Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
This recipe takes everything you love about cinnamon rolls and makes it simple and quick. No kneading or rolling dough is required, yet you still get the same comforting flavors. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you’re craving something sweet and cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Sugar
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Eggs
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Milk
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Vanilla extract
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Butter, melted
For the cinnamon swirl:
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Brown sugar
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Ground cinnamon
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Butter, softened
For the glaze:
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Powdered sugar
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Milk
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Vanilla extract
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
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Stir in eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
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In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a paste. Drop spoonfuls over the batter, then swirl gently with a knife.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
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Drizzle glaze over the warm cake before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 12.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the glaze with a cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
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Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl.
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Apple Cinnamon Cake: Mix in diced apples with the batter for a fruity twist.
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Pumpkin Spice: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin spice blend for a seasonal treat.
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Mini Bundts or Muffins: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Storage/Reheating
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it stays moist for days and can be baked a day in advance.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
No, it can easily be mixed by hand.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or a larger dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can use white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses as a substitute.
Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, any milk works in this recipe.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but it adds sweetness and the classic cinnamon roll finish.
Why did my cake turn out dry?
It may have been overbaked—check with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark.
Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Yes, cream cheese frosting works beautifully.
Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Cinnamon roll cake delivers all the cozy, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make, soft, and swirly cake. Perfect for family breakfasts, holidays, or a simple dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for its ease and irresistible taste.
Cinnamon Roll Cake
A soft, fluffy cake swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze — just like a giant cinnamon roll in cake form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the cake batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5–6 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. Spread batter evenly in prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over cake batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Best served warm, like a gooey cinnamon roll.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
