There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon swirling through the kitchen. It’s the scent of lazy weekend mornings, cozy family gatherings, and that first indulgent bite of a homemade treat. This Cinnamon Roll Cake takes everything we love about classic cinnamon rolls—the gooey, buttery filling, the soft, fluffy texture, and the sweet icing on top—and transforms it into a simple, no-fuss cake that’s just as delightful.
Whether you’re making this for a special brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is bound to be a favorite. It has all the cinnamon-sugar goodness without the extra time and effort of rolling out dough, letting it rise, and shaping individual rolls. Instead, it comes together in one pan and bakes into a soft, moist cake with swirls of cinnamon that taste just like the center of a cinnamon roll—the best part!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the hassle – No need for yeast or waiting for dough to rise!
- Perfect for any occasion – Breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this cake fits any time of day.
- Warm, gooey, and full of cinnamon goodness – Every bite is like the best part of a cinnamon roll.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, no special equipment, and minimal effort required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of your cake, giving it structure and a light, fluffy texture.
Next, add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until no dry spots remain. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Now comes the best part—the cinnamon-sugar swirl! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a thick, smooth mixture.
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cinnamon mixture all over the cake batter. Then, take a butter knife or a toothpick and swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating beautiful swirls that will bake into gooey pockets of cinnamon flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible smell of cinnamon and sugar—almost like walking into a bakery!
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too thin. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies.
Slice into squares and serve warm. The gooey cinnamon swirls combined with the sweet glaze make every bite heavenly!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps everything mix together evenly for a smoother batter.
- Adjust the glaze consistency – If you like a thicker glaze, use less milk. If you prefer a thinner drizzle, add a little extra.
- Make it ahead – This cake stays moist for a couple of days, so you can make it the night before and enjoy it for breakfast the next day!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you prefer an extra gooey cake, slightly underbake it and let it set as it cools.
- You can add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon swirl for a bit of crunch.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake this cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Just cover it tightly to keep it moist. If you like it warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
What can I use instead of milk?
You can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. The cake will still turn out delicious!
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins can be added to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer it warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Cinnamon Roll Cake, you might also enjoy:
- Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
- Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
- Cheesecake Croissant Buns
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll without the extra effort. It’s soft, gooey, and full of warm cinnamon goodness, making it a treat everyone will love. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Cinnamon Roll Cake
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon swirling through the kitchen. It’s the scent of lazy weekend mornings, cozy family gatherings, and that first indulgent bite of a homemade treat. This Cinnamon Roll Cake takes everything we love about classic cinnamon rolls—the gooey, buttery filling, the soft, fluffy texture, and the sweet icing on top—and transforms it into a simple, no-fuss cake that’s just as delightful.
Whether you’re making this for a special brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is bound to be a favorite. It has all the cinnamon-sugar goodness without the extra time and effort of rolling out dough, letting it rise, and shaping individual rolls. Instead, it comes together in one pan and bakes into a soft, moist cake with swirls of cinnamon that taste just like the center of a cinnamon roll—the best part!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of your cake, giving it structure and a light, fluffy texture.
Next, add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until no dry spots remain. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Now comes the best part—the cinnamon-sugar swirl! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a thick, smooth mixture.
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cinnamon mixture all over the cake batter. Then, take a butter knife or a toothpick and swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating beautiful swirls that will bake into gooey pockets of cinnamon flavor.
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible smell of cinnamon and sugar—almost like walking into a bakery!
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too thin. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies.
Slice into squares and serve warm. The gooey cinnamon swirls combined with the sweet glaze make every bite heavenly!
Notes
- If you prefer an extra gooey cake, slightly underbake it and let it set as it cools.
- You can add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon swirl for a bit of crunch.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.