Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe to Try Today
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the flavor and warmth of fresh cinnamon rolls without all the rolling and waiting, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. Soft, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon goodness, this easy-to-make dessert delivers all the delightful layers of a classic cinnamon roll but in a simple cake form. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat, this Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy those cinnamon cravings with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: No rolling or shaping required, making it perfect for beginners and busy days.
- Classic flavors: Rich cinnamon and brown sugar create that familiar and comforting taste everyone adores.
- Soft and gooey texture: The cake stays moist and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth swirl of cinnamon goodness.
- Versatile for any occasion: Great for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee or tea.
- Quick bake time: Ready to enjoy in under an hour, so you can satisfy sweet cravings fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Cake is in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each element contributes to the flavor, texture, and appearance, making the cake moist, tender, and perfectly spiced without any fuss.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb for the cake.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a nice, caramelized crust.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the cinnamon notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Milk: Moisturizes the batter for a soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the cake’s flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- Brown sugar: Used in the swirl for a luscious, gooey filling.
- Cream cheese glaze ingredients: (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk) to create a luscious topping that complements the cake perfectly.
Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cake
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to experiment! Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or simply craving something a little different, these variations are easy to try and delicious.
- Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for texture.
- Veggie substitute: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to create a dairy-free, plant-based cake.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spiced up: Mix in ground nutmeg or cardamom for additional aromatic warmth.
- Fruit additions: Fold in raisins, dried cranberries, or diced apples for added texture and sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch square baking pan. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and helps you get an even bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Combining these first ensures even distribution, which is key for that authentic cinnamon roll flavor throughout your cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender and airy cake base.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. This creates a smooth batter that will bake up beautifully.
Step 5: Create and Add Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, add the remaining batter on top, and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar to create a marbled effect.
Step 6: Swirl the Batter
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter in the pan, creating the look and taste of cinnamon roll layers as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze for the best texture and presentation.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
Whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake for that perfect sweet finish.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Room temperature ingredients: Use softened butter, cream cheese, and eggs at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense, tough cake.
- Perfect swirl: Swirl gently but thoroughly to marry cinnamon sugar and batter without overmixing.
- Check baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking around 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting or soaking in of the glaze.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake
Garnishes
Sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts or dust with a little extra cinnamon for added texture and a beautiful, inviting look.
Side Dishes
Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or plate squares individually with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste and gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free milk to easily transform this recipe into a dairy-free treat.
Is this cake sweet enough on its own or do I need the glaze?
The cake is subtly sweet with a rich cinnamon flavor, but the cream cheese glaze adds a luscious finish you won’t want to skip for the full cinnamon roll experience.
Can I bake this cake in a different pan size?
You can, but baking times will vary. Use a similar volume pan and check for doneness earlier or later depending on pan depth and size.
How long does the Cinnamon Roll Cake last after baking?
Stored properly, it stays fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Refrigerating can extend freshness up to 4 days, but may dry the cake slightly without airtight storage.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can be folded into the batter for extra flavor and texture variations.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a simple yet extraordinary way to enjoy your favorite cinnamon roll flavors without the fuss. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting treat any time of the day, this recipe delivers warmth, gooeyness, and happiness in every bite. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and make this irresistible cake today. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
