Description

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!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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!

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.