Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

The Best Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Sinking your fork into a luscious cinnamon roll cake that swirls with sweet, buttery goodness right from your own kitchen.

Bakery-style magic happens when classic flavors merge into one incredible dessert.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this simple yet spectacular treat.

Soft, pillowy layers promise pure comfort in every single bite.

Warm spices dance through tender crumb, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your entire home.

Memories of childhood mornings flood back with each delectable slice.

Grab a plate and let’s transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

How To Store Cinnamon Roll Cake Without Drying It Out

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm individual slices at 325F for 8-10 minutes to restore softness and bring back the cake's original delicious texture. Cover with foil to prevent edges from burning.
  • Microwave Option: Quickly reheat single servings for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, which can make the cake tough or rubbery.
  • Freeze Wisely: Slice the cake, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What Tastes Great With Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Brew a Comforting Coffee Companion: Pair this warm, sweet cinnamon roll cake with a rich, smooth medium-roast coffee. The robust coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor experience that feels like a cozy morning hug.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: Top a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth vanilla perfectly complements the cake's warm cinnamon notes, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that melts in your mouth.
  • Enhance with Cinnamon-Spiced Chai: Serve alongside a spiced chai latte to amplify the cinnamon theme. The aromatic tea's warm spices like cardamom and ginger beautifully echo the cake's cinnamon profile, making each bite and sip a harmonious taste adventure.
  • Add a Fresh Berry Twist: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side. Their tangy brightness cuts through the cake's richness, adding a fresh, light element that makes the dessert feel more balanced and vibrant.

Fun Ways To Change Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking for a delightful textural contrast and rich, toasted flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Style: Drop dollops of softened cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar across the surface, then gently swirl through the batter using a knife for a marbled effect.
  • Seasonal Berry Blast: Scatter fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries on top of the cake batter, allowing them to sink slightly and create bursts of fruity goodness during baking.
  • Chocolate Lover's Remix: Mix in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and add chocolate chips throughout the batter for an indulgent chocolate-cinnamon cake experience.

Cinnamon Roll Cake FAQ

  • What makes this cinnamon roll cake different from traditional cinnamon rolls?

This cake captures all the delicious flavors of cinnamon rolls without the complex rolling and shaping process. It’s a simplified, easier version that delivers the same sweet, cinnamon-packed taste in a convenient cake format.

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce or eliminate any additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavor. The cake will still turn out delicious and have that classic cinnamon roll taste.

  • How do I ensure my cake doesn't become dry or tough?

The key is to mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake dense and chewy. Stop stirring as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks for a tender, moist cake.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! This cinnamon roll cake is very straightforward and forgiving. With simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, even novice bakers can create a delectable dessert that looks and tastes impressive.

Why Cinnamon Roll Cake Feels Like Breakfast Bliss

  • Swirl with Flavor: Enjoy the irresistible cinnamon swirl that brings warmth and sweetness to every delightful bite of this cake, creating a comforting dessert that feels like a hug in edible form.
  • Effortless Baking Bliss: This recipe requires minimal prep and basic ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone craving a quick, delicious treat without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, potlucks, or family gatherings, this cake delivers the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-serve, shareable format that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • One-Bowl Wonder: With simple mixing instructions and minimal cleanup, this recipe lets you enjoy maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess, giving you more time to savor and less time washing dishes.

What Goes Into Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation for the cake's structure, providing texture and stability.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Contribute to the cake's richness and help with structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor and depth to the cake.
  • Melted Butter: Brings richness, moisture, and a smooth, tender texture.
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Signature spice that gives the cake its classic cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramel-like swirl with deep, rich notes.

How To Bake Cinnamon Roll Cake Right

Step 1: Prepare Baking Magic

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, gather these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk them together until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bring the Batter to Life

Pour in these delicious wet ingredients:
  • Whole milk
  • Fresh eggs
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Melted butter

Gently fold everything together with a light touch. Don’t go crazy mixing – stop when the ingredients are just combined and looking smooth.

Step 4: Spread the Love

Transfer the silky batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful canvas for the next layer of deliciousness.

Step 5: Craft the Cinnamon Swirl

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

Drizzle this mixture over the cake batter, creating beautiful swirls and patterns.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Create the Heavenly Glaze

While the cake cools, whip up a quick glaze with:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Drizzle generously over the warm cake, letting it seep into all the delicious crevices.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Cake – a treat that brings comfort and joy with every single bite!

Tips To Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Fluffy

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently stir the batter until ingredients are just combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
  • Create Swirl Perfection: Use a butter knife or skewer to create beautiful cinnamon swirls by dragging it through the cinnamon topping in a zigzag pattern.
  • Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level by reducing it slightly or using a sugar substitute for a less sweet version that still tastes delicious.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Spread the batter carefully and evenly in the pan to guarantee uniform cooking and a consistent texture throughout the cake.
  • Store Smart: Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for up to 5 days.
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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

Description

Indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cake blends classic bakery comfort with home-style charm, offering a delightful twist on traditional breakfast pastries. Sweet cinnamon swirls and creamy frosting create an irresistible dessert that welcomes warm memories with each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a uniform base for the cake’s foundation.
  2. Incorporate liquid components into the dry mixture, gently folding until a smooth, consistent batter emerges without aggressive stirring.
  3. Transfer the silky batter into a generously greased rectangular baking vessel, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  4. Craft the signature cinnamon swirl by blending brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl, preparing to create delectable marbled patterns.
  5. Drizzle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cake batter, using a knife to create elegant, meandering swirls throughout the entire surface.
  6. Position the cake in a preheated oven calibrated to 350F (175C), allowing the aromatic mixture to transform into a golden, fragrant delicacy.
  7. Bake until the cake develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean, typically requiring 30-35 minutes of careful cooking.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly in its baking dish, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify before serving.
  9. Optional: Prepare a light glaze by whisking powdered sugar with vanilla extract and a touch of milk, drizzling artfully over the warm cake for added decadence.

Notes

  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent tough, chewy textures that can develop from excessive stirring.
  • Create swirls of cinnamon sugar by dropping spoonfuls of the mixture across the top of the batter and gently running a knife through to create beautiful marbled patterns.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you choose one with xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Enhance the cake’s richness by using brown butter instead of regular melted butter, which adds a nutty, caramelized depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 361
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 222 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 51 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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