Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe for Sweet Comfort Indulgence

Dreamy weekends call for a delectable cinnamon roll cake that captures pure comfort.

Memories of childhood bakery visits flood back with each sweet slice.

Soft, pillowy layers promise a delightful morning surprise that melts in you mouth.

Swirls of warm spice dance through tender crumb, creating an irresistible aroma.

Baking this treat feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor.

Moist, rich, and surprisingly simple, this cake brings bakery magic right to your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this delightful creation.

Pro Tips for Moist Cake and Gooey Cinnamon Ribbons

  • Swirl with Precision: Use a butter knife or skewer to create delicate, random swirls through the cinnamon mixture for a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing the batter.
  • Prevent Sticky Situation: Lightly grease your knife or skewer with cooking spray before swirling to help prevent the cinnamon mixture from sticking and ensure smooth, clean swirls.
  • Moisture Magic: Check the cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake- a perfectly moist cinnamon roll cake should be soft and tender.
  • Glaze Game Strong: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before adding the glaze, allowing it to set slightly and prevent the glaze from completely absorbing into the cake.
  • Temperature Tip: Serve the cake slightly warm for the most decadent experience, as the glaze will be extra gooey and the cinnamon swirls will be most aromatic.

Best Storage for Keeping This Cake Soft and Fresh

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Warm cake slices at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and retain soft texture.
  • Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

Great Pairings for a Slice of Sweet Cake

  • Complement the cake's sweet cinnamon profile with a smooth latte or cappuccino, enhancing the warm, comforting flavors and providing a rich, creamy counterpoint.
  • Serve alongside toasted almond slivers or pecans to add delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the cake's soft, tender texture.
  • Top a warm slice with classic vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth cream to melt slightly and create a luxurious contrast against the cake's warm spices.
  • Brew a spiced chai tea that mirrors the cake's cinnamon notes, offering a gentle, aromatic companion that heightens the dessert's warm, sweet characteristics.

What Makes Cinnamon Roll Cake an Anytime Favorite

  • Swirl through this hassle-free cinnamon roll cake that transforms classic breakfast flavors into a stunning dessert.
  • Whip up this recipe with minimal kitchen skills, requiring just basic mixing and simple swirling techniques that even novice bakers can master confidently.
  • Create a comforting treat that appeals to all ages, perfect for weekend brunches, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings without complex preparation steps.
  • Enjoy warm or at room temperature, making this cake an adaptable dessert that works for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or a delightful after-dinner indulgence.

What You’ll Need for a Sweet and Swirled Bake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide richness to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and a rich, buttery taste.
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramel-like swirl in the cake.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor and signature cinnamon roll taste.
  • Softened Butter: Helps bind the cinnamon mixture and create a smooth swirl.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet topping for the cake.
  • Milk: Helps create the right consistency for the glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the glaze.

How to Recreate Cinnamon Roll Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Mix Cake Base

Crank the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
Pour in:
  • Whole milk
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Melted butter

Whisk until ingredients are just combined. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate small bowl, blend:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Softened butter

Dollop the cinnamon mixture across the cake batter. Using a knife, create beautiful swirling patterns throughout the cake.

Step 3: Bake The Cake

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Whip Up Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Adjust liquid to reach desired drizzling consistency.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

While cake is still warm, drizzle glaze generously over the top. Allow cake to cool slightly before cutting into delectable squares. Enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-swirled goodness!

Ways to Add Fun Variations to This Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original cake's soft texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to create a lactose-free alternative.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cake: Replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute to craft a completely animal product-free dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delicious cinnamon flavor profile.
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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cinnamon roll cake blends classic pastry charm with moist, crumbly cake perfection. Sweet swirls of cinnamon and buttery glaze invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each delightful slice of comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar
  • 5 6/10 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundational layer by combining dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Introduce liquid components including milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter, gently folding until ingredients are harmoniously blended without aggressive stirring.
  3. Transfer the velvety mixture into a prepared rectangular baking vessel, meticulously spreading to create an uniform surface.
  4. Construct the signature cinnamon essence by thoroughly integrating brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter into a luscious, cohesive mixture.
  5. Artfully disperse dollops of the cinnamon concoction across the batter’s landscape, then choreograph a delicate knife dance to generate a marbled aesthetic.
  6. Position the cake within a preheated oven calibrated to 350°F, allowing it to transform for approximately 30-35 minutes until a probing utensil emerges pristine.
  7. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, adjusting liquid proportions to achieve ideal drizzling consistency.
  8. While the cake remains warmly inviting, cascade the glossy glaze across its surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  9. Allow the confection to rest momentarily, enabling the glaze to set and flavors to meld before presenting and serving.

Notes

  • Achieve the perfect swirl by using room temperature butter for the cinnamon mixture, ensuring smooth and even distribution throughout the cake.
  • Prevent overmixing the batter by gently folding ingredients until just combined, which helps maintain a tender and light cake texture.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurements and mixing techniques.
  • Customize the cake’s sweetness by adjusting the glaze consistency – add more powdered sugar for a thicker topping or more milk for a lighter drizzle.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 157 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 62 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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