Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate treat for anyone who enjoys cinnamon rolls but doesn’t want to deal with all the rolling and rising time. The cake is soft, buttery, and spiced with a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl that adds the perfect amount of sweetness and warmth. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and takes less time than traditional cinnamon rolls. The indulgent glaze ties everything together, creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top.
- Slice and serve!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for an added crunch.
- Fruit topping: For a fruity twist, try adding a layer of fresh berries on top before baking.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free version and use plant-based milk to make the cake dairy-free.
- Maple glaze: Swap out the powdered sugar glaze for a maple syrup glaze for a richer flavor.
- Mini cinnamon roll cakes: Bake individual servings in muffin tins for a fun, portable version of this recipe.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Reheating: Reheat the cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring it back to a warm, fresh state.
FAQs
How do I know when the Cinnamon Roll Cake is done?
You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.
Can I freeze this Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Is it necessary to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture?
Swirling the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter is what creates the signature cinnamon roll flavor and texture. However, if you prefer, you can also mix it into the batter for a more uniform flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser, and you might need to adjust the liquid amount.
Can I make the glaze without powdered sugar?
For a different glaze, you can try using maple syrup or a cream cheese glaze instead of powdered sugar.
Can I add icing on top instead of glaze?
Yes, you can use a traditional cinnamon roll icing (made with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla) instead of the glaze for a richer taste.
How do I store the leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week for longer storage.
What other spices can I add to the cake?
You can experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
How do I keep the Cinnamon Roll Cake moist?
Make sure to keep the cake covered or store it in an airtight container. Adding a little extra butter or using sour cream in the batter can also help keep the cake moist.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect balance of cinnamon goodness and fluffy cake, topped off with a sweet glaze. Whether you’re craving something for breakfast or dessert, this easy recipe delivers all the indulgence of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough. Give it a try and enjoy a slice (or two)!
Cinnamon Roll Cake
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings together the soft, fluffy texture of cake with the sweet and spiced flavors of a cinnamon roll. Topped with a decadent glaze, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat. Serve it fresh out of the oven and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll with a cake-like twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake batter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with the glaze.
Notes
- a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the glaze or top the cake with whipped cream.
- You can make the cinnamon swirl by adjusting the cinnamon and sugar to your personal taste.
