Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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Imagine all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a classic cinnamon roll wrapped into a soft, buttery cake. That’s exactly what this Cinnamon Roll Cake brings to your kitchen. It has that unmistakable swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon, the richness of a homemade vanilla glaze, and a texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend brunch, a holiday treat, or just a sweet pick-me-up, this cake never disappoints.

The magic lies in the fusion. It starts like a classic vanilla cake but then gets a ripple of gooey cinnamon throughout. When it bakes, that swirl becomes caramelized and sticky in the best way. Then the warm glaze seeps into every bite, adding the perfect finishing touch. It’s all the love of a cinnamon roll with a fraction of the work.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

This cake hits all the right notes. You get the warm spice of cinnamon, the sweet crunch from brown sugar, and a soft, tender crumb that feels like a bakery treat. It’s also incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require yeast, proofing, or rolling dough. Just mix, swirl, bake, and glaze. It’s a go-to for busy mornings and last-minute desserts.

Can I Use a Boxed Cake Mix for Cinnamon Roll Cake?

You can, but this from-scratch version is honestly worth the extra five minutes. If you’re in a pinch, a boxed yellow or vanilla cake mix will work. Just prepare the mix as directed, swirl in the cinnamon sugar filling, and bake. That said, the flavor of a homemade batter adds a richness and depth that boxed mixes usually can’t match.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Every element of this Cinnamon Roll Cake brings a cozy flavor and rich texture to the final bake. While the ingredients are mostly pantry staples, together they create something truly magical.

• All-purpose flour: This gives the cake its structure and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake without overpowering the cinnamon.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and gives it a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s soft texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Used in both the batter and cinnamon swirl for that rich, buttery finish.
• Brown sugar: Essential for the cinnamon swirl, it creates that gooey, caramel-like ribbon.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of this recipe—fragrant, warm, and inviting.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to create a silky-sweet finish.
• Milk or cream (for the glaze): Thins out the powdered sugar into a pourable consistency.
• Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Echoes the flavor in the cake and ties it all together.

How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined. Stir in the melted butter until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the greased pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the top, then use a knife to swirl it into the batter. Don’t overmix—you want beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp around the edges.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

While the cake is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cake, letting it soak into all the swirls. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake serves about 12 people, making it a perfect dish for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or an indulgent breakfast for the family. You can serve it warm right after glazing for that ooey-gooey, just-baked comfort. Or let it cool slightly to let the glaze set into a soft shell on top. Either way, it disappears fast.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick warm-up in the microwave brings it right back to life.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A vibrant bowl of fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and melon adds a fresh contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Whipped Cream

A light dollop of whipped cream adds an airy finish without overpowering the warm spices.

Bacon or Breakfast Sausage

The savory saltiness of crispy bacon or sausage links balances the sugary notes perfectly.

Scrambled Eggs

Keep it simple with fluffy scrambled eggs, creating a hearty breakfast plate alongside the cake.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy pairing.

Chai Latte or Spiced Coffee

Warm spices in your drink complement the cinnamon swirl beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream

If serving the cake for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it extra indulgent.

Orange Juice or Mimosas

The brightness of citrus offers a refreshing balance, whether you’re keeping it classic or adding a bubbly twist.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this cozy, cinnamon-laced dessert, here are a few more cake-inspired bakes you should absolutely try:

• Southern Hummingbird Cake is full of pineapple, banana, and spice for a true southern classic.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Bread offers deep chocolate decadence in loaf form.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls blend creamy, fruity, and fluffy into one glorious bite.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread brings sweet and salty perfection with every slice.
• Rhubarb Shortbread Bars give you that tangy-sweet finish in a buttery bar form.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cinnamon or keep it classic? Did you serve it with whipped cream, or go all in with ice cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday comfort bakes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite sweet treat!

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is one of those bakes that feels special every time you make it. The swirls, the scent, the sweetness—it’s all perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re baking it for a special morning or a simple Sunday, this is the kind of cake that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.

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