Cinnamon Roll Cake

There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. The scent of warm cinnamon, butter, and sugar brings back childhood memories of lazy weekend mornings and cozy family breakfasts. However, making traditional cinnamon rolls from scratch can be time-consuming and a bit intimidating for beginners. That’s where this Cinnamon Roll Cake comes in—it delivers all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make cake form.

Perfect for beginner bakers, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing the rich, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll. With no kneading, rolling, or waiting for dough to rise, this cake is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade treat with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend dessert or a crowd-pleasing brunch option, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is sure to impress.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Cake is Special

This recipe stands out because it combines the best of both worlds: the irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl of a cinnamon roll and the simplicity of a homemade cake.

• Beginner-Friendly: No advanced baking techniques are required. If you can mix ingredients and swirl in the filling, you can make this cake.
• Time-Efficient: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which require proofing and rolling, this cake comes together quickly.
• Deliciously Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to the right balance of ingredients, this cake remains soft and tender, with a rich, buttery cinnamon swirl.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add nuts, or experiment with different types of icing.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor:

• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cake, keeping it sturdy yet soft.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cake brown beautifully.
• Baking Powder – Provides the necessary rise, making the cake light and fluffy.
• Eggs – Contribute to the cake’s structure and richness. Using room-temperature eggs ensures even mixing.
• Milk – Adds moisture, making the cake tender. Whole milk works best, but you can use dairy-free alternatives.
• Salted Butter – Provides a rich, buttery flavor. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Light Brown Sugar – Used in the cinnamon filling, it creates a deep caramelized flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon – The star of the filling, giving the cake its warm, spiced aroma.
• Powdered Sugar – Used for the glaze, adding a sweet finishing touch.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the batter and glaze for a less sweet version.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free adaptation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. Slowly mix in the melted butter until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto the cake batter.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the cake batter. The goal is to create a marbled effect without fully mixing the two layers.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner one.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let it settle into the warm cake for a deliciously gooey texture. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and results in a better texture.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
• Swirl Gently: When making the cinnamon swirl, use a light hand to avoid fully mixing the filling into the batter.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Coffee or Tea: The cinnamon and vanilla flavors complement a warm cup of coffee or tea perfectly.
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream takes this dessert to the next level.
• Top with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for extra crunch.

Storing Leftovers

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to two days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for a quick treat.

Try This Recipe and Share Your Thoughts

If you’ve never baked from scratch before, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is a great place to start. It’s simple, foolproof, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe. Happy baking!

FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Cake

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