The Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Sweet aromas of warm cinnamon roll cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort and pure delight.

Soft layers meld together with ribbons of buttery spice, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Memories of childhood breakfasts dance between each tender crumb.

Swirls of rich cinnamon weave magic into every slice.

Delicate yet decadent, this cake transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Neighbors will peek through windows, drawn by the irresistible scent.

You’ll want to savor each heavenly bite and share this delectable treat with those closest to you.

Why Cinnamon Roll Cake Tastes Like Home

• Create Magical Swirls: The cinnamon mixture creates stunning, eye-catching patterns that make this cake look professionally baked and Instagram-worthy.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Beginners can easily follow the straightforward steps, learning fundamental cake-making skills without feeling overwhelmed by complex instructions.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: This sweet treat delivers a crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, making it ideal for potlucks, brunches, and weekend celebrations.
• Minimal Kitchen Equipment Needed: Using basic mixing bowls, a baking pan, and standard measuring tools, anyone can prepare this delicious cinnamon cake with common kitchen supplies.

What You’ll Need For Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that helps create a light and fluffy cake texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the tender crumb of the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the foundation of the cake.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, even cake batter.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the swirl mixture.
• Butter: Helps bind the cinnamon mixture and adds depth of flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice throughout the cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: A classic combination that creates a smooth, sweet topping with a delicate vanilla flavor.

How To Bake Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create a Fluffy Base

• Granulated sugar
• Butter

Blend until the mixture becomes light, airy, and super smooth.

Step 3: Add Richness with Eggs

Gently incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, one at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition to ensure a luxurious texture.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Milk

Stir until the batter becomes silky and well-combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare the Cake Pan

Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly to create a perfect base for the cinnamon swirl.

Step 6: Craft the Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

This creates a decadent, aromatic filling that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 7: Create Swirling Magic

Drizzle the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife to create beautiful, mesmerizing swirl patterns across the surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to settle and cool completely.

Step 10: Whip Up the Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture reaches a slightly runny consistency.

Step 11: Drizzle and Decorate

Once the cake has cooled, generously pour the vanilla glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides in delicious waves.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into squares and savor the delightful combination of soft cake and irresistible cinnamon swirls.

Tips That Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Shine

• Select Quality Ingredients: Use fresh butter, room-temperature eggs, and pure vanilla extract for the most vibrant flavor profile.
• Create Smooth Batter: Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough cake texture, stopping when ingredients are just combined for tender crumb.
• Control Cinnamon Swirl: Drizzle cinnamon mixture in thin streams for more intricate marbling and balanced flavor distribution throughout the cake.
• Check Cake Doneness: Test with a toothpick inserted near the center – minimal crumbs indicate perfectly baked cake; avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
• Enhance Glaze Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar and milk quantities to achieve ideal drizzling thickness, ensuring smooth and appealing cake topping.

Ways To Switch Up Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cinnamon Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk for a plant-based version that's equally moist and flavorful.
• Low-Sugar Cinnamon Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Nutty Cinnamon Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture, creating a crunchy texture and additional depth of flavor for nut lovers.

What Goes Well With Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Sip Classic Chai Tea: Warm, spicy chai perfectly complements the cinnamon swirls, enhancing the cake's sweet and aromatic profile with its rich, bold flavors.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast, melting softly against the warm cake and balancing its sweet cinnamon notes.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: The coffee's deep, rich espresso and smooth caramel undertones elevate the cake's warmth, creating a luxurious dessert experience that tantalizes taste buds.
• Serve with Spiced Pear Compote: Soft, tender pear chunks in a light spice blend add a fresh, fruity dimension that beautifully highlights the cake's cinnamon and sweet vanilla glaze.

How To Store Cinnamon Roll Cake Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving the cake's delicious flavor and texture.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place in the refrigerator overnight for a gradual thaw.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a preheated 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cake

• What ingredients make this cake moist and tender?

The combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and milk creates a rich, soft texture that keeps the cake incredibly moist and delicious.

• How do I create the perfect cinnamon swirl pattern?

Use a knife to gently drag through the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture, creating random swirling patterns across the cake’s surface for a beautiful marbled effect.

• Can I tell if the cake is fully baked without cutting into it?

Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent cinnamon roll cake brings classic breakfast pastry magic into a luscious dessert form. Sweet swirls of warm spice and rich cream cheese frosting create a comforting slice you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together granulated sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a uniform consistency and rich texture.
4. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, alternating with milk, mixing until a smooth cake batter forms without overmixing.
5. Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. For the cinnamon swirl, melt the butter and mix with brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create a rich, aromatic filling.
7. Drizzle the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, using a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns throughout the surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.
10. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly runny.
11. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
12. Slice into squares and serve, enjoying the delightful combination of soft cake and cinnamon swirls.

Notes

• Opt for room-temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture, helping the cake rise evenly.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the cake’s rich, tender crumb.
• Use a light hand when swirling the cinnamon mixture to create beautiful marbled patterns without overblending the layers.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping the cake moist and delicious.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg