If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the cozy, irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling and slicing, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures all the warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness we love in a cinnamon roll, but in a cake form that’s simple to whip up and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Imagine a beautifully marbled cake soaked with cinnamon swirls and topped with a luscious glaze that melts in your mouth — pure comfort in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy when baking this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. Each component plays a special role: from the soft flour base to the rich cinnamon-sugar filling and the silky glaze that ties it all together, these essentials balance texture, flavor, and sweetness beautifully.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tenderness for the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness to the batter.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake a lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates a luscious, moist crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: The key to that deep, caramelized cinnamon swirl.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cinnamon filling for perfect swirls.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with its signature cozy spice.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Joins the cinnamon mixture for a velvety texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of the sweet glaze topping.
- 3-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the glaze with extra flavor.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden every time.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder so your dry ingredients are perfectly blended. Then add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and the melted butter. Stir everything together until the batter feels smooth and silky, ready to be poured into your prepared pan.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter until it looks like a crumbly, buttery paste. This mixture is what makes the cake taste like a cinnamon roll in cake form, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl to the Batter
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture all over the cake batter in the pan. Grab a knife and gently swirl it through to create those irresistible cinnamon ribbons. This marbling is what transforms the cake from simple to spectacular.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by the time it’s done.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While your cake cools just slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze generously over the warm cake for that perfect sweet finish everyone will adore.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can add a lovely crunch and visual appeal to your cinnamon roll cake. Fresh berries also brighten it up and add a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for breakfast. If you want to turn it into dessert, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — your guests will swoon!
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming occasion, slice the Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe into squares and serve on rustic wooden boards or pretty dessert plates. You can also cut smaller bite-sized pieces for a brunch buffet, making it easy for everyone to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For a little longer storage, refrigerate and bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge for a fresh, cozy treat.
Reheating
Warm your slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and to melt the glaze slightly.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind the texture may be denser and the flavor a little nuttier. For best results, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The cake may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
Can I prepare this cake the night before?
You can mix up the batter and cinnamon swirl the night before, cover it well, and bake the next morning. This is a great way to save time on a busy day.
What’s the best way to achieve distinct cinnamon swirls?
Using a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter creates those beautiful ribbons of cinnamon without fully blending it, giving you perfect marbling every time.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make fantastic mix-ins added into the cinnamon swirl or sprinkled on top before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe enough if you’re craving that classic cinnamon roll flavor without the extra work. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, quick to throw together, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Get ready to fall in love with every warm, gooey, buttery bite!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a simple, quick-to-make sheet cake. Swirled with a cinnamon sugar mixture and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, this delightful dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a cinnamon-spiced treat without the fuss of individual rolls.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, stirring until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and softened butter together until fully combined into a spreadable mixture. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your preferred glaze consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool slightly but remain warm. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the cake. Slice and serve for a warm, cinnamon-infused treat.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or substitute with half-and-half.
- You can add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more milk gradually.
- The cake is best enjoyed warm but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
