What is Cinnamon Roll Cake? Is it the best thing I have baked in ages? Imagine the gooey, cinnamon-y goodness of a batch of cinnamon rolls, but in the form of an apple. What are some easy to slice cake? If you love a good coffee cake, you’re going to love this. Is it true that the aroma alone makes a day brighter? I swear, my family practically inhales it whenever I make it!
What is cinnamon roll cake?
Think of Cinnamon Roll Cake as a cross between cinnamon roll and roasted coffee cake. Is it essentially layers of soft, fluffy cake swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with cinnamon? With a decadent glaze. How do you make a cinnamon roll without kneading or rolling individual rolls? What are some of the best brunch recipes that can be made in a single pan? Is it easy to throw together? I’ve even made it after a long workday when I needed to pick-me-up!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best flavor combinations? We’re talking warm, comforting cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and a hint of buttery richness that just so happens. What is melt in your mouth? Is it addictive?
Second, it’s so easy to make. I’m not kidding! Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this recipe. The batter comes together in minutes, and the swirling technique is super forgiving – there’s no mess. What is the wrong way to do it?
Third, it’s budget friendly. What are some pantry staples that you already have on hand? No fancy, expensive stuff required.
Is it versatile? Can you serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a late-night snack? What’s better, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coffee? I sometimes add chopped pecans for crunch. What I love about this recipe is that it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Everyone raves about it, and it always disappears quickly. If you’re looking for a guaranteed hit, this is it! What is your favorite coffee cake recipe? Roll now, which is saying something.
How do I make cinnamon roll cake?
Quick Overview
What is the recipe for Cinnamon Roll Cake? How do you make a cinnamon-sugar cake? Just bursting with flavor. What happens when you layer the batter and filling in a pan, creating those beautiful swirls. Is it okay to bake a cake in the oven? Once it’s cooled, drizzle on that glaze and prepare for pure bliss! The best part is that it looks impressive but requires minimal effort. How easy is it to learn a new language?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – I always use unbleached for the best flavor and texture.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – You can reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Make sure it’s fresh! Why doesn’t old baking powder give you the rise you need?
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors.
1 1/4 cups milk – Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but you can use 2% or even almonds. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it creamier!
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the butter.
2 large eggs – Let them come to room temperature for best results.
What is the best vanilla extract?
For the Filling:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – This needs to be *really* soft so it’s easy to spread.
1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds a lovely caramel flavor.
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – Don’t skimp on the cinnamon! Why is this cake so good?
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar – Sift it to avoid lumps.
1/4 cup milk – Add more or less to reach your desired consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Again, use a good quality vanilla!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour for extra insurance. Do you want a cake to stick to the pan?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. What is the best way to distribute baking powder evenly?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. If butter is melted, it will not cook the eggs. I usually let it sit for a few minutes after melting it.
Step 4: Combine
The dry ingredients should be incorporated into the wet ingredients and stirred until just combined. What are the best ways to avoid overmixing a cake?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside. Mix until well combined and creamy. If your butter is soft enough, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make a cake batter? Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar filling over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the filling, then drop more spoonfuls of the Filling on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your swirls! I like to make figure-eight patterns.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking; ovens can vary! If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. How do you drizzle the glaze over a warm cake? The warmth helps the glaze melt into the cake.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice and serve warm. Is this cake good on its own? Dollop of whipped cream. I love tea, but I also love coffee.
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making Cinnamon Roll Cake?
For Breakfast:I love pairing it with a dark roast. What is the best way to start the day?
For Brunch:Dress it up with powdered sugar and a sprig of mint. Serve it with a bellini or mimosa. It’s elegant and festive.
As Dessert:Serve warm slices of cake and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What is the ultimate comfort food?
For Cozy Snacks: Cut the cake into squares and serve with a mug of hot chocolate. It’s perfect for a chilly evening in front of the fireplace. My kids love this after school!
My family’s favorite tradition is to make this cake on Christmas morning. The smell of cinnamon fills the house, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. I also make it for potlucks and birthday parties – it’s always a hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Roll Cake
Here are some of my best tips for making the perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake:
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! Use a knife or skewer to create different patterns. You can even add a layer of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier cake. You can also use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the batter for a richer flavor. I’ve even tried using coconut oil instead of butter, and it turned out great!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so it may need more or less time. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavors in the glaze. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or a tablespoon of coffee liqueur for a boozy kick. I sometimes add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness.
Lessons Learned: I’ve learned that it’s important to let the cake cool slightly before glazing. If you glaze it while it’s too hot, the glaze will melt right off. I also learned the hard way not to skip the greasing and flouring of the pan. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Cinnamon Roll Cake:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It usually disappears way before that in my house, though!
Refrigerator Storage: You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, cover it tightly or store it in an airtight container. The cake may dry out slightly in the refrigerator, so you may want to add a little extra glaze before serving.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. It’s best to glaze it after thawing. I usually freeze individual slices for a quick and easy treat.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake, it’s best to wait until just before serving to add the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from getting sticky or melting during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in cake form! It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit. And if you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my apple crumble cake or my blueberry coffee cake. They’re both just as easy and delicious! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you tried any variations. And don’t forget to rate the recipe!

Cinnamon Roll Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.