Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe: Sweet Swirls of Joy

Baking a heavenly cinnamon roll cake brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Swirls of warm spice dance through soft, pillowy layers waiting to be savored.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, beckoning everyone to the table.

Recreating this classic dessert feels like wrapping yourself in a delicious memory.

Delicate layers promise a moist, tender experience that melts in your mouth.

Butter, brown sugar, and fragrant cinnamon create a harmony of flavors sure to delight.

You’ll want to slice into this dreamy creation and share its magic with loved ones.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Highlights

• Swirl with Excitement: Create a stunning marbled effect by dropping cinnamon mixture and swirling with a knife, transforming an ordinary cake into a visually stunning dessert.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Capture the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a simple cake format, delivering warm, nostalgic taste without the complex rolling process.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this delightful cake in minimal steps, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults will love the familiar cinnamon roll taste, served in an easy-to-slice cake that requires no advanced baking skills.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Flour: The main dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help with the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
• Melted Butter: Contributes to the cake's rich and moist texture.

• Softened Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and rich swirl throughout the cake.
• Flour: Helps thicken the swirl mixture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor characteristic of cinnamon rolls.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combines to create a sweet, smooth topping for the cake.

How to Prepare Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Pour in milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Craft the Cinnamon Swirl

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon

Dollop spoonfuls of this magical mixture across the cake batter.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns throughout.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Drizzle with Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Pour the glossy glaze evenly over the cake, letting it seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake cool slightly.

Cut into generous squares and serve to eager friends and family.

Helpful Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Use a knife to create beautiful, marbled cinnamon swirls by dragging it through the batter in gentle, zigzag motions for an Instagram-worthy cake.
• Use room temperature butter for both cake batter and swirl mixture to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent texture.
• Pour the glaze while the cake is still warm to help it seep into the cake, creating a moist and extra-flavorful dessert.
• Insert a toothpick in the center to ensure the cake is fully baked; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
• Cover the cake loosely with foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft, tender crumb.

Flavor Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Substitute eggs with applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl mixture for extra crunch and depth of flavor, enhancing the traditional recipe.
• Low-Sugar Cinnamon Cake: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delicious taste.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat that warms both heart and soul.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Present slices on elegant dessert plates with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the presentation.
• Cozy Dessert Option: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon gelato for a decadent after-dinner indulgence that melts in your mouth.
• Family Sharing Moment: Cut into generous squares and enjoy together during lazy weekend mornings or as a comforting weekend dessert that brings everyone closer.

Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Slice cake into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For best texture, use a toaster oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer frozen cake slices to refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature, then warm briefly in microwave or oven for soft, fresh-like texture.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without a mixer?

Yes, you can easily mix the batter by hand using a whisk or wooden spoon. Just ensure all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

• How do I know when the swirl is properly mixed?

The cinnamon mixture should create a marbled effect when gently swirled with a knife. Don’t overmix – light, gentle swirls create the best pattern.

• Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce sugar, but it might affect the cake’s texture and sweetness. If watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute or cutting back by about 1/4 cup.

• Can I freeze this cinnamon roll cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade cinnamon roll cake delivers classic bakery flavors without complex pastry techniques. Sweet layers of buttery cake and swirled cinnamon create a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 teaspoons (60 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Butter Ingredient:

• 0.5 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease for optimal cake release.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform base. Incorporate wet ingredients, stirring until the batter achieves a silky, homogeneous consistency. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Create the cinnamon swirl by blending butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon into a rich, crumbly mixture. Distribute dollops of the swirl across the cake batter’s surface, using a knife to create intricate marbled patterns.
4. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
5. While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to craft a smooth, glossy glaze.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze across the warm surface, allowing it to seep into the cake’s delicate crevices. Let the cake rest briefly to absorb the glaze before serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter mixing and better cake texture.
• Use freshly ground cinnamon for more intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.
• Reduce sugar content by using half regular sugar and half monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 329 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 1551 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1.3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg