Description
Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that captures the classic cinnamon roll flavors in a moist, marbled cake form. With a cinnamon-sugar swirl baked right into the batter and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dessert. Its tender crumb and rich cinnamon flavors make it a family favorite that’s best served warm.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry cake ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, granulated sugar, and baking powder, mixing them well to distribute the leavening evenly.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter into the dry mix, then stir until you achieve a smooth, uniform batter without lumps.
- Pour batter into pan: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
- Make cinnamon swirl mixture: In a separate bowl, blend together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add cinnamon swirl to batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter, then use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter creating a marbled pattern.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly after baking, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the cake warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Best served warm for a soft, melty texture.
- Can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dessert.
- You can store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor intensity in the swirl.
