Imagine the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls merged into the ease of a cake — that’s the magic captured in this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while delivering tender, buttery cake layered with a rich, spiced brown sugar swirl. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants a fuss-free bake that’s easy to slice and share with family or friends. Sweet, soft, and irresistibly gooey, this cake truly brings a breakfast favorite to a whole new level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to create a mouthwatering treat. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the tender crumb or creating that signature cinnamon swirl.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its soft structure and perfect crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: A pinch brings balance and enhances the sweetness and cinnamon notes.
- Unsalted butter (softened for batter and melted for filling): Adds richness, moisture, and a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a light, fluffy batter.
- Brown sugar: The star in the cinnamon filling, offering deep molasses flavor and that classic caramelized finish.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- Buttermilk (or whole milk): Adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Spices the filling with that unmistakable cinnamon roll warmth.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast in the filling.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the sweet, silky glaze that ties everything together.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze’s consistency to your liking.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. Proper prep here sets the stage for a flawless cake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until you get a light, fluffy mixture — about 2-3 minutes. The air you incorporate now translates into a perfectly tender crumb later. Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add your dry ingredients alternated with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing here would make the cake tough, so gentle is key.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. The filling’s deep brown color promises rich flavor. Stir in the optional chopped nuts if you’re using them for that added crunch.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake and Create the Swirl
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Next, spoon or spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the top. Use a spoon or offset spatula to gently swirl it into the batter. It will sink slightly, creating that beautiful cinnamon roll swirl effect you crave in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. You’ll notice the cake puff up and the cinnamon swirl become visible on top—a sign that your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is coming together beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth in a small bowl. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk if you want it thinner. This glaze is the sweet finishing touch that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set slightly but remain warm enough for the glaze to melt and seep into every nook and cranny when drizzled over the top. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds a delightful texture contrast and eye-catching finish. For an extra indulgent touch, dust a little cinnamon or cocoa powder on the glaze for visual appeal and a hint of spice.
Side Dishes
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this simple cake into a decadent dessert. For breakfast or brunch, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea perfectly complements the cinnamon-spiced sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the cake with cream cheese frosting for a more opulent take. You could also cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter as delightful party finger-food. Using mini baking pans or individual ramekins for single-serve portioned Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe makes it perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the cake moist and fresh. Stored at room temperature, it will stay delicious for up to two days; refrigerate for longer freshness up to five days.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that just-baked warmth and soften the glaze. Adding a touch of butter or cream cheese frosting right after warming makes it feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use almond milk or another dairy-free milk alternative in place of buttermilk. Just keep the other measurements the same for best results.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the cake, but you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! The nuts in the cinnamon filling are optional and can be left out entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version. The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
How do I get that perfect cinnamon swirl effect?
Don’t be afraid to gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter using a spoon or spatula. The key is not to mix too vigorously; you want the filling to create visible streaks, not to completely blend into the cake.
What’s the best way to serve this cake warm?
Serving the cake slightly warm enhances the gooey cinnamon swirls and lets the glaze melt beautifully into the cake. Just allow it to cool enough so it doesn’t burn your fingers but still holds that glowing warmth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the effort of rolling dough or messy layers, this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new favorite go-to. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and delivers that sweet cinnamon sugar magic in every bite. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, this cake brings a little joy and a whole lot of deliciousness to your table. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new classic.
Print
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, baked into a moist and fluffy cake. Featuring layers of cinnamon sugar swirled through a tender vanilla cake and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this dessert offers all the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it serves 12 to 16 and comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients, and mix until just combined.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. If using, stir in chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble Cake Batter and Swirl Filling: Pour cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Spoon the cinnamon sugar filling over the batter and gently swirl with a spatula or spoon to create signature cinnamon roll swirls.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake will rise and cinnamon swirls become visible on the surface.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk as desired.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with whole milk or add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk to make a homemade buttermilk substitute.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts.
- Adjust the glaze consistency to your preference by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a warm, fresh-baked feel.
