Cinnamon Roll Cake

 

This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease of a simple cake. With a soft and fluffy texture, swirls of cinnamon filling, and a sweet glaze on top, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. No yeast required, making it quick and easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes Just Like Cinnamon Rolls – All the flavors of a homemade cinnamon roll without the hassle of rolling dough.
• No Yeast Needed – Saves time and effort compared to traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Soft and Moist Texture – Thanks to a rich cake batter and buttery cinnamon swirl.
• Perfect Anytime Treat – Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Easy to Make – No kneading or rising time required!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Directions

Make the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat and Prepare – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
4. Combine – Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl:

5. Mix Cinnamon Swirl – In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until smooth.
6. Swirl Into the Cake – Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it through the batter.

Bake the Cake:

7. Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Glaze:

8. Mix the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Drizzle Over Warm Cake – Pour the glaze over the warm cake so it seeps into all the cinnamon swirls.

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Slice and Serve – Let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 slices
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Cream Cheese Glaze – Replace some milk with cream cheese for a tangy topping.
• Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
• Pumpkin Spice Version – Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle – Top with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Mini Cakes – Bake in muffin tins for individual cinnamon roll cupcakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating – Microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it the day before and warm it up before serving for the best texture.

2. How do I keep the cake moist?

Avoid overbaking, and store it in an airtight container.

3. Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes! Use a vanilla or yellow cake mix and follow the cinnamon swirl and glaze steps.

4. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter, milk, and glaze alternatives.

5. Do I need to refrigerate this cake?

It can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days, but refrigerate for longer storage.

6. How do I get the perfect cinnamon swirl?

Use a butter knife to gently swirl without overmixing to maintain distinct layers.

7. Can I double the glaze for extra sweetness?

Yes! If you love extra glaze, double the ingredients and drizzle generously.

8. What can I serve with this cake?

It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

9. Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Mix in ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity touch.

10. How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and don’t open the oven door too soon.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert, bringing together the best flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon goodness in every bite!

 

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