Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe For Sweet Mornings

Sweet aromas of warm cinnamon roll cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every delectable slice.

Layers of buttery dough meld with swirls of rich spice, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft, pillowy textures invite you to savor each tender crumb.

Memories of childhood bakeries dance across your palate with every heavenly bite.

Delicate hints of vanilla and brown sugar weave through the cake’s intricate patterns.

Simplicity meets indulgence in this crowd-pleasing treat that transforms ordinary moments into something magical.

Come explore how a few basic ingredients can become an extraordinary dessert that will make everyone smile.

Why Cinnamon Roll Cake Tastes Like A Treat

  • Create Comfort in Minutes: A simple recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a heartwarming dessert perfect for family gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Master Baking without Stress: Beginner-friendly technique with straightforward steps, minimal equipment, and no advanced culinary skills required to achieve professional-looking results.
  • Customize Your Dessert Experience: Versatile cake that allows personal touches through swirl patterns and glaze distribution, making each baking session unique and exciting.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Irresistible blend of warm cinnamon, creamy cream cheese, and soft cake texture that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cinnamon Roll Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Flour: The foundation that provides structure and texture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's rich texture.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and enhances the cake's flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a warm, sweet, and aromatic swirl throughout the cake.
  • Softened Butter: Helps distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture and adds extra richness.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
  • Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for drizzling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.

Step-By-Step To Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and lovingly coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with a generous layer of grease to ensure your cake slides out like magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly smooth with zero lumps.

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

Carve out a little well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Melted butter

Grab an electric mixer and transform these ingredients into a silky, dreamy batter.

Step 4: Prepare Cake Pan

Transfer the batter into the greased pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly like a soft blanket.

Step 5: Craft Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Dot softened butter across the cake’s surface.

Step 6: Swirl and Design

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter dots. Take a knife and create mesmerizing swirls that dance through the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat cream cheese until it’s fluffy and light. Gradually mix in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Step 9: Drizzle and Decorate

Once the cake has cooled completely, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze, letting it flow gracefully down the sides.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into delectable squares and indulge in the heavenly combination of tender cake and sweet cinnamon swirls.

Top Tips For Cinnamon Roll Cake Perfection

  • Butter Softening Hack: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother, more evenly blended batter.
  • Swirl Technique Master: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to create intricate, delicate swirl patterns for a professional-looking cake design.
  • Moisture-Locking Trick: Cover the cake with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a perfectly moist texture.
  • Glaze Consistency Control: Add milk gradually to the cream cheese glaze, adjusting until you reach a drizzle-friendly thickness that flows smoothly over the cake.
  • Storage Smart Move: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Sweet Ideas For Cinnamon Roll Cake Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same tender texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Nutty Cinnamon Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar layer before baking, adding extra crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delicious taste.

What Goes Well With Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Brew Hot Coffee Pairing: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced and comforting taste experience with its robust coffee notes.
  • Select Smooth Beverage Match: Creamy vanilla chai latte complements the cake's warm cinnamon undertones, enhancing the dessert's spicy and sweet profile.
  • Craft Dessert Sidekick: Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm cake, melting deliciously and adding a luxurious texture to each bite.
  • Recommend Fruity Accompaniment: Fresh mixed berries offer a tart, bright counterpoint to the cake's rich sweetness, cleansing the palate with their natural brightness.

How To Keep Cinnamon Roll Cake Fresh Longer

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place plastic wrap directly on the cut surfaces to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual cake slices or entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place under a cake dome or loose tent of foil to maintain moisture.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For oven reheating, place on baking sheet and warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through.

Easy Answers For Cinnamon Roll Cake FAQs

  • Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can use a whisk and mix by hand. It takes more effort but works perfectly fine for combining ingredients.

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

Drag a knife through the batter in zigzag patterns to create visible swirls. The cinnamon mixture should create marbled, uneven streaks throughout the cake.

  • Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature eggs and milk blend more smoothly and help create a lighter, more even cake texture. Cold ingredients can make the batter lumpy and affect the cake’s consistency.

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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet aromas of freshly baked cinnamon roll cake waft through kitchens, promising delightful comfort with each buttery slice. Layers of rich cinnamon swirls and creamy glaze invite you to savor classic flavors that warm hearts and satisfy cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
  3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add eggs, milk, and melted butter. Blend with an electric mixer until the batter becomes smooth and consistent.
  4. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  5. For the cinnamon swirl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. Dot the softened butter across the cake batter’s surface.
  6. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter dots, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the cake batter.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the cake turns golden brown.
  8. While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating cream cheese until fluffy, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
  9. Once the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
  10. Slice into squares and serve, enjoying the delightful blend of tender cake and sweet cinnamon swirls.

Notes

  • Softening butter at room temperature helps create smoother swirls and prevents lumpy cake texture.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cake’s delicate structure.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version without compromising taste.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a subtle aromatic twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 239 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 61 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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