Introduction
Imagine the gooey warmth of a freshly baked cinnamon roll — now picture that same deliciousness in an easy, sliceable cake form. That’s Cinnamon Roll Cake for you — soft, buttery, cinnamon-swirled perfection that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any moment that calls for comfort and indulgence. This recipe combines the best parts of a cinnamon roll — the rich cinnamon sugar swirl and creamy glaze — without the hassle of kneading or waiting for dough to rise. Just mix, swirl, bake, and devour!
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. - Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined — do not overmix.
Pour in melted butter and mix gently until smooth and creamy. - Pour the Batter:
Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. - Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until smooth and spreadable. - Swirl It In:
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter.
Use a knife to gently swirl it through the cake — think of creating marbled streaks of cinnamon goodness. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
(Keep an eye on it — every oven is a bit different!) - Make the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or sugar as needed. - Glaze While Warm:
Once the cake is done, drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Let it soak in a bit — this is what makes it so luscious and soft.
Methods
- Mixing Tip: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten. This keeps your cake tender.
- Swirling Technique: For perfect marbling, insert a knife about halfway down the batter and make figure-eight motions.
- Serving Idea: Serve warm with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or vanilla ice cream for dessert!
History of Cinnamon Roll Cake
The concept of Cinnamon Roll Cake is a modern twist on the beloved Swedish “Kanelbulle” — the classic cinnamon bun that originated in Northern Europe. Cinnamon rolls became popular in America in the early 20th century, especially in the Midwest and South, where they were served at breakfast and Sunday gatherings. The cake version was invented as a shortcut, eliminating the yeast dough process while keeping all the cozy flavors. It’s now a beloved home-baking favorite worldwide.
Benefits
- Quick and Easy: No yeast, no waiting — ready in under an hour.
- Comfort Food: The cinnamon aroma alone is enough to lift your mood and make your home smell heavenly.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or brunch with friends.
- Customizable: Add chopped pecans, raisins, or even a cream cheese glaze for variety.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 190mg
Formation
When baking, the cinnamon-sugar mixture melts into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons of sweetness that caramelize slightly, giving the cake a moist, gooey texture. The glaze locks in moisture and adds a creamy finish. The top becomes golden brown and slightly crisp while the inside remains tender and buttery.
**Lovers of Cinnamon Roll Cake
This cake is adored by home bakers, sweet breakfast lovers, and anyone who craves a warm, nostalgic dessert. It’s the kind of treat that turns ordinary mornings into celebrations and brings people to the kitchen just by smell alone.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cake is pure comfort in a pan — buttery, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a silky glaze that makes every bite heavenly. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, as a dessert, or for a cozy night in, it never fails to impress. This cake takes all the flavor of a classic cinnamon roll and turns it into an easy, no-fuss masterpiece you’ll want to bake again and again.