Introduction
If you love Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is going to be your new favorite dessert! It has the same gooey, buttery cinnamon swirl and a soft, fluffy texture, but in a cake form that’s easier to make than traditional cinnamon rolls.
This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special treat with coffee. Plus, it’s baked in one pan, making it simple, quick, and mess-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Tastes Just Like Cinnabon! – Soft cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and vanilla glaze.
✔ Super Easy to Make – No kneading, no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a holiday treat.
✔ One-Pan Bake – Less mess, more flavor!
✔ Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra cinnamon to your liking.
Ingredients Needed
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 3 cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- Add in the wet ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- Mix until combined, then stir in 4 tablespoons melted butter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ⅔ cup chopped nuts (if using)
- Mix until well combined into a thick paste.
- Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Step 4: Create the Swirl Effect
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter, creating marbled patterns.
- Be careful not to overmix—leave visible swirls for the best effect!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stir until smooth and pourable.
Step 7: Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
- Let it soak in for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
✔ Use Softened Butter – This helps the cinnamon mixture spread easily when swirled.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing makes the cake dense instead of soft.
✔ Let the Glaze Sink In – Pour the glaze while the cake is warm for the best flavor.
✔ Customize It – Add raisins, chocolate chips, or more cinnamon for extra goodness.
Variations & Customizations
Cream Cheese Glaze
For a richer topping, mix:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Extra Buttery Cinnamon Swirl
- Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream to the cinnamon swirl mixture for an extra gooey texture.
Caramel Drizzle
- Replace vanilla glaze with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 With Coffee or Tea – Perfect as a morning treat.
🍽 Topped with Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🍽 As a Holiday Dessert – A great addition to Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter tables.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Warm for 15-20 seconds.
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40-45 minutes
🍽 Servings: 12-15 slices
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~350 kcal |
Carbohydrates | ~45g |
Protein | ~4g |
Fat | ~16g |
Sugar | ~30g |
Fiber | ~1g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it the night before and glaze it the next morning for fresh flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the cake will be denser. Stick to all-purpose for the best texture.
3. How do I make this cake extra moist?
Add ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.
4. What can I use instead of vanilla glaze?
Try cream cheese frosting, caramel drizzle, or dust it with powdered sugar.
5. Can I make this in a round cake pan?
Yes! Use a 9-inch round cake pan, but adjust baking time to 35-40 minutes.
Conclusion
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is soft, gooey, buttery, and absolutely irresistible! It has all the flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls but without the hassle of kneading or rolling dough.
Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday treat, this easy one-pan cake is a must-try recipe!
Make it today and enjoy a warm, cinnamon-swirled delight!