The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe That’s Sweet & Fluffy

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly comforting, this cinnamon roll cake brings bakery-style magic right to your kitchen.

Sweet swirls of cinnamon roll cake recipe dance through layers of tender, moist cake that melt in your mouth.

Every slice promises pure indulgence with its rich, buttery texture and aromatic spices.

The delicate crumb and swirling cinnamon create a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning.

Drizzled with a creamy glaze, this cake transforms a classic breakfast treat into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Bakers of all skill levels can nail this crowd-pleasing confection that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Grab a fork and prepare to be delighted by each decadent bite.

Cinnamon Cake Twists for Fun

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Friendly Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, dairy milk with almond milk, and butter with coconut oil to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce brown sugar quantity for a diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Variation: Add dollops of cream cheese mixture between cinnamon layers for an extra rich and tangy flavor profile.

Ideas to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Breakfast Companion: Pair this cinnamon roll cake with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a delightful morning treat.
• Sweet Breakfast Buffet: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit to create a complete and satisfying breakfast spread.
• Dessert Upgrade: Transform this cake into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topping with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Party Pleaser: Cut into small squares and serve at brunch gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family breakfasts for a crowd-pleasing option.

Storing Cinnamon Cake for Snacking

• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm. Add a small splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Warm slices at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to maintain moisture and prevent edges from becoming too crispy.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just warm it slightly before serving to restore its soft texture.

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

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it might affect the cake’s texture and sweetness. Consider using a sugar substitute or cutting back by no more than 1/4 of the original amount.

• What kind of milk works best for this recipe?

Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but 2% or even non-dairy milk like almond milk can work well. Just ensure the milk is at room temperature for better mixing.

Why You’ll Crave Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Swirl with Ease: Create stunning cinnamon swirls without complex pastry skills, making this cake a breeze for bakers of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic cinnamon roll flavors in a shareable cake format, perfect for potlucks, brunches, and family gatherings.
• Quick Sweet Treat: Minimal preparation steps and simple ingredients mean you can satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Enjoy warm as a decadent breakfast option or cool as an afternoon coffee companion, adapting to multiple occasions and moods.

What’s Inside Every Cinnamon Roll Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, tender texture to the cake.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and aromatic layer that swirls through the cake, giving it a classic cinnamon roll flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla: A simple, sweet drizzle that adds a finishing touch of sweetness and shine to the cake.

Baking a Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder

Blend until everything looks evenly combined.

Step 3: Transform Dry Mix into Batter

• Milk
• Eggs
• Melted butter

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Transfer the entire batter into your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Sprinkle this magical mixture across the top of your batter.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns throughout the cake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Step 6: Finish with a Glaze Flourish

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla

Drizzle generously over the warm cake.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tricks for Swirling Cinnamon Cake

• Use a knife or toothpick to create gentle, marbled cinnamon swirls without overmixing the batter for a beautiful, professional-looking cake.
• Ensure milk and eggs are at room temperature to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent cake texture.
• Let the cake cool slightly before adding glaze so it doesn't completely absorb and maintains a pretty drizzled appearance.
• Check cake at 30 minutes and cover with foil if edges start browning too quickly to keep the entire cake moist and tender.
• Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy, dreamy Cinnamon Roll Cake blends classic breakfast pastry magic into an irresistible dessert experience. Sweet swirls of cinnamon and buttery layers promise pure comfort that you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 14 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 12 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Topping:

• 12 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, whisking until the batter transforms into a silky, lump-free consistency.
4. Transfer the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
5. Create a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture by blending brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl.
6. Generously scatter the cinnamon-sugar blend across the cake batter’s surface, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness with a toothpick.
8. While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to craft a glossy, drizzle-worthy glaze.
9. Once the cake reaches a warm temperature, cascade the sweet glaze over the top, allowing it to settle into the cinnamon swirls.
10. Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the warm, aromatic dessert with its delectable cinnamon-sugar layers.

Notes

• Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Create dairy-free alternative by using almond milk and coconut oil instead of regular milk and butter.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting total sugar amount by one-third without compromising cake texture.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile during cinnamon swirl step.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg