Imagine everything you love about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll — the sweet cinnamon swirl, soft crumb, and creamy glaze — but in a simple, crowd-pleasing cake form. This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect fusion of comfort and convenience. Whether it’s brunch, dessert, or just a cozy morning treat, this cake will be your new favorite go-to!
🕒 Prep Time
| Prep Time | Bake Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 30–35 mins | 50 mins | 12 |
🧰 Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Flour: Stick to all-purpose for a tender crumb.
- Butter: Use unsalted to control salt levels; soften for easy mixing in swirl.
- Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses flavor, but light is just as tasty.
- Glaze: Thin it with more milk for drizzling; thicken with more powdered sugar if needed.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour into Pan
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until combined into a thick paste.
5. Swirl It In
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the batter.
6. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Glaze It
While the cake is warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cake generously.
8. Serve
Let the glaze set for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve warm!
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 53g |
| Sugar | 34g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Note: Values are estimates based on standard ingredients.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter — stir just until smooth to keep the cake tender.
- Serve warm for that fresh cinnamon roll experience.
- Store covered at room temp for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat slices for best taste.
🔁 Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add 1 cup chopped apples to the batter before swirling.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap half the glaze milk for softened cream cheese.
- Nutty Swirl: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling.
- Overnight Option: Assemble the batter and swirl the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
