Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll, but in the form of an easy-to-make cake. This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a soft, fluffy cake topped with a cinnamon swirl, and finished off with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, this cake brings the classic cinnamon roll flavor to the table in a new, convenient way. Its rich, buttery texture and the irresistible combination of cinnamon and sugar make it a must-try.

The best part? This cake is easy to make, and it will fill your home with a delightful aroma as it bakes. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this Cinnamon Roll Cake will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cinnamon Roll Flavors in a Cake

This recipe delivers the delicious taste of cinnamon rolls without the need to wait for dough to rise. The cinnamon-sugar swirl baked right into the cake makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake is quick to prepare and requires no rolling or yeast. Simply mix the ingredients, swirl the cinnamon layer, and bake!

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or an afternoon treat, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to share and sure to impress guests.

4. Topped with a Sweet Glaze

The sweet glaze that drizzles over the cake adds the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the flavor while making the cake even more indulgent.

5. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily add extras like nuts or raisins to the cinnamon layer or even incorporate a cream cheese glaze instead of the standard one for added richness.

Ingredients

White Cake Layer

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter, melted

Cinnamon Layer

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon layer for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
Use a Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer finish, swap the regular glaze with a cream cheese glaze made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.
Fruit Twist: Add fruit like apples or raisins to the cinnamon layer for an extra burst of flavor.
Make it Chocolatey: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate cinnamon roll cake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, sugar, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon layer into the cake batter. This will create the signature cinnamon swirl.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzly.

Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake for a sweet, finishing touch.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful flavors of cinnamon rolls in cake form!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Swirl Gently: When swirling the cinnamon mixture, be gentle to avoid mixing it too much into the cake batter. You want to see the beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout.
Allow Cooling: Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling the glaze, as this will prevent it from melting too much and soaking into the cake.
Adjust the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less milk, or for a thinner glaze, add a little more milk.

How to Serve

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for serving at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve it warm, or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days if you prefer to keep it a little longer.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature and reheat if desired.

Reheating

To reheat the cake, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can skip the glaze. The cake itself is already delicious with the cinnamon swirl.

2. Can I use a different type of milk?

You can substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk alternative if needed.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for a couple of days.

4. How can I make this cake more cinnamon-flavored?

You can increase the amount of cinnamon in both the cake and the cinnamon swirl layers to intensify the cinnamon flavor.

5. Can I use a different kind of sugar for the glaze?

Yes, you can use light brown sugar for the glaze if you prefer, but it will give a slightly different flavor.

6. Can I add nuts to the cake batter?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or sprinkle them on top for added texture.

7. How long should I bake this cake?

The baking time is around 30-35 minutes, but be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.

8. Can I use a different pan size?

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use a round cake pan, but the baking time might need to be adjusted.

9. Can I use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

If you use self-raising flour, omit the baking powder from the recipe, as self-raising flour already contains leavening agents.

10. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ slightly.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect combination of soft cake and warm cinnamon swirl, topped off with a sweet glaze that makes it irresistible. It’s easy to make, quick to bake, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your cinnamon cravings. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite!