Cinnabon’s Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you love the soft, gooey goodness of a Cinnabon cinnamon roll, you’ll adore this Cinnabon-inspired Cinnamon Roll Cake! This recipe transforms the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon, buttery richness, and sweet vanilla glaze, this cake delivers all the indulgence of a fresh-baked cinnamon roll without the hassle of yeast or rolling dough.

Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, this cake is ideal for serving a crowd—whether it’s a holiday breakfast, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for the family. The best part? No waiting for dough to rise! You get the same amazing cinnamon roll flavors in half the time.

Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this Cinnabon-inspired treat at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ No Yeast Required – No rising time or kneading needed!
✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps with ingredients you probably already have.
✔ Cinnabon-Inspired Flavor – That irresistible combination of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar.
✔ Soft, Moist, and Gooey – Swirls of cinnamon-sugar melt into the cake, making every bite heavenly.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients (Serves 12-16)

For the Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.

1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
4 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
1½ cups milk – Creates a soft, tender texture.

2 eggs – Adds richness and helps bind the batter.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
4 tablespoons melted butter – Adds moisture and richness.

For the Cinnamon Swirl

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) – Adds richness.
1 cup brown sugar – Provides deep caramel-like sweetness.
1 tablespoon cinnamon – The star spice!
⅔ cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans) – Adds crunch and texture.

For the Vanilla Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar – Creates the signature glaze.
4 to 5 tablespoons milk – Adjusts consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter, oil, or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Slowly mix in the melted butter until you have a smooth batter. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
Stir in the chopped nuts (if using).

Step 4: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture into the Cake

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Use a knife to swirl the mixture into the batter, creating beautiful cinnamon swirls. Be careful not to overmix—you want distinct swirls.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay), the cake is ready.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
If the glaze is too thick, add more milk (1 teaspoon at a time). If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

While the cake is still warm, pour the vanilla glaze evenly over the top.
Let the glaze soak in for a few minutes before serving.
Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnabon-inspired cinnamon roll cake is perfect on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these serving ideas:

✔ Top with Whipped Cream – For an extra indulgent touch.
✔ Serve with Coffee or Tea – The perfect breakfast pairing.
✔ Drizzle with Caramel Sauce – Adds a rich, buttery sweetness.
✔ Pair with Fresh Fruit – Strawberries, bananas, or apples add a refreshing contrast.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the batter mix evenly.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy.
✔ Check for Doneness Early – Oven temperatures vary, so check at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking.
✔ Swirl Gently – Overmixing the cinnamon layer can make the cake muddy instead of beautifully swirled.
✔ Glaze While Warm – This allows the glaze to seep into the cake, making it extra moist.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

1. Dairy-Free Version

Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Swap vegan butter for regular butter.

2. Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake

Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
Drizzle with chocolate glaze instead of vanilla glaze.

3. Cream Cheese Glaze

Replace the vanilla glaze with a cream cheese glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake, cover, and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

2. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix if needed.

Why This Cake is a Must-Try

✔ Tastes like a cinnamon roll with less effort
✔ Soft, moist, and loaded with gooey cinnamon swirls
✔ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
✔ Easy to make—no yeast required!

Conclusion

This Cinnabon-inspired cinnamon roll cake is the ultimate treat for cinnamon roll lovers! With its buttery cinnamon swirls, soft texture, and sweet vanilla glaze, it’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake brings all the comfort of a cinnamon roll with half the effort.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of cinnamon-swirled perfection!