Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect fusion of two beloved treats – the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and a moist, delicious cake. Imagine the rich, spiced swirl of cinnamon filling, baked into a cake that’s soft, buttery, and irresistible. Topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese icing, this decadent dessert is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent dessert, Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls with much less effort.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a simple yet indulgent twist on the traditional cinnamon rolls. The cake base is moist and rich, and the cinnamon filling creates that signature sweet swirl throughout the cake. The cream cheese icing brings a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience. Unlike the time-consuming task of rolling out dough for cinnamon rolls, this recipe simplifies the process while still delivering an equally satisfying result. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the warm comfort of cinnamon rolls, but without all the extra work.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a moist, tender cake base.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. This will ensure a smooth, well-integrated batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle the cinnamon filling over the batter in a swirl pattern. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the cake batter. This creates the iconic cinnamon roll pattern throughout the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, you can add a bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8: Ice the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. Allow the icing to melt into the cake, creating a creamy, sweet topping.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Check Cake for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so make sure to check the cake by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
• Swirl the Cinnamon Filling Carefully: Gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the cake batter to avoid overmixing. You want to maintain the beautiful cinnamon swirl effect.
• Icing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker icing, you can add more powdered sugar, or for a thinner consistency, add a little more milk.

How to Serve

Cinnamon Roll Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. Cut it into squares and serve as a dessert or enjoy it for breakfast or brunch. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a warm cup of tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Roll Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a colder treat, refrigerate it, and it will keep for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes to regain its warmth and softness.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat the entire cake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

2. Can I freeze the cream cheese icing?
Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese icing. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

3. Can I add nuts to the cinnamon filling?
Yes, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and flavor.

4. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to ice it right before serving for the freshest taste.

5. Can I use a different icing?
If you prefer a different icing, you can use a glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a lighter option.

6. How can I make the cake less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter or omit the icing altogether.

7. Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, if you use a different pan size, the baking time may change. For smaller pans, check the cake 5-10 minutes earlier; for larger pans, the baking time may be slightly longer.

8. Is this cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking.

9. How can I make the cake more cinnamon-flavored?
Add extra cinnamon to the cake batter or increase the cinnamon in the filling for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor.

10. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, buttermilk, and milk substitutes to make this cake dairy-free.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and cake into one irresistible treat. With its soft, buttery cake, gooey cinnamon swirl, and sweet cream cheese icing, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this decadent dessert is a must-try. Enjoy a slice of warmth and comfort with every bite!

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