This Cinnamon Roll Cake Delight combines the comforting flavors of a traditional cinnamon roll with the ease of a cake, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. The rich, buttery cake is marbled with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a sweet glaze, creating a delightful dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Ideal for brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Its simple preparation and irresistible flavor make it a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ cups milk
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1 cup white sugar
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2 large eggs
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4 teaspoons baking powder
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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2 cups confectioners’ sugar
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5 tablespoons milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, 1½ cups milk, 1 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until well-combined. Stir in ¼ cup melted butter. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
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In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the batter in the baking pan.
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Swirl the top layer into the bottom layer with a knife to create a marble effect.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean.
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In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 5 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
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Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 539 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
The Irresistible Charm of Cinnamon Roll Cake
Few desserts manage to evoke as much comfort and nostalgia as a cinnamon roll. Now imagine all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a cinnamon roll transformed into a soft, fluffy cake that can be whipped up in less than an hour. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers — the rich flavor profile of a traditional cinnamon roll paired with the moist texture and convenience of a classic coffee cake. This dessert is an instant crowd-pleaser, ideal for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or whenever you want to indulge in something homemade and heartwarming.
Why Cinnamon Roll Cake is a Game-Changer
Cinnamon Roll Cake takes the time-consuming process of making traditional cinnamon rolls — kneading, rising, rolling — and replaces it with a quicker, more accessible method. There’s no yeast involved, no rising times, and no worrying about dough elasticity. Instead, this cake offers the same indulgent flavor using pantry staples, a single mixing bowl, and a standard oven. The cake layer is soft and buttery, infused with vanilla and milk for richness, while the cinnamon sugar topping creates a gooey, swirled finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Drizzled with a simple powdered sugar glaze, the result is decadent without being overly complicated.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility. Hosting a brunch? Cinnamon Roll Cake is the star. Need a quick dessert for a dinner party or potluck? This cake holds up beautifully even after a few hours, and the flavors deepen as it cools. It’s festive enough for the holidays yet simple enough to bake on a lazy Sunday morning. It’s also highly adaptable — add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, sprinkle in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist, or mix in a bit of orange zest for a citrus undertone.
The Aroma Factor: A Built-In Mood Booster
One of the most underrated aspects of this cake is the aroma that fills your home while it bakes. The blend of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon wafting through the air is reminiscent of a bakery first thing in the morning. It’s an aromatic experience that triggers comfort and anticipation even before you take the first bite. For families, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone into the kitchen, drawn by the scent. For hosts, it’s the dessert that doubles as a mood-setter.
A Recipe Born From Tradition, Enhanced by Convenience
Cinnamon has long held a place in culinary traditions around the world, from Scandinavian rolls to Middle Eastern pastries. This cake pays homage to those time-tested flavors while offering a shortcut for modern home bakers. Where traditional cinnamon rolls might require a stand mixer and several hours, this cake streamlines the experience into a 45-minute process with no specialty tools required. It’s a dessert that respects the past but embraces the practical demands of today.
Tips to Elevate Your Cinnamon Roll Cake
To take your cake to the next level, consider the following pro tips:
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Use high-quality cinnamon: Not all cinnamon is created equal. Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate, complex flavor compared to the commonly found Cassia variety.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
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Swirl smartly: When adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture, use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Too much mixing will blend the layers and reduce the visual and textural contrast.
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Serve warm: While it’s delicious at room temperature, a slightly warm slice brings out the gooeyness of the cinnamon layer and the creaminess of the glaze.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cake stores beautifully, which makes it great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to five. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore that just-baked softness. You can even freeze it by wrapping slices in plastic wrap and storing them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Just thaw and warm before serving.
Kid-Friendly, Adult-Approved
While adults appreciate the depth of flavor and the throwback to classic cinnamon rolls, kids love the gooey texture and sweet glaze. It’s one of those rare desserts that satisfy everyone around the table — picky eaters, sweet tooths, and those who typically avoid overly sugary treats. It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, depending on your audience.
A Canvas for Creativity
Another great advantage of this cake is its adaptability. Want to go a little over-the-top? Add a streusel topping for a crunchy texture. Prefer something less sweet? Cut back on the glaze or replace it with a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can even layer the cinnamon mixture into muffins using the same batter for individualized servings. For a festive twist, color the glaze with natural food dyes or top it with edible glitter during the holidays.
Healthier Swaps You Can Try
If you’re mindful of ingredients, this recipe is also easy to adapt for healthier preferences. Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour to add fiber. Use coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of white sugar for a more natural sweetener profile. You can also use plant-based milk and a vegan butter alternative to make the recipe dairy-free. The core flavor remains intact while fitting more dietary needs.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s an experience. It’s warm, indulgent, inviting, and endlessly versatile. It caters to both novice and experienced bakers, offering a taste that feels nostalgic while being effortless to make. From holiday mornings to weekday treats, this cake has the power to bring comfort, joy, and the unmistakable aroma of cinnamon to any kitchen. If you’re looking for a fail-proof crowd-pleaser that combines the best elements of baking into one pan, look no further. Cinnamon Roll Cake is a timeless treasure with modern ease.