There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen. It’s the scent of cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, and indulgent treats shared with loved ones. If you’re a fan of classic cinnamon rolls, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Cake. It takes everything we love about the gooey, cinnamon-swirled pastries and transforms them into a soft, moist cake that’s easier to make and just as irresistible.

This cake is perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or even as a midweek pick-me-up. The best part? You don’t have to deal with yeast or waiting for dough to rise! Instead, you get all the rich cinnamon-sugar flavors baked into a tender, buttery cake with a luscious glaze drizzled on top.

So, whether you’re serving this with a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning or sneaking a slice late at night, one thing is for sure—you’ll keep coming back for more. Let’s dive in and make this delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of yeast – No waiting for dough to rise, just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Soft, moist texture with swirls of cinnamon sugar – Every bite is packed with warmth and sweetness.
• Perfect for any occasion – Serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as an afternoon snack.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients – You likely have everything you need in your pantry already.
• Topped with a sweet glaze – Because no cinnamon roll-inspired treat is complete without a drizzle of icing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake light and tender.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a smooth, thick paste.

Step 3: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture into the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the cinnamon mixture over the batter. Then, take a knife and gently swirl it into the cake to create those beautiful, cinnamon-sugar ribbons.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen will smell like heaven!

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed—it should be pourable but not too runny.

Step 6: Drizzle and Enjoy!

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. Slice and serve while it’s still warm for the best experience!

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter – Stir until just combined to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
• For an extra gooey texture, add a little more butter to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
• Want a crunch? Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl before baking.
• Make it ahead of time – This cake stays moist for days, so you can prepare it the night before for an easy morning treat.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk. If you want a thinner drizzle, add a bit more.
• You can also swap the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk.
• This cake tastes amazing warm, but it’s just as good at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. You can also warm up individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can, but the texture will be slightly denser. If you want a balance, try using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.

What can I add to this cake for extra flavor?

You can add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth. If you love raisins in your cinnamon rolls, feel free to toss some into the batter.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Warm before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Cinnamon Roll Cake, you might also enjoy:

• Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
• Sticky Pecan Rolls – A nutty, caramelized twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate treat for cinnamon lovers who want the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll without all the work. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious, making it the perfect addition to any breakfast table or dessert spread.

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