Cinnamon Roll Cake brings together the best of both worlds—the soft, fluffy texture of a traditional cake and the irresistible, warm flavors of cinnamon rolls. This cake features a rich, buttery batter swirled with a cinnamon filling that melts into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of cinnamon-sweet goodness. Topped with a sweet, creamy glaze, this cake is a comforting, decadent dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave something sweet.

With its easy-to-make ingredients and minimal prep, this cake offers all the flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls without the time-consuming dough preparation. The melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon filling and the luscious glaze take this cake to the next level, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a weekend morning, or simply looking for a comforting treat, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cinnamon Roll Flavor, Cake Form

This recipe combines the best parts of a cinnamon roll—fluffy texture and cinnamon-sugar filling—into a simple, easy-to-make cake.

2. Quick and Easy

You don’t need to wait for dough to rise, and it’s made in one pan—this cake is a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy a cinnamon roll experience.

3. Perfectly Sweet Glaze

The glaze, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, adds the perfect finishing touch and enhances the overall sweetness of the cake.

4. Great for Any Occasion

Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is versatile and will be enjoyed by family and friends alike.

5. Soft and Moist Texture

The cake is light, moist, and tender, thanks to the combination of butter, milk, and eggs in the batter, paired with the gooey cinnamon filling.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
White granulated sugar
Baking powder
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk
Salted butter (melted, slightly cooled)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

Salted butter (softened to room temperature)
Light brown sugar (packed)
All-purpose flour
Ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract

Variations

Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a delicious crunch.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Substitute the vanilla glaze with a cream cheese glaze for a richer, tangier finish.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for extra warmth and spice.
Maple Flavored Glaze: Replace vanilla with maple extract in the glaze for a maple-flavored twist.
Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey variation of this cake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, and baking powder. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Layer the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling on top of the batter and use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon filling through the cake. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the filling will create beautiful swirls as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares and serve warm. Enjoy this soft, cinnamon-infused treat for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Swirl the Cinnamon Filling Gently: When swirling the cinnamon filling into the batter, use a light hand to avoid overmixing. The filling will melt into the cake during baking.
Check for Doneness Early: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cake around 30 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
Glaze While Warm: The glaze sets best when added to the cake while it’s still slightly warm.

How to Serve

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is best served warm, with the glaze slightly melted into the cake for maximum flavor. It makes an excellent breakfast treat, dessert, or coffee break snack. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee, milk, or tea for a delightful experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The cake stays moist and flavorful.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the microwave or oven before serving.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or place the cake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead of time and store it at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving.

2. Can I use salted butter for the cake batter?

Yes, you can use salted butter in the cake batter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly.

3. How can I make the cake more cinnamon-y?

You can increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling for a stronger cinnamon flavor, or sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top of the glaze before serving.

4. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly. The cake may take a little longer to bake in a smaller pan.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can skip the glaze, but it adds a delicious finishing touch.

6. Can I use a different type of sugar for the glaze?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or honey instead of powdered sugar, but the glaze may have a different consistency.

7. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition to the cinnamon filling for added texture.

8. Can I use a sugar substitute for the cake?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but the texture may change slightly.

9. How long will the cake stay fresh?

The cake will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

10. Can I make this recipe without the cinnamon filling?

If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can omit the cinnamon filling and make a simple vanilla cake with glaze instead.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake combines all the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in a simple, one-pan cake. With a fluffy cake base, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or a simple dessert, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone coming back for seconds.