This decadent Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake combines the irresistible flavors of a warm cinnamon roll with the indulgence of gooey butter cake—all topped with a rich Sticky Toffee Buttercream that floods each bite with caramel bliss. Soft, marbled layers of spiced sweetness, creamy filling, and sticky-smooth frosting make this a show-stopping dessert perfect for holidays, brunch, or anytime you crave comfort in cake form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Gooey Center
Loaded with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Swirl
Topped with a Buttery, Velvety Toffee Frosting

Ingredients Breakdown

Cake Base

1 box yellow cake mix: A quick and reliable base with buttery vanilla flavor.
½ cup melted butter: Adds moisture and richness.
½ cup milk: Loosens the batter for a soft crumb.
3 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.

Cinnamon Swirl

¼ cup brown sugar: Adds molasses depth and caramel flavor.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: Classic warm spice for the swirl.
2 tbsp melted butter: Helps create a smooth, spreadable swirl.

Filling

8 oz cream cheese: The creamy, tangy heart of the gooey layer.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling.
½ cup melted butter: Enhances richness and creates a gooey texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.

Sticky Toffee Buttercream

½ cup unsalted butter: Base for a rich, smooth frosting.
½ cup brown sugar: Gives a deep, toffee-like flavor.
¼ cup heavy cream: Adds silky richness and soft spreadability.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel tones.
2–3 cups powdered sugar: Adjusts the thickness to flood or swirl.

Tips and Tricks

Swirling Tip: For more dramatic marbling, use a knife to swirl in “S” motions through the batter.
Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Consistency Matters: For a thicker buttercream, add more powdered sugar; for thinner, add a splash of cream.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure cream cheese and butter are soft for smooth blending.

Variations and Customizations

Salted Caramel Version: Use salted butter and a pinch of sea salt in the buttercream.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers.
Pumpkin Spice Remix: Add 1 tsp pumpkin spice to the cinnamon swirl for a fall-inspired twist.

Pairing Suggestions

Drinks:
- Iced coffee or cold brew
- Spiced chai latte
- Bourbon cream cocktail
Other Desserts:
- Mini apple pies
- Caramel brownies
- Butterscotch pudding

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and add buttercream fresh.
Make Ahead: Cake and frosting can both be made 1 day ahead and assembled just before serving.

Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12–16 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A heavenly mashup! Spiced cinnamon-swirled cake meets molten buttercream topping—drenched in sticky toffee glaze for pure caramelized euphoria

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup melted butter
½ cup milk
3 large eggs
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp melted butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
2–3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for spreading consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, milk, and eggs.
Mix until smooth, then spread half of the batter into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter.
Drizzle half the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread this creamy filling gently over the cinnamon swirl layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling.
Drizzle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
Use a knife or skewer to swirl everything together slightly for a marbled finish.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still a little gooey.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Sticky Toffee Buttercream

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly and caramelized.
Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream and vanilla, and let cool for 5 minutes.
Beat in powdered sugar, adding more as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Flood the Cake

Generously spread the sticky toffee buttercream over the cooled cake.
Use a spoon to swirl and flood the frosting into the edges and ridges of the cake for a gorgeous, glossy finish.

Notes

This cake is a show-stopper and a traffic magnet for dessert blogs and recipe websites.
Make sure to let the cake cool fully before frosting or the buttercream will melt.
You can also make these in a muffin tin for individual gooey butter cupcakes!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American