Cinnamon Roll Cake

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home, especially when it’s a Cinnamon Roll Cake that’s pulling everyone into the kitchen! Imagine a mouthwatering, fluffy cake that delivers the buttery goodness of a cinnamon roll but with the ease of a cake. Seriously, it’s the best of both worlds! I remember my first attempt at this delightful dessert during a cozy family gathering; I couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared. Everyone was fighting for that last piece, claiming “I can’t have just one!”

What makes this Cinnamon Roll Cake special is its simplicity. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require more effort and time, this cake gives you a similar texture and flavor in a fraction of the time. If you’ve enjoyed my other recipes, like my Classic Vanilla Bean Cupcakes, you’ll surely fall in love with this indulgent treat. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this scrumptious cake!

What is Cinnamon Roll Cake?

So, what exactly is a Cinnamon Roll Cake? Is it a cake that wants to be a roll? Or a roll dreaming of being a cake? No one really knows! But what we do know is that this tasty creation is an incredible cross between a soft, moist cake and sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls. It’s that classic saying: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This cake is not just good for the men in your life; it’s perfect for everyone who appreciates a sweet delight! So fire up your ovens and get ready for a treat that will make you and your loved ones smile.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Imagine a slice of warm, hearty Cinnamon Roll Cake with a gooey swirl of cinnamon sugar topping and a drizzle of creamy glaze. It’s the perfect family dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds! Not only is this cake delicious, but making it at home can save you money compared to buying similar treats at a bakery. Plus, you can tailor it to your taste with delightful toppings like chopped nuts or extra icing. If you’re a fan of traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake will quickly become your new favorite. So, are you ready to impress friends and family by baking this easy yet delightful treat?

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Quick Overview

The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Cake lies in its simplicity. You’ll experience a light, fluffy texture paired with rich, buttery flavors that will have everyone asking for the secret ingredient! With just about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking, you’ll have a warm and heavenly dessert ready to serve.

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake

To make this delightful Cinnamon Roll Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; keep it light and fluffy!
4. Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour the melted butter into this mixture and stir until it forms a thick paste.
5. Layer: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top of it, then pour the remaining cake batter over the swirl.
6. Swirl It Together: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Cool and Glaze: Once the cake is done, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze on top.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Substitutions: For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free milk alternative in place of regular milk.
• Timing: Watch the baking time closely; checking your cake at the 30-minute mark can help avoid over-baking. Each oven is different!
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This step yields a fluffier texture and a moist crumb.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake (which I doubt!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, and you’ll be greeted with the same heavenly aroma and flavor as when it’s freshly baked!

There you have it! This Cinnamon Roll Cake is not only easy to make but also an absolute crowd-pleaser that can elevate any family gathering or cozy winter evening. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today!

Cinnamon Roll Cake

A fluffy and delightful cake that combines the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the ease of cake, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
3. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; keep it light and fluffy!
4. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour the melted butter into this mixture and stir until it forms a thick paste.

Baking

1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top of it, then pour the remaining cake batter over the swirl.
2. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect.
3. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Glazing

1. While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Once the cake is done, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze on top.

Notes

For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free milk alternative in place of regular milk. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.