The aroma of warm cinnamon wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. Imagine slicing into a soft, fluffy cake that promises the sweet satisfaction of cinnamon rolls without the fuss. That’s exactly what a cinnamon roll cake offers—an indulgent treat that can brighten any morning or sweeten an afternoon snack.

Picture this: you’re hosting brunch, your friends are mingling, and there it is—a glorious cinnamon roll cake, ready to steal the show. It’s the kind of dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings and lazy Sunday mornings. The anticipation builds as you cut into the cake, revealing swirls of cinnamon goodness and a drizzle of icing that completes this delightful experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cinnamon roll cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings
- The warm spices create a comforting flavor profile that everyone will adore
- Its beautiful layers make it visually stunning and a centerpiece for gatherings
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to become a family favorite
I once made this cinnamon roll cake for a potluck, and let’s just say my friends have talked about it ever since!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating that perfect cake texture; sifted for lightness.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully; adjust to your taste preference.
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Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensures your cake rises to fluffy perfection.
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Cinnamon: The star of the show; use freshly ground for maximum flavor impact.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
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Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it adds moisture to the batter.
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Eggs: Bind everything together; room temperature eggs work best.
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Butter: Melted butter adds richness; don’t forget to cool slightly before mixing in.
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Brown Sugar: For the filling; its molasses undertones deepen the cinnamon flavor.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and sweetness; always opt for pure vanilla when possible.
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Icing Sugar: For that sweet topping; adjust consistency with milk as needed.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
**Preheat Your Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring every corner is covered with love.
**Prepare the Batter**: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well blended and fragrant.
**Mix Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter (let it cool first!), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture into your dry ingredients.
**Combine & Pour**: Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth it out like you’re giving your dog a belly rub—gentle but thorough!
**Create Cinnamon Filling**: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and remaining cinnamon together. Sprinkle this heavenly blend evenly over the batter in the pan.
**Add Remaining Batter**: Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer carefully. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl gently—think of it as creating swirls of joy!
**Bake & Cool**: Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack—patience is key here!
**Make Icing & Serve**: While cooling, prepare your icing by mixing icing sugar with milk until desired consistency. Drizzle generously over cooled cake before slicing into glorious pieces!
Now you’re armed with everything you need to whip up this exceptional cinnamon roll cake! Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share (or not)!
You Must Know
- This cinnamon roll cake recipe brings the joy of breakfast into every bite
- The warm aroma wafting from the oven is simply irresistible, and this dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts
- Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that make it a true crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the batter and cinnamon mixture simultaneously to save time. Bake until golden brown, then let it cool slightly before adding the glaze for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the regular milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Add nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor that suits your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffier cake texture
- Don’t overmix the batter; this can lead to a dense cake instead of a light one
- Finally, always let the cake cool before glazing; this prevents the glaze from melting away!
Sharing this cinnamon roll cake with friends once led to my best friend declaring it “the best thing since sliced bread”—and I think she meant it!
FAQ
Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Can I freeze this cinnamon roll cake?
Absolutely! It freezes well; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon roll cake—a delightful fusion of soft cake and gooey cinnamon filling that brings a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this easy-to-make treat will have your friends and family raving. With swirls of cinnamon goodness and a drizzle of icing, each bite is like savoring a classic cinnamon roll without the hassle. Get ready to impress with this scrumptious recipe!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (preferably freshly ground)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup icing sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth; then combine with dry ingredients without overmixing.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.
- In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar and remaining cinnamon; sprinkle over the batter.
- Spoon the remaining batter on top and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; let cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare icing by mixing icing sugar with milk to your desired consistency; drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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