Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and simpler to enjoy, this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all that gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness swirled into a tender, fluffy cake that bakes up faster and is easier to share with a crowd. From the rich cinnamon swirl to the sweet vanilla glaze drizzled on top, every bite feels like a hug from your favorite bakery, right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together simply yet play a crucial role in building the cake’s irresistible texture and flavor. Each one is essential for achieving that perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and spice that makes this dish truly special.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds the cake together perfectly soft and fluffy.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely, tender crumb.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the cake its rise, ensuring it’s light and airy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Infuses richness and moisture throughout the cake.
• 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds tenderness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add protein for structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers that signature warm, cozy flavor.
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened: Mixed into the swirl for melt-in-your-mouth richness.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, adding a sweet finish with a silky texture.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to just the right drizzle consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a subtle, fragrant sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This small prep step sets you up for success and even baking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed and that each bite has a balanced sweetness and perfect rise.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once combined, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir gently until just mixed. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop when everything comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Pour and Spread Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. This creates an even surface for the cinnamon swirl and ensures every slice has that delightful cinnamon ribbon.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, blend together the soft butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you get a spreadable, rich mixture. This will be the magic that turns your simple cake into a cinnamon lover’s dream.

Step 6: Add the Swirl to the Cake

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture all over the batter. Using a knife or toothpick, swirl it gently through the cake batter to create beautiful cinnamon ribbons without fully blending it in.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The oven’s heat will set the batter into a tender cake, and those cinnamon swirls will caramelize slightly, creating irresistible pockets of flavor.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This glaze brings the perfect vanilla sweetness and a shiny finish that makes the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe feel truly decadent.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. Warmth helps the glaze soak in slightly without melting away, so drizzling it now creates a gorgeous, glossy topping.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into warm, fragrant pieces and savor the cozy, tender cake with its cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze. It’s perfect on its own or paired with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or even a few fresh berries can add visual appeal and a fresh contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For brunch, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance out the sweetness and make it a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering this cake with cream cheese frosting in a trifle or cutting it into small squares and serving as bite-sized treats at a party. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes lovely, shareable gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge is fine but allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Reheating brings back that just-baked softness and melts the glaze slightly, making every bite irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk, but whole milk gives the cake a richer, moister texture. Using low-fat milk might result in a slightly lighter cake but won’t compromise flavor too much.

Is it possible to make this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for cakes. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a binding agent for best results.

Can I prepare the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

You can mix the cinnamon swirl ingredients a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before swirling it through the batter so it blends smoothly and doesn’t harden in clumps.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

If your pan is smaller, expect the cake to be thicker and require a longer bake time. Use a toothpick to check doneness. Larger pans will bake faster and result in a thinner cake, so keep an eye on the baking time.

Can I use this cake recipe to make cupcakes?

Yes, pouring the batter into lined muffin tins and adding the cinnamon swirl on top before baking makes delightful individual treats. Bake at 350°F for about 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is one of those all-time comforting desserts that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. It’s simple enough to whip up any time you crave something sweet and indulgent, yet impressive enough to share with loved ones. Give it a try and let the irresistible cinnamon swirl and luscious glaze bring a little extra joy to your day!

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