If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and cake, then you’re in for a real treat! Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect combination of two classic desserts that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. This easy-to-make cake features a soft, fluffy base with a rich cinnamon swirl throughout, topped off with a sweet glaze that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, brunch, or just as a delicious dessert, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is sure to become a family favorite.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make this indulgent cake, step by step. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering dessert!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake
Before diving into the baking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry – these are basic pantry staples that you likely already have on hand!
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
These simple ingredients come together to create a warm, gooey, and delightful cinnamon roll-inspired cake. Let’s break it down and get into the fun part – baking!
Step-by-Step Directions for Cinnamon Roll Cake
Follow these easy steps to create a decadent Cinnamon Roll Cake that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start mixing ingredients, it’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and gives you the perfect texture. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking as it bakes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will help form the base of the cake. Once combined, add in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. It’s essential that there are no lumps in the batter for a soft, uniform texture in your cake.
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread across the pan, as this will ensure your cake bakes evenly throughout.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
This step is where the magic happens! To make the cinnamon swirl, you’ll need another bowl. Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until fully mixed. The consistency should be thick, but spreadable. This cinnamon-sugar mixture will swirl through the cake, adding pockets of flavor and creating that irresistible cinnamon roll flavor.
Spoon the cinnamon mixture in dollops across the top of the cake batter. Once it’s all added, use a knife or a skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect – part of the fun of this cake is the rustic swirls that form as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Roll Cake
Now it’s time to bake the cake! Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. After about 30 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done! If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven. The cake should be golden brown around the edges and slightly firm to the touch.
While the cake is baking, your kitchen will fill with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a fragrance that’s bound to make your mouth water and get you excited for that first bite.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While your cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This glaze will give your cake a smooth and sweet finish. Make sure there are no lumps, and the glaze should be thin enough to drizzle easily over the cake. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake has finished baking and has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top while the cake is still warm. This allows the glaze to melt into the cake, creating the perfect finishing touch. Slice the cake into 12 generous servings, and you’re ready to enjoy this cinnamon roll-inspired treat!
Step 7: Serve While Warm
For the best experience, serve the Cinnamon Roll Cake while it’s still warm. The cake will be soft, gooey, and full of flavor, just like a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake
1. Don’t Skip the Swirl
The cinnamon swirl is what gives this cake its iconic cinnamon roll flavor. Be sure to mix it well and swirl it generously through the batter. The more swirls you have, the more flavor pockets will be in each bite!
2. Check the Cake Early
Oven temperatures vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking your cake around the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, you know your cake is ready to be taken out.
3. Make It Ahead of Time
This Cinnamon Roll Cake can be made the day before serving. Once it’s baked and cooled, cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the cake to its original gooey goodness.
4. Add a Twist to the Glaze
If you want to change things up, try adding a little bit of cinnamon to your glaze. This will give the glaze a hint of extra flavor that complements the cinnamon in the cake itself. You can also experiment by adding a little maple syrup or cream cheese to the glaze for a more indulgent finish.
5. Serve with a Side of Coffee
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. The sweetness of the cake is perfectly balanced by the bitterness of the coffee, making it a wonderful treat for any time of day.
Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Roll Cake
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving of this delicious cake:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Sugar: 35g
This dessert is indulgent, but the servings are well-sized for satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s perfect for a special occasion, holiday, or even just a treat after a long day.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake
This cake is the ultimate sweet treat you’ll crave! Here are some reasons why it stands out:
- Soft and Moist Texture: The cake is fluffy and soft, just like a cinnamon roll.
- Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, there’s no dough rolling required. This cake is a much easier way to enjoy all the flavors of cinnamon rolls without all the effort.
- Perfectly Swirled Cinnamon: Each bite is filled with the rich and gooey cinnamon swirl, creating a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone reaching for more.
- Topped with Sweet Glaze: The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and makes this cake even more indulgent.
Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Cake
1. Coffee or Tea
A warm beverage like coffee or tea pairs beautifully with the rich, gooey cinnamon roll flavor. Whether it’s a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, this cake is perfect alongside your favorite hot drink.
2. Ice Cream
For a truly indulgent dessert, serve a warm slice of Cinnamon Roll Cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold creates a mouthwatering experience.
3. Fresh Fruit
Pair the cake with some fresh fruit like berries or bananas. The tartness of the fruit provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.
Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cinnamon Roll Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the best of both worlds – the gooey, cinnamon-packed swirl of cinnamon rolls and the light, fluffy texture of cake. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, and with the easy-to-follow steps above, you can have this delightful cake on your table in just under an hour!
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, whip up this Cinnamon Roll Cake and watch as it quickly becomes a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
For more delicious recipes, check out these other irresistible dishes:
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s the ultimate sweet treat to satisfy your cravings!
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Cinnamon Roll Cake – The Ultimate Sweet Treat You’ll Crave!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a dreamy dessert with a rich, gooey cinnamon swirl and a sweet glaze drizzled over the top. It combines all the flavors of cinnamon rolls in a simple, easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. -
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. -
Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it through the cake. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Make the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. -
Glaze and Serve:
Once the cake is out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Slice and serve while warm for the best gooey cinnamon roll flavor!
Notes
- You can add more cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for an extra touch of warmth in the flavor.
- To make the cake even more indulgent, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50g
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cake, Cinnamon cake, Sweet roll cake, Gooey cinnamon dessert, Cinnamon swirl cake, Easy cinnamon cake recipe, Breakfast cake, Dessert cake