Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something a little easier to share and bake, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. This wonderful cake captures all the gooey cinnamon sweetness and tender texture of traditional cinnamon rolls but bakes up like a cake in a single pan. It’s the perfect treat to impress guests or simply indulge yourself with a slice of nostalgic comfort anytime you want. The combination of tender cake, rich cinnamon swirls, and a sweet glaze brings every bite to life in the most delightful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays a special role in achieving that perfect balance of moist, tender cake and rich cinnamon goodness.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and lightness without weighing it down.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the batter.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for tenderness and helps the flavors meld.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, giving the cake a tender crumb.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Imparts richness and a buttery flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients for a perfect cake texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Amplifies the sweetness and aroma with warm notes.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to that luscious cinnamon swirl filling.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Provides depth and molasses-rich sweetness to the cinnamon filling.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps the cinnamon filling hold together perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings all the comforting cinnamon flavor forward.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the irresistibly smooth glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that lovely finishing touch of warm sweetness to the glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully after baking. This small prep step sets the foundation for your flawless cinnamon roll cake experience.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend creates the base of your cake batter and ensures even distribution of all leavening agents for a perfectly risen result.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The buttermilk adds tangy moisture while the eggs and butter create that tender, rich crumb that makes this cake so irresistible.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay. This step ensures your Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe stays light and tender instead of becoming dense.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until smooth. This luscious filling is what transforms an ordinary cake into a gooey, cinnamony masterpiece.

Step 6: Layer the Cake and Cinnamon Filling

Spread half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then, spoon dollops of the cinnamon filling all over the batter layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the filling, leaving some swirls visible for that beautiful marbled effect. Drop the remaining cake batter on top, spreading carefully to cover as much of the cinnamon layer as possible—it’s okay if the filling peeks through here and there.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This baking time is perfect for setting the cinnamon swirls inside while keeping the cake wonderfully moist.

Step 8: Make the Sweet Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This glaze adds that classic cinnamon roll finish that everyone loves.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes in the pan, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. The warmth helps the glaze soak in slightly, giving every slice a glossy, sweet finish that’s pure joy. Now it’s time to slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your cinnamon roll cake, consider sprinkling a few toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top of the glaze for extra crunch. A light dusting of additional cinnamon or a swirl of whipped cream can also make each slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai, making it the perfect accompaniment for breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese.

Creamy Ways to Present

If you’re sharing this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe at a brunch or party, slice it into small squares and serve with individual ramekins of cream cheese frosting for dipping. You can also layer it with fresh berries for a vibrant, festive presentation that brightens the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its softness. For longer freshness, refrigeration will keep it good for about 4 days, just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this cinnamon roll cake in a sealed freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up gently before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. The gentle heat brings back the cake’s tender texture and keeps the cinnamon filling soft and melty.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute gives the cake the right tang and tenderness.

Is it okay if some cinnamon filling peeks through the batter?

Absolutely! Those pockets of cinnamon filling peeking through create the beautiful marbled look that makes the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe so visually appealing and delicious.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

While the original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can try using a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze sets fairly quickly, usually within 15-20 minutes at room temperature. If you prefer it a little firmer, you can refrigerate the cake briefly after drizzling the glaze.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, doubling the ingredients works well for a larger batch. Use a bigger pan or two 9×13 inch pans, and keep an eye on the baking time, which may be a bit longer depending on the thickness of the batter.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the warm, welcoming comfort of a homemade cinnamon roll, and this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe captures that magic in such an easy, delightful way. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet cozy treat, this cake will become a beloved favorite. Give it a try, and prepare to swoon over every tender, cinnamon-swirled bite!

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 62 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the luscious flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease of a simple cake. Featuring a moist, tender cake base layered with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, this dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet craving. The cake bakes in one pan and offers all the delight of cinnamon rolls without the complicated rolling and shaping.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cinnamon Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or dish to prepare for baking.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated, forming the cinnamon filling layer.
4. Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Spoon dollops of the cinnamon filling over this batter layer and gently spread it using a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even cinnamon swirl layer. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon filling and spread lightly to cover as much as possible; some cinnamon filling peeking through is fine.
5. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with minimal moist crumbs, ensuring the cake is fully cooked through.
6. Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
7. Finish the Cake: Remove the baked cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep in slightly for maximum flavor. Serve slices warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience. Enjoy your deliciously simple Cinnamon Roll Cake!

Notes

• Do not overmix the cake batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
• The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Rewarm slices gently before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American