Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups milk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 5 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you dream of capturing everything you love about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll in a fuss-free dessert, Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent is here to answer your cravings! Imagine all those nostalgic cinnamon aromas, the rich brown sugar swirl, and the sweet vanilla glaze soaking into a tender cake. This treat blends the magic of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease of a one-pan bake, making it a guaranteed showstopper at brunch, coffee breaks, or whenever you need a little extra comfort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent is destined to become your new go-to recipe for sweet, cozy gatherings.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent plays a starring role, from the fluffy base to the signature swirl and luscious glaze. These simple pantry staples combine to create a cake that tastes like a bakery masterpiece—no fancy tools or hard-to-find items required!

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a light, tender crumb that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cinnamon and glaze.
Baking powder: The secret to a lofty, soft texture—don’t skip it!
Salt: Just a touch sharpens the sweetness and brings out the complexity of the cinnamon roll cake decadent flavor.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness and moistness, making every bite perfectly soft.
Large eggs: They help bind everything together and create structure in the cake.
Vanilla extract: For warmth and depth, both in the cake and the glaze.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds that irresistible buttery flavor throughout the cake.
Brown sugar (packed): Essential for the gooey cinnamon swirl, lending that signature caramel note.
All-purpose flour (for swirl): Helps the cinnamon swirl stay thick and luscious as it bakes.
Ground cinnamon: The heart of every cinnamon roll—don’t be shy with it!
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the swirl creamy and easy to marble through the batter.
Powdered sugar: For that dreamy, pourable glaze that soaks into the cake.
Milk (for glaze): Whisks the powdered sugar into a silky-smooth topping.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Rounds out the glaze with a fragrant finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous greasing, making sure to reach into the corners. This step ensures your Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent releases beautifully and keeps the edges soft, not stuck.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is perfectly blended. Stir in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork the batter—stir until you have a smooth, pourable mixture to guarantee a tender cake.

Step 3: Spread the Batter

Pour your cake batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth out the top so the Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent bakes up uniformly, creating a perfect canvas for the cinnamon swirl.

Step 4: Make and Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture

In a medium bowl, blend the packed brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until it forms a thick, smooth paste. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the batter. Then, use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon filling throughout—go for big, loose figure-eights so you get beautiful ribbons in every slice.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-scented dream—resist the urge to dive in immediately, as the next step takes it over the top!

Step 6: Whisk Up the Glaze

While the cake is still warm, quickly whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm cake, letting it seep into every swirl and crevice.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent cool for a few minutes so the glaze sets and the cake is easy to slice. Serve warm for that just-baked cinnamon roll experience, or at room temperature for a deliciously gooey treat any time.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent

Garnishes

Dress up your Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or a handful of toasted pecans for crunch. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes this dessert downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, try serving it alongside fresh fruit or a savory egg casserole to balance the sweetness and make the meal feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent into neat squares and stack them on a pretty platter for a party. For a cozy breakfast, serve warm slices right from the pan. Or, if you’re feeling playful, bake the batter in muffin tins for individual “cinnamon roll cupcakes”—perfect for grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge to maintain its moist texture and gooey swirl.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent freezes beautifully for up to two months—just thaw slices at room temperature or in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a sweet treat.

Reheating

Bring back that fresh-baked warmth by microwaving individual pieces for 10 to 15 seconds. You can also reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you like your glaze extra gooey, drizzle on a touch more before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent the night before?

Absolutely! Simply bake, glaze, and let the cake cool, then cover and store at room temperature. In the morning, a quick warm-up in the oven makes it taste fresh and fabulous.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl?

Yes! Stir up to 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, or a handful of raisins, into the cinnamon swirl mixture before swirling it into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a safe and tasty gluten-free Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent experience.

Can I use plant-based milk or vegan butter?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and a vegan butter alternative to make this cake dairy-free. It still bakes up deliciously moist and decadent.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The top should be golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out the Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but want something simpler, Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent is your answer. It’s impossible not to fall for those gooey cinnamon swirls and sweet glaze. Give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent offers the irresistible flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but in an easy-to-make cake form. Featuring a moist vanilla cake base swirled with a gooey cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent treat alongside your coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons 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
⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Pour and spread batter: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even layer.
Prepare cinnamon swirl: In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add cinnamon swirl to batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Make the glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
Cool and glaze: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly but remain warm. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
Serve: Cut into slices and serve warm or at room temperature for the best gooey and tender experience.

Notes

This cake perfectly replicates the taste and texture of cinnamon rolls but in a simple cake format—rich, gooey, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
You can prepare this cake a day ahead; just warm it slightly before serving to refresh its gooey texture.
For added texture and a nutty flavor, stir in chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl mixture before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American