Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Whipping up a dreamy cinnamon roll cake brings pure comfort to any kitchen adventure.

Soft, pillowy layers promise a decadent twist on classic morning treats.

Sweet spirals of warmth promise to envelop you in nostalgic memories.

Delicate swirls of spicy cinnamon dance through buttery batter, creating an irresistible aroma.

Bakery-style magic emerges from simple ingredients waiting in your pantry.

Rich, tender crumbs melt on your tongue with each heavenly bite.

Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering dessert that turns ordinary moments into celebration.

Cinnamon Roll Cake with Frosting and Spice Options

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-safe baking.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives. Replace regular milk in glaze with almond or oat milk.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Cut back on brown sugar in cinnamon swirl. Use sugar-free glaze made with sugar substitute and sugar-free vanilla extract.
  • Cream Cheese Topping Variation: Replace traditional glaze with cream cheese frosting. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a rich, tangy topping that complements the cinnamon flavor.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the cinnamon swirl?

The cinnamon swirl is made with softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon mixed together to create a rich, sweet, and spicy layer in the cake.

  • How do I create the cinnamon swirl pattern?

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to gently swirl and create a marbled effect throughout the cake.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and store it at room temperature for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

  • Is this cake good for special occasions?

Absolutely! This cinnamon roll cake is perfect for brunches, potlucks, family gatherings, or as a weekend treat that everyone will love.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Flavor Standouts

  • Quick Weekend Delight: Whip up this irresistible cinnamon roll cake with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires basic mixing skills and simple ingredients found in most pantries.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to make everyone from kids to grandparents happy with its nostalgic cinnamon roll flavors and comforting sweetness.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Great for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treat that comes together in under an hour from start to finish.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Ingredient Overview

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning and moisture retention.
  • Baking Powder: Gives the cake its rise and light, fluffy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and wonderful aroma.
  • Unsalted Butter: Contributes to moisture and creates a rich, smooth texture.
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a gooey, caramel-like swirl with warm, sweet notes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cinnamon mixture.
  • Cinnamon: Provides the signature warm, spicy flavor of classic cinnamon rolls.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet drizzle that adds final touch of sweetness and shine.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give your 9×13-inch baking pan a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
Pour in:
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Melted butter

Whisk everything together until the batter looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Craft the Cinnamon Swirl Magic

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients become a heavenly, crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Canvas

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Dot the surface with spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze

Combine in a bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until the glaze becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Foolproof Steps for Cinnamon Roll Cake Success

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even distribution of the cinnamon swirl throughout the cake.
  • Create beautiful marble-like patterns by gently dragging a knife through the cinnamon mixture in a figure-eight motion for an artistic presentation.
  • Cover the cake with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft, tender texture.
  • Pour the glaze while the cake is still warm to help it seep into the crumb, creating a more decadent and moist dessert.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Store Cinnamon Roll Cake For Next Day Slice

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to preserve for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore oven-fresh warmth by heating at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its soft, tender texture.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Pair Sweet Sips with Cinnamon Delight: Brew a warm vanilla latte that complements the cake's cinnamon notes and enhances its sweet, creamy profile.
  • Craft a Cold Contrast: Serve chilled milk or a vanilla milkshake to balance the warm, spicy cake and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Match Breakfast Beverages: Enjoy a classic cup of hot coffee or herbal tea to cut through the cake's richness and elevate the overall flavor experience.
  • Create Morning Magic: Pair with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to add a tangy brightness that contrasts the cake's sweet, dense texture.
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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet cinnamon roll cake brings classic bakery comfort straight to home kitchens with swirling layers of warm spice and buttery richness. Creamy frosting and delicate cinnamon ribbons promise pure deliciousness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 12 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the culinary workspace to 350°F and generously coat a rectangular baking vessel with protective grease.
  2. Construct the foundational cake mixture by blending dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder foundation. Incorporate liquid components – milk, eggs, vanilla essence, and melted butter – whisking until the texture transforms into a silky, consistent cream.
  3. Craft the aromatic cinnamon ripple by integrating softened butter, caramel-toned sugar, flour, and fragrant ground cinnamon until the mixture resembles a crumbly, rich paste.
  4. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, strategically dispersing dollops of the cinnamon mixture across the surface. Utilize a sharp blade to create elegant, meandering swirls throughout the batter, generating a marbled visual landscape.
  5. Position the pan within the preheated oven, allowing the confection to metamorphose for 30–35 minutes. Validate doneness by inserting a slender probe into the cake’s core – it should emerge pristine and unblemished.
  6. While the cake radiates residual warmth, concoct a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, creating a silky, cascading topping.
  7. Gently drape the glossy glaze across the cake’s undulating surface, allowing it to settle into delicate rivers of sweetness. Slice and serve this decadent creation.

Notes

  • Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that’s equally delicious and creamy.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing and better integration of cinnamon swirl ingredients.
  • Use a light hand when swirling to create beautiful marble-like patterns without overmixing the batter.
  • Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, bringing it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 397
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 270 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 56 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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