Cinnamon Roll Cake: A Sweet, Swirled Delight

Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen as a warm, gooey, and perfectly swirled Cinnamon Roll Cake bakes in the oven. This recipe takes the best parts of classic cinnamon rolls—the tender crumb, the spiced filling, and the luscious glaze—and transforms them into a moist and easy-to-make cake. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time or patience for kneading and rising dough, this cake is the perfect solution. It’s:

• Quick and Easy: No yeast or complicated steps required.
• Packed with Flavor: The cinnamon-sugar filling creates irresistible swirls in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack.

This cake is a delightful combination of simplicity and indulgence, offering all the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with a fraction of the effort.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet, swirled masterpiece.

For the Cake

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	3 cups
White granulated sugar	1 cup
Baking powder	4 teaspoons
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Milk	1 ½ cups
Salted butter (melted)	½ cup (1 stick)

For the Cinnamon Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Salted butter (softened)	¾ cup (1 ½ sticks)
Light brown sugar (packed)	1 cup
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon	1 tablespoon

For the Glaze

Ingredient	Quantity
Powdered sugar	2 cups
Milk	5 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (use the kind with flour for best results) or grease it lightly with butter.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   • All-purpose flour
   • White granulated sugar
   • Baking powder
   • Eggs
   • Vanilla extract
   • Milk
2. While mixing, slowly pour in the melted butter and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake tough.

3. Spread the Batter

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4. Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix:
   • Softened butter
   • Brown sugar
   • Flour
   • Cinnamon
2. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth paste.

5. Add the Cinnamon Swirls

1. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter.
2. Use a butter knife to create swirls, dragging it through both the batter and the filling to form a marbled pattern.

6. Bake the Cake

• Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes.
• Check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.

7. Make the Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • Powdered sugar
   • Milk
   • Vanilla extract
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).

8. Glaze and Serve

• Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 5–10 minutes.
• Pour the glaze over the warm cake, spreading it evenly to coat the top.
• Slice and serve warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll cake experience.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Using softened butter and room-temperature eggs ensures a smooth batter and filling.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.

3. Customize the Filling

Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of maple syrup to the cinnamon filling for a unique twist.

4. Make It Ahead

This cake tastes even better the next day! Store it covered at room temperature, and warm individual slices in the microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	55 g
Fat	14 g
Sugar	35 g
Fiber	1 g

Creative Variations of Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Add Nuts

Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for added crunch.

2. Make It Gluten-Free

Replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix.

3. Try a Cream Cheese Glaze

Substitute some of the powdered sugar in the glaze with softened cream cheese for a tangy twist.

4. Use Maple Syrup

Drizzle maple syrup over the finished cake for an extra layer of sweetness.

5. Serve with Ice Cream

Warm a slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will require more time, while a larger pan will bake faster.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and warm before serving.

4. What’s the best way to reheat the cake?

Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

5. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes, and ensure your glaze is made with plant-based milk.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two baking dishes. Adjust baking time if needed.

A Final Slice: Why You Need to Make This Cake

The Cinnamon Roll Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartwarming treat that brings the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls to your table without the hassle. Perfectly spiced, tender, and topped with a sweet glaze, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and again.

Ready to Bake?

Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Your family and friends will thank you for this irresistible treat!

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