Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven, and this Cinnamon Roll Cake is no exception. Combining the soft, fluffy texture of a cake with the irresistible flavors of a classic cinnamon roll, this dessert is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.

this Recipe

I first tried this recipe on a rainy Sunday when I was craving cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to deal with the hassle of yeast. What started as a time-saving solution quickly became a family favorite, perfect for brunches, potlucks, or just a cozy treat. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredibly delicious and simple Cinnamon Roll Cake. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try.

First, it’s easy to make but tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. No need for kneading or waiting for dough to rise; this cake comes together in about an hour.

Second, the flavors are downright dreamy. The buttery, vanilla cake base swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar gives you all the warm, nostalgic flavors of a cinnamon roll in every bite.

Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or whipping up a dessert for family dinner, this cake is sure to impress.

Finally, the drizzle of sweet cream cheese glaze takes this cake to the next level. Every forkful is a gooey, decadent treat that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Cake lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a key role in achieving that signature flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of this cake. Make sure to measure it correctly for the perfect consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the cinnamon filling.
• Brown Sugar: Essential for the gooey cinnamon swirl. Light or dark brown sugar works, depending on how deep you want the flavor.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that gives this cake its cozy, comforting flavor. Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the cake’s flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the glaze. Its tangy richness complements the sweet cake beautifully.

You’ll also need basic baking equipment, like a hand mixer and a 9x13-inch baking dish. No fancy tools required!

How to Make This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Making this Cinnamon Roll Cake is a breeze. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Preheat and Prep
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Batter
   In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth and creamy.
3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
   In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon to make the swirl. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it in, creating beautiful marbled patterns.
4. Bake the Cake
   Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly in the pan while you prepare the glaze.
5. Drizzle the Glaze
   In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake for maximum gooeyness.

Enjoy your first slice while it’s still warm and the glaze is perfectly melty!

Storage Options

This cake stores beautifully, making it a great option for make-ahead baking.

• Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat slices in the oven or microwave to restore that freshly baked flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cinnamon Roll Cake is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

1. Add Nuts
   Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl for added crunch and flavor.
2. Pumpkin Spice Twist
   Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice to give the cake a seasonal flair. Perfect for fall!
3. Gluten-Free Option
   Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
4. Extra Glaze
   Double the glaze recipe if you want an extra drizzle on each slice. No one’s judging!
5. Chocolate Lover’s Version
   Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun and indulgent twist.

Feel free to experiment with other flavors and add-ins to make this cake your own. You might just create a new family favorite!

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls, transformed into an easy-to-make dessert. With its tender cake, gooey cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try this weekend, and don’t forget to grab a second slice – you deserve it!

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