Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping treat that’s effortless to whip up and guaranteed to impress, look no further than this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake. Imagine all the gooey, cinnamon-swirled delight of a classic cinnamon roll, but in cake form, ready in under an hour and perfect for brunch or dessert. Each bite is bursting with buttery sweetness and warm spice, draped in a silky vanilla glaze that soaks right into the tender crumb. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket whenever a cinnamon craving strikes or company comes calling!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake lies in its humble, everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting those unforgettable layers of flavor and texture. With common pantry staples, you’ll create something that tastes as if it’s right out of a bakery, yet comes together with total ease.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the tender, fluffy base of the cake and ensures a soft, moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the hearty cinnamon swirl.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake its lift, allowing it to rise and stay beautifully light.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and keeps the sweetness from overwhelming the cake.
- Milk: Adds richness and helps bring all the batter ingredients together seamlessly.
- Large eggs: Bind everything and contribute to that classic, cakey structure.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses moisture and a subtle, buttery flavor throughout the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a gorgeous aroma and rounds out the warm cinnamon notes.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for filling): Key for the cinnamon swirl, it melts into rivers of gooey flavor inside every slice.
- Brown sugar (for filling): Deepens the sweetness with a rich, caramel-like undertone in the swirl.
- Ground cinnamon (for filling): The star spice, delivering all that signature, comforting warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a silky-smooth glaze that seeps into the hot cake.
- Milk (for glaze): Ensures the glaze is creamy and spreadable.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a finishing pop of flavor to the sweet drizzle.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly, making sure to get the corners so nothing sticks. This small step helps guarantee easy removal and perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. By blending the dry ingredients first, you ensure an even rise and balanced flavor in every bite. Next, pour in the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a mostly smooth batter forms; a few small lumps are okay, so don’t overmix! Once combined, spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
For that signature swirl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until it’s rich and spreadable. Drop spoonfuls of this fragrant mixture evenly over your cake batter. Take a butter knife and gently swirl through the batter, creating lovely, marbled ribbons. This not only looks stunning but ensures every forkful packs that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your cake into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Every kitchen will smell like a cinnamon roll bakery—irresistible! Let the cake cool slightly while you make the glaze, but don’t wait too long—you want to pour the glaze while the cake is still warm.
Step 5: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable; add more milk a few drops at a time if needed. Drizzle it generously over the warm cake, allowing it to sink in and coat the surface with sweet, glossy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Garnishes
A classic Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake shines all on its own, but a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds both crunch and a nutty touch. Dusting with a light layer of powdered sugar or a bit of extra cinnamon right before serving is another pretty way to elevate your presentation. For a brunch gathering, try topping each square with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for undeniable decadence.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cake is dangerously fun. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit—think juicy strawberries or sliced bananas—to balance the richness. Hot coffee or chai tea makes every forkful even more inviting. If you’re sharing the Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake for dessert, a refreshing fruit salad or a creamy latte are sure to bring out its cozy, cinnamon-laced personality.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into generous squares and serve on a rustic wooden board for a casual family gathering, or slice into neat rectangles to stack on a tiered dessert tray for showers or celebrations. You can even use cookie cutters to punch out festive shapes and drizzle each with extra glaze for a fun twist, especially if you’re sharing with kids or celebrating a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days—or in the fridge for even longer freshness.
Freezing
This cake freezes like a dream. Cool completely, cut into portions, and wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and foil. Store the wrapped slices in a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
A quick warm-up brings Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake right back to its gooey, just-baked glory! Microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds, or pop larger amounts into a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, for around 8–10 minutes. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of glaze if you have any left!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can bake it the night before, let it cool, then cover and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Simply warm before serving if you want that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins make lovely additions to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them into the brown sugar mixture before swirling into the batter.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?
You can substitute dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) and use vegan butter for both the batter and filling. The result is every bit as moist and flavorful, making Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake accessible for those following a dairy-free diet.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The cake stays tender and delicious, perfect for everyone at your table.
What’s the best way to get perfect cinnamon swirls?
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter, then drag a butter knife through the pan in gentle, curving motions to create deep, distinct swirls. Avoid over-mixing, so you keep those beautiful ribbons rather than blending everything together.
Final Thoughts
If you love the comfort of cinnamon rolls but crave something fuss-free, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is your new go-to treat. It’s welcoming, simple, and utterly soul-satisfying. Give it a try the next time you need something special—you might just find it becoming a beloved family tradition.
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Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in cake form with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this moist and tender cake is swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Layer and Bake: Pour batter into the dish, spoon cinnamon mixture over it, swirl gently, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm cake and serve.
Notes
- You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
