When you want all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-swathed goodness of a cinnamon roll but without the time-consuming rolling and rising, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender cake layers with a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl baked right in, then topped with a simple, irresistibly sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert, this recipe captures the heart of classic cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time and with so much less fuss. Once you try this cake, it will quickly become a beloved staple for your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe plays a vital role, from the fluffy texture created by baking powder to the rich flavor of brown sugar and cinnamon. These simple pantry staples come together beautifully for a scrumptious, tender cake with a perfectly sweet finish.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cake, giving structure and softness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s moist crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the cake light and fluffy.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Provides moisture and tenderizes the crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moistness to the batter.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Key to the cinnamon swirl’s caramel flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps the cinnamon mixture hold together nicely.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice for that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and softness to the cinnamon swirl.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, providing sweetness without graininess.
- 3-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency perfectly for drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely hint of warmth to the glaze.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This simple step will ensure your cake comes out cleanly when it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined. Next, stir in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Pour this luscious batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to prepare for the cinnamon swirl magic.
Step 3: Create and Add the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly and well blended. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Then, take a butter knife and gently swirl the cinnamon bits into the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect—the signature look of our Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked and ready for the next step.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Aim for a glaze that’s thick enough to drizzle but smooth enough to spread slightly when poured over the cake.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely. Then generously drizzle your glaze over the warm cake to create that wonderful sweet finish that makes every bite heavenly.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet eye-catching touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze right after drizzling. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries can add a lovely pop of color and tartness to balance the cake’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte. For a heartier brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad to balance the indulgence with freshness and protein.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into squares and serve on a pretty platter with small ramekins of extra cinnamon sugar or cream cheese frosting for dipping. Another fun idea is to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Keep it covered well to prevent the cake from drying out and to maintain that tender texture.
Freezing
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake slices can be stored for up to three months—perfect for making ahead or preserving treats for later.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, warm slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked softness and help the glaze melt slightly for maximum yum.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this cake?
All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can try whole wheat flour for a denser, nuttier cake. Just replace up to half the flour with whole wheat to keep the cake tender.
Is this cake gluten-free friendly?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil for both the batter and cinnamon swirl.
How do I make sure the cinnamon swirl is evenly distributed?
Dropping spoonfuls over the batter and then gently swirling with a knife ensures the cinnamon swirl spreads nicely without sinking to the bottom or clumping in one spot.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cake to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about cinnamon rolls, and this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe captures that cozy, spicy sweetness without the fuss. It’s a fantastic option when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm, tender, cinnamon-swirled delight that comes together quickly and simply. Trust me, once you make this cake, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to brighten mornings or sweeten your afternoons.
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe recreates all the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a simple, single-layer cake that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. With a moist vanilla cake base, a sweet cinnamon swirl, and a luscious vanilla glaze drizzled on top, this 9×13-inch pan cake is incredibly simple to make and serves 12 people. It’s an ideal treat for gatherings or weekend mornings when you want all the cinnamon roll goodness without the fuss.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter until it forms a spreadable mixture. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon swirl mixture over the cake batter. Using a knife, gently swirl it through the batter to create a marbled cinnamon effect throughout the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and slightly runny, ready to drizzle.
- Cool and Glaze: When the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly but remain warm. Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the cake to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter used in the cinnamon swirl is softened, not melted.
- You can adjust the milk amount in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency—use less for a thicker glaze, more for a thinner drizzle.
- This cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days.
- To keep the cake moist, you can store leftovers in an airtight container.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the swirl to 1½ tablespoons.
