Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling your kitchen, the scent wrapping around you like a warm hug. Cinnamon Roll Cake takes everything you love about a traditional cinnamon roll—the gooey swirls, the rich brown sugar filling, and the decadent cream cheese glaze—and transforms it into a soft, fluffy cake. It’s the perfect balance between a classic breakfast pastry and a tender homemade dessert, making it an irresistible treat for any time of day.

This cake offers the same delightful flavors without the hassle of rolling and shaping individual buns. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a family gathering, or as an indulgent afternoon snack with coffee, Cinnamon Roll Cake will quickly become a household favorite. One slice is never enough, and the best part? It’s easier to make than traditional cinnamon rolls, so you can enjoy that bakery-fresh taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake

All the flavors of a cinnamon roll, none of the hassle – No yeast, no kneading, no waiting for the dough to rise.
Soft, moist, and swirled with cinnamon goodness – The cake is light and fluffy, while the cinnamon sugar filling melts into every bite.
Topped with a luscious glaze – A rich and creamy glaze drapes over the warm cake, making it extra decadent.
Perfect for any occasion – Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or even as a cozy treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Crowd-pleaser – Whether for family, friends, or a special event, this cake will disappear in no time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather the right tools to ensure your Cinnamon Roll Cake turns out perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool matters:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for the cake batter and another for the cinnamon filling.
Electric Mixer or Whisk – An electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, but a whisk can work too.
Spatula – Perfect for folding ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
9×13-inch Baking Dish – This size helps the cake bake evenly and provides the right thickness.
Toothpick or Cake Tester – Useful for checking if the cake is done.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – Precision is key in baking, so accurate measurements are a must.

Preparation Tips

Bring ingredients to room temperature – This helps the batter mix smoothly and evenly.
Grease the baking dish well – Prevents sticking and ensures easy slicing.
Use fresh cinnamon – The fresher the spice, the more aromatic and flavorful your cake will be.
Swirl, don’t mix – When adding the cinnamon filling, use a knife or skewer to create beautiful swirls rather than fully mixing it in.
Let it cool slightly before glazing – This prevents the glaze from melting too much while still allowing it to soak into the cake.

Ingredients for This Cinnamon Roll Cake

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until you get a thick, smooth mixture.

Step 4: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture into the Batter

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling onto the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—just swirl enough to distribute the cinnamon throughout the cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add more milk.

Step 7: Glaze the Warm Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and serve warm for the best gooey, cinnamon-roll-like experience!

Notes

If you prefer a softer, gooier texture, slightly underbake the cake and let it finish setting as it cools.
For extra richness, replace half of the milk in the glaze with heavy cream.
You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a nutty crunch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake moist.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the Batter

Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense and tough cake. Stir until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.

Not Swirling the Cinnamon Mixture Properly

If you mix the cinnamon filling completely into the batter, you’ll lose the signature swirl. Use a knife to gently drag it through without fully incorporating it.

Overbaking the Cake

Baking too long will result in a dry cake. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Adding the Glaze Too Early

Drizzling the glaze while the cake is too hot will make it run off completely. Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before adding it.

Using Cold Ingredients

Cold eggs or milk can prevent the batter from mixing smoothly. Bring all ingredients to room temperature for an even texture.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cake?

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is already a decadent treat, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your experience even further. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some delicious accompaniments:

8 Perfect Pairings

1. A Hot Cup of Coffee

The rich bitterness of black coffee or a creamy latte perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Chai or Spiced Tea

A warm chai or cinnamon-spiced tea enhances the flavors of the cake and adds a cozy touch.

3. Fresh Berries

Serve alongside strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over a warm slice, creating an irresistible dessert.

5. Greek Yogurt with Honey

For a slightly tangy and healthier pairing, serve with plain Greek yogurt drizzled with honey.

6. Warmed Apple Compote

The natural sweetness and slight tartness of apples complement the cinnamon flavors perfectly.

7. Whipped Cream with a Dash of Cinnamon

A light, airy topping that adds an extra layer of indulgence without overpowering the cake.

8. Caramel Sauce Drizzle

For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake before serving.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Cake

At Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate it to prevent the glaze from becoming too soft.
In the Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its moisture and keeps the glaze intact.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave: Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds to soften the cake and bring back its gooey texture.
Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat the cake for 5-10 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Avoid Overheating: Too much heat can dry out the cake, so warm it just until soft.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 slice (out of 12)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving for the freshest taste.

2. Can I use a different flour?

All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version. Whole wheat flour may make the cake denser.

3. What can I use instead of butter?

If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor.

4. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch to the cinnamon filling.

5. How do I make the glaze thicker?

For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. If you prefer a thinner consistency, mix in a little extra milk, one teaspoon at a time.

6. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Yes! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating and glazing.

7. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses for a similar taste.

8. Can I make this in a smaller pan?

If using a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a cinnamon roll without the extra work. With its soft, buttery texture, gooey cinnamon swirls, and rich glaze, this cake is sure to become a household favorite. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a comforting treat that brings warmth to any occasion. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again!