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Cinnamon Roll Cake is a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a cake. With its soft, fluffy base and gooey cinnamon swirl, this cake is topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, making it a perfect dessert or breakfast indulgence. It’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Quick and Easy: No need to deal with yeast or long rising times!

• Perfect Texture: Moist, fluffy, and loaded with cinnamon goodness.

• Family Favorite: Great for holidays, potlucks, and Sunday brunch.

• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a cream cheese glaze!

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Bottom Layer (Cake)

• All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides structure to the cake.

• Milk (1 ½ cups): Adds moisture, ensuring a soft texture.

• White sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake base.

• Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.

• Baking powder (4 teaspoons): Leavens the cake for a light texture.

• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender cake.

For the Top Layer (Cinnamon Swirl)

• Butter (1 cup, softened): Forms the rich base for the cinnamon swirl.

• Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the swirl.

• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the swirl mixture.

• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The signature spice for that cinnamon roll flavor.

For the Glaze

• Confectioners’ sugar (2 cups): Forms the sweet, smooth glaze.

• Milk (5 tablespoons): Thin the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.

• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds flavor and depth to the glaze.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything mix evenly.

• Don’t Overbake: Check a few minutes early to prevent dryness.

• Get Creative: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for extra flavor.

• Double the Glaze: If you love extra gooeyness, make a little more glaze!

Variations and Customizations

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace some of the milk with softened cream cheese.

• Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.

• Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon layer.

Pairing Suggestions

• Hot Coffee: The ultimate pairing for a cozy morning.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn it into a decadent dessert.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A lighter balance to the sweetness.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Keep covered at room temp for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate: For longer freshness, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Popular Questions

Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes! A simple vanilla or yellow cake mix can be a huge time-saver — just prepare according to the box instructions and continue with the cinnamon swirl.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! Bake and glaze the cake the night before and simply warm it slightly before serving for the best flavor.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 servings 1x

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Description

Cinnamon Roll Cake – A fluffy, buttery cake swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar and drizzled with sweet vanilla glaze. All the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll—in every slice!  Perfect for breakfast or dessert

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups milk

• 1 cup white sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 5 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups flour, milk, white sugar, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

• Stir in the melted butter.

• Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

• In another bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon until creamy.

• Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the batter.

Step 4: Create the Swirl Effect

• Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter, creating a beautiful marble effect.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.

• Let the cake cool slightly.

Step 6: Make and Add the Glaze

• In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake.

Notes

• For best swirl patterns, don’t overmix once you’ve added the cinnamon layer.

• If you love extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little more ground cinnamon over the top before baking.

• Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from completely melting off.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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