Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you dream of capturing the magic of cinnamon rolls without waiting hours for dough to rise, Cinnamon Roll Cake is here to make your wishes come true. This dessert packs all the nostalgia and gorgeous swirls of classic cinnamon rolls into a moist, tender sheet cake, ready in a fraction of the time. The sweet vanilla cake base, ribboned with a buttery cinnamon filling and finished with a dreamy glaze, is everything you crave for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner treat. Let’s dive into all the details you’ll need to make Cinnamon Roll Cake a new household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake are pantry staples, yet each brings its own special magic to the table. From rich butter and aromatic cinnamon to creamy milk and that all-important vanilla, every component works together to create layers of flavor and irresistible texture.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for both the cake and the filling, ensuring the right structure and tenderness.
• White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the delicate vanilla notes.
• Baking powder: Lends lift and fluffiness for a soft, cloud-like crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake batter.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor in both the cake and the glaze for that classic bakery aroma.
• Milk: Creates a moist, unified batter and also helps thin the glaze just right.
• Salted butter (melted and softened): Provides luscious richness in both the cake and cinnamon filling; salted butter adds a welcome depth.
• Packed light brown sugar: Brings the signature caramel notes you expect in a cinnamon roll filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice, infusing the filling with warmth and that cozy scent.
• Powdered sugar: Melts perfectly with milk and vanilla for the irresistible glaze topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350F to ensure an even bake. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; a version with flour works especially well to prevent sticking and gives a clean release.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Batter

In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine your flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. With the mixer running, slowly add the melted (and slightly cooled) salted butter. Only mix until your batter comes together—overworking can make the cake dense, and we want it pillowy-soft!

Step 3: Spread Into the Pan

Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula so it’s even from edge to edge. This helps the cake bake uniformly and sets the stage for those luscious cinnamon swirls.

Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, blend softened salted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until you have a rich, spreadable mixture. The filling should be thick but soft—easy to dollop but not runny, for optimal marbling.

Step 5: Swirl in the Cinnamon Filling

Drop the filling by spoonfuls evenly over the cake batter. Using a butter knife, gently drag and swirl the filling through the batter to create beautiful marbled patterns. This is the most satisfying step—don’t overmix; just enough to give some swirly effects.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, checking with a knife at the center. When it comes out clean, your Cinnamon Roll Cake is ready for its crowning glory!

Step 7: Glaze While Warm

As the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to your preferred thickness. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, letting it sink into the swirls and crevices for maximum flavor. Waiting to slice will give you cleaner cuts, but feel free to sneak a warm piece if you can’t resist!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Garnishes

Let your creative side shine with garnishes—try a dusting of ground cinnamon, a scattering of chopped toasted pecans, or even an extra drizzle of glaze just before serving. For a brunch party, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of orange zest adds a bright twist.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Cake pairs beautifully with breakfast classics. Serve it alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad for a fully rounded meal. For dessert, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of greek yogurt for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just serve it straight from the pan—slice the cake into thick squares and stack them on a pretty platter, or use a biscuit cutter to punch out cinnamon roll “rounds.” For holiday mornings, portion into individual ramekins for single-serve treats everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake covered tightly in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the counter for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor deepens, and the cake stays wonderfully moist.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap slices (or the whole cake) in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven experience. If reheating larger portions, cover the cake loosely with foil and warm in a 300F oven until just heated through.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely. If you have only unsalted butter on hand, just add a tiny pinch of salt to both the cake and filling mixtures to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make a lovely addition to the cinnamon filling. Fold them in after mixing the filling and swirl as usual.

Is it okay to use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk can be used for the batter. Just be sure not to overmix, as that can affect the cake texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Cinnamon Roll Cake, substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Keep an eye on texture—it may need an extra spoonful of milk to achieve the right batter consistency.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You can double the recipe and bake in two pans or a large baking sheet. Just watch the baking time, as larger cakes may take a few extra minutes in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If your sweet tooth has ever wished for the comfort of cinnamon rolls in half the time, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is the answer. With its gooey cinnamon ribbons and cloud-like vanilla cake, it’s bound to become a treasured treat in your kitchen. Don’t wait for a holiday—give it a try and share the joy with your favorite people!

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