, this recipe offers a straightforward approach that helps home cooks build confidence while creating a delicious dessert.
  • Packed with warm cinnamon swirls and sweet icing, this cake delivers nostalgic flavors that remind everyone of classic cinnamon rolls, making it an instant favorite for gatherings and family meals.
  • With simple ingredients and easy mixing techniques, you can whip up this decadent cake without spending hours in the kitchen, ensuring a stress-free baking experience that yields impressive results.
  • Whether serving as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert, this cinnamon roll cake adapts perfectly to different occasions and will satisfy sweet tooth cravings for all ages.

Ingredients for Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Main Cake Ingredients:
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Butter: Adds flavor and contributes to the cake's tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Cinnamon Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the topping.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides the signature warm, spicy flavor.
  • Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the cinnamon topping.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the sweet, smooth icing.
  • Milk: Helps create the right consistency for drizzling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the icing.

Baking Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C).

Getting the temperature right sets the stage for cake perfection.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder

Whisk everything together until smooth and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blend Liquid Magic

In another bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk
  • Melted butter

Stir until the mixture looks silky and well combined.

Step 4: Unite the Mixtures

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Fold gently with a spatula until just mixed.

Don’t overmix – a few tiny lumps are totally okay.

Step 5: Craft the Cinnamon Wonder

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

Mix until you create a dreamy, spreadable topping.

Step 6: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Dot cinnamon mixture across the top and swirl gently with a knife, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Whip Up Heavenly Icing

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until you have a smooth, pourable icing.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch

Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the icing over the top.

Watch it cascade down, creating delicious rivers of sweetness.

Step 10: Slice and Celebrate

Cut into generous squares.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort dessert that tastes like a giant, gooey cinnamon roll.

Tips to Nail Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient proportions, which directly impact the cake's texture and taste.
  • Let butter soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother batter consistency, preventing lumps and uneven distribution.
  • When adding cinnamon topping, use a gentle knife motion to create beautiful marble patterns without completely blending the layers.
  • Insert a toothpick at an angle near the cake's center; a few moist crumbs indicate perfect baking, preventing dry or overcooked results.
  • Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness, warming slightly before serving to restore gooey texture.

Keeping Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Tasty

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual slices or entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Label with date to track storage time.
  • Warm refrigerated cake slices at 300F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent edges from becoming too crispy. This method helps restore original gooey texture.
  • Reheat single slice for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add extra 5-10 seconds if needed. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make cake tough and dry.

What to Eat with Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Pair with Smooth Vanilla Latte: Create a creamy, complementary beverage that echoes the cake's warm cinnamon notes, balancing the dessert's sweetness with rich espresso undertones.
  • Complement with Fresh Whipped Cream: Add a light, airy dollop of homemade whipped cream to enhance the cake's gooey texture, providing a cool contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors.
  • Match with Toasted Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle crispy, caramelized pecans on top to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the cake's soft, sweet profile.
  • Serve with Cold Milk Chaser: Pour a chilled glass of whole milk alongside the cake, allowing its creamy smoothness to cut through the rich, sugary layers and refresh the palate.

Tasty Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender. Use xanthan gum if the blend doesn't already include it to help bind the ingredients.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and plant-based.
  • Low-Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake: Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use unsweetened almond milk and cut down on the brown sugar in the topping for a healthier version.
  • Keto-Friendly Cinnamon Cake: Use almond flour instead of regular flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and swap milk for heavy cream. Use coconut flour to help achieve the right consistency while keeping carbs low.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

  • How do I know if I'm swirling the cinnamon topping correctly?

Use a knife and create gentle, random figure-eight patterns across the cake batter. Don’t overmix – you want distinct cinnamon swirls, not a completely blended batter.

  • What type of milk works best for this recipe?

Whole milk provides the richest flavor and moisture, but 2% milk will also work well. Avoid skim milk as it might make the cake less tender.

  • Can I prepare this cake in advance?

You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Combine and bake fresh in the morning for the best results.

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Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers classic breakfast pastry magic in a stunning slice of comfort. Swirls of rich cinnamon and sweet glaze promise a delightful experience that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for lazy weekend mornings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (12 fluid ounces)
  • 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)

Cinnamon Topping:

  • 3/4 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and equipment, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to create optimal baking conditions.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk the dry ingredients until completely integrated and free of lumps.
  3. Create the wet mixture by beating eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Ensure the butter is gently melted and blended smoothly with other liquid components.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a spatula to incorporate until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain the cake’s light texture.
  5. Prepare the cinnamon topping by creaming butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
  6. Transfer the cake batter to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface. Strategically drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture, then use a knife to create delicate swirls throughout the batter.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the center sets and a toothpick reveals minimal moist crumbs. The cake should remain slightly gooey in the center.
  8. Craft the icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. The consistency should be thick yet fluid.
  9. Allow the cake to cool briefly while still warm. Generously drizzle the prepared icing over the surface, letting it seep into the cake’s crevices and edges.
  10. Slice and serve the cake warm, savoring the rich cinnamon swirls and sweet glaze. Store any remaining portions for a delightful next-day treat.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at the right temperature to prevent mixing issues and achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and a more uniform cake batter.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, tender cake crumb.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option.
  • Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon topping for extra crunch and flavor depth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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