Cinnamon roll cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that transports you to a cozy café on a Sunday morning. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home, mingling with the warm scent of freshly baked cake. The soft, fluffy cake topped with swirls of rich cinnamon and a drizzle of glaze is pure bliss.
This cake isn’t just for breakfast; it’s perfect for any occasion—from lazy brunches to family gatherings or even when you need a little comfort food. Each bite promises a heavenly experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cinnamon roll cake is incredibly easy to make, so you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying it
- The balance of sweet and spice creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more
- Its beautiful swirls make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table
- Perfect for sharing, but you might want to keep it all to yourself!
I still remember the first time I made this cinnamon roll cake. My friends couldn’t stop talking about how delicious it was, and I felt like a baking genius!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A versatile choice that provides structure; be sure to spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
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Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and enhances its flavor; don’t be shy—this is where some sweetness comes from!
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Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture; choose light or dark depending on your preference for richness.
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Cinnamon: The star ingredient! Use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor impact.
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Eggs: They bind everything together; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
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Milk: Adds moisture; whole milk works best, but feel free to substitute with your favorite non-dairy option.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash brings all the flavors together; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter, melted, to enrich the batter’s flavor and create that delightful texture.
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Powdered Sugar: For the icing—sweeten up your life with this sugary goodness!
- The cinnamon roll cake combines the fluffy texture of cake with the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls
- Baking it in one pan saves time and cleanup, making it perfect for brunch or dessert
- Its aroma will draw everyone into the kitchen!
- For the best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted
- Be careful not to overmix your batter to keep it light and fluffy
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweetness beautifully
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
- For the cinnamon swirl, mix remaining brown sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture on top. Layer the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon mixture, swirling gently with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Preheat Your Oven**: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with non-stick spray or butter.
**Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. The aroma alone will make you want to dive right in!
**Combine Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture adds moisture and richness—trust me on this one!
**Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures**: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold them together until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want this cake light and fluffy!
**Prepare Cinnamon Swirl**: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for that oh-so-delicious swirl. This mixture is where all the magic happens!
**Layer it Up**: Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan evenly. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it before adding the remaining batter on top. Finish by swirling in the rest of your cinnamon mix using a knife.
**Bake Away**: Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell it throughout your house!
Let cool slightly before drizzling with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk—a heavenly finish that ties everything together beautifully!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cinnamon swirl mixture while you preheat the oven. Mix dry ingredients first, then blend wet ones for a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for whole wheat or add nuts and raisins for extra flavor. You can even experiment with icing flavors!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Baking this cinnamon roll cake always takes me back to weekends with my grandma. She would whip up batch after batch, filling our home with warmth and laughter.
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake it fresh in the morning.
What should I serve with cinnamon roll cake?
Pair it with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Can I freeze leftover cinnamon roll cake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly and freeze them for up to two months for a sweet surprise later.
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of cinnamon roll cake, where the essence of soft, fluffy cake meets the rich sweetness of cinnamon. Perfect for brunch or any gathering, this easy-to-make treat will fill your home with an irresistible aroma. With beautiful swirls and a delightful glaze, each bite is a little slice of heaven that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition
Keywords: Experiment by adding nuts or raisins to customize your cake. For extra flavor variations, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla.