Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re craving that gooey, cinnamon-sweet goodness of a cinnamon roll but want something a little simpler to make for a crowd, then you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. It’s basically all the best stuff you love about cinnamon rolls—without the rolling, twisting, or painstaking patience. Trust me, this cake is a total game-changer and I can’t wait to walk you through how easy and delicious it turns out!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This cinnamon roll cake brings together simple pantry staples, but they combine to create something truly special. When picking your ingredients, fresh spices and quality dairy really shine here.

• All-purpose flour: You want this for a tender but sturdy cake base; cake flour would make it too delicate.
• Brown sugar: Gives that deep caramel note both in the batter and the cinnamon filling.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly fluffy without any heaviness.
• Vanilla extract: A must for warm aroma and complementing the cinnamon.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Milk: Keeps the batter moist; whole milk works best for creaminess.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Butter (melted and softened): Butter is love here—melted butter mixes into the cake, softened butter for the cinnamon filling.
• Ground cinnamon: This is the star spice that makes it unmistakably a cinnamon roll.
• Powdered sugar: For the luscious glaze that ties everything together.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is. You can easily tweak spices or add mix-ins to suit your mood or what’s in your pantry.

• Apple Cinnamon Twist: I often dice some peeled apples and mix them into the cake batter for an extra juicy bite that’s fall-perfect.
• Maple Glaze Swap: Instead of vanilla glaze, try maple syrup and powdered sugar mixed for a rich, comforting topping I’m crazy about.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that works 1:1—just add a bit more baking powder if needed.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a warm spice depth that your guests will notice.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cake Batter with Love

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish—don’t skip this or your cake will stick! In a large bowl, I like to whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and baking powder first so everything is evenly distributed. Then add your vanilla extract, eggs, milk, and sour cream. Stir everything well until it’s smooth and creamy. Here’s a trick I picked up: gradually pour in the melted butter while stirring slowly. This helps the butter incorporate without making your batter greasy or separating—which I learned the hard way the first time I rushed this step!

Step 2: Spread and Dollop the Cinnamon Filling

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Now, mix together the cinnamon filling ingredients in a separate bowl—it gets thick and luscious, almost like a pasty cinnamon sugar spread. Using a spoon, scoop dollops of this filling all over the batter. Don’t worry if it looks like a messy patchwork; that swirl magic is coming up!

Step 3: Swirl Like a Pro

Grab a butter knife and gently run it through the batter and cinnamon dollops, making swirling motions to create beautiful cinnamon spirals and marbled areas. The key is to avoid over-mixing—you want those gorgeous streaks to remain distinct. When I first tried blending too much, the cinnamon got lost, so keep it light and breezy here.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a lovely light golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). Let it cool on the counter for about 10 minutes—this cooling time helps the cake set just right, which I’ve learned makes cutting easier and keeps that soft texture intact.

Step 5: Glaze and Indulge

While the cake cools, whip up the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour it over the warm cake and spread evenly with a spatula. This glaze is what takes the cake from great to irresistible—I can’t resist sneaking a bit right from the bowl! Slice into squares and serve warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll vibe.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top after glazing for a pretty finish. Sometimes, a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and look fancy without effort. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or raspberries, also pairs beautifully and balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake is most often dessert or a sweet breakfast centerpiece, but I do love pairing it with a simple cup of coffee or chai tea. If you want a little savory balance during brunch, some crispy bacon or scrambled eggs on the side works surprisingly well!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cake on a beautiful wooden board with fresh flowers around the platter to make it feel extra celebratory. Cutting into rustic squares and stacking them on pretty plates creates a warm, homemade vibe that everyone appreciates. You can even drizzle extra glaze artistically over each square before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—you’ll find it soft and just as flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to keep the glaze from melting away.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! I slice the cake into individual squares first, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I microwave a slice for about 20 seconds or heat it gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness. The glaze stays melty and the cinnamon swirls are as dreamy as ever.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it captures all the comfort and nostalgia of homemade cinnamon rolls but simplifies the process so you can enjoy it anytime without stress. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a crowd, or just because, this cake never disappoints—it always brings smiles, cozy vibes, and that perfect blend of cinnamon sweetness. Give it a try and I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!

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