Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup white granulated sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted (slightly cooled); 3/4 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature (1 1/2 sticks); 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups powdered sugar; 5 Tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible, the Cinnamon Roll Cake brings all the joy of your favorite breakfast pastry into the form of a soft, swirl-filled cake. Imagine a golden, vanilla-infused crumb marbled with ribbons of cinnamon-sugar filling, finished with a sweet glaze that pools into every cozy crevice. The result? An easy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s pure comfort on a plate and just as perfect for a lazy brunch as it is for dessert. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself dreaming up reasons to bake this Cinnamon Roll Cake again and again!

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Roll Cake comes together with a handful of pantry staples, each one playing a key role in creating the tender base, luscious swirl, and dreamy glaze. Here’s how each ingredient helps build all those swoon-worthy flavors and textures.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, giving it the perfect structure and lightness.
White granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create those delightfully golden edges.
Baking powder: Lifts the cake, ensuring each bite is fluffy instead of dense.
Large eggs: Add richness and help bind everything together.
Vanilla extract: Doubles up in both cake and glaze to infuse aromatic warmth throughout.
Milk: Makes the batter luxuriously smooth and keeps the crumb moist.
Salted butter (melted): Ensures the cake is soft and subtly buttery from within.
Salted butter (softened): Blends into the cinnamon filling for those classic, gooey swirls.
Light brown sugar: Carmelizes in the filling, delivering a rich, molasses-kissed sweetness.
All-purpose flour (for filling): Thickens the cinnamon swirl so it nestles perfectly into the cake.
Ground cinnamon: Stars in that hallmark swirl, bringing cozy spice and signature aroma.
Powdered sugar: Whips into a creamy glaze that blankets the cake in sweetness.
Milk (for glaze): Smooths the glaze to that just-right pourable consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go once your batter’s mixed. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it well with nonstick spray — if you have a spray with flour, even better for easy release and a soft exterior!

Step 2: Whip Up the Base Batter

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix them together while gradually streaming in the melted salted butter. Be gentle and stop as soon as everything is just combined — overmixing can toughen your Cinnamon Roll Cake, and you want that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Step 3: Spread Into the Dish

Pour and spread the cake batter into your prepared dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula to set the stage for those dreamy swirls.

Step 4: Swirl Up That Cinnamon Roll Cake Magic

In a smaller bowl, mash together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. This will transform into a thick, fragrant filling. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the cake batter — think rustic, not perfect!

Step 5: Marble and Swirl

Grab a butter knife and drag it through the batter and cinnamon filling in a swirling, looping motion. Watch as the patterns form — this creates that classic cinnamon roll look and ensures spicy goodness in every bite.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife poked into the center comes out mostly clean, maybe with a few sticky bits of cinnamon swirl (yum!).

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. You can make it thicker with more sugar or thinner with more milk, depending on your mood. Pour liberally over the warm cake, letting it sink in just a little — patience here pays off with the perfect finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Garnishes

A simple sweep of glaze is classic, but you can dress up your Cinnamon Roll Cake with a scatter of chopped toasted pecans, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a special flourish. The finishing touch is all about making it feel as decadent or cozy as you’d like.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or a tall glass of cold milk to complement the sweet spice. For brunch, sliced fresh fruit or a tart yogurt can balance out the richness and make the Cinnamon Roll Cake shine as the centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your cake into squares and serving on a rustic wooden board for a homey vibe, or layer them in jars with whipped cream for individual parfaits. You can even use small round cookie cutters to mimic the look of actual cinnamon rolls — it’s a playful twist that’s sure to impress at showers or holiday brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake stores beautifully! Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days if you want it to last even longer.

Freezing

To enjoy Cinnamon Roll Cake well after baking, slice it into portions, wrap each securely in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temperature.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked feel, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15–20 seconds until just warmed through. If you’re reviving the entire cake, a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–15 minutes does the trick—just cover with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to both the batter and the cinnamon filling to round out the flavors. It won’t affect the texture one bit.

How do I know when my Cinnamon Roll Cake is done baking?

Check for a golden top and use a knife or toothpick to test the center—if it comes out clean or with a few sticky crumbs (but no wet batter), you’re all set! Every oven runs a little differently, so keep a close eye for those last 5 minutes.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in a good 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free. The results are deliciously close to the original.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries—you can absolutely use a handheld electric mixer or a good old-fashioned whisk and some elbow grease. The batter mixes up easily either way!

Is Cinnamon Roll Cake best fresh or can I make it a day ahead?

This cake is truly delicious both warm from the oven and the next day after the glaze has set. If you’re making it ahead, store it tightly covered and add a fresh drizzle of glaze or a quick reheat for a just-baked vibe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about trying a new treat, let this be the day you bake a Cinnamon Roll Cake. It brings together the best parts of your favorite classic rolls and easy coffee cake, all swirled into one unforgettable bake. Gather your ingredients, pour a mug of something warm, and treat yourself—one bite in, you’ll see why this recipe is such a feel-good favorite.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in the form of a soft and moist cake topped with a sweet glaze. This Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert.

Instructions

Cake: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Slowly add melted butter. Spread batter in a baking dish.
Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls onto batter and swirl with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a knife comes out clean.
Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Pour over warm cake.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American