Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake brings all the rich, gooey flavor of your favorite breakfast treat into an easy-to-make sheet cake. With a soft vanilla cake base, swirled brown sugar cinnamon ribbons, and a sweet vanilla glaze poured over the top, it’s an irresistible dessert (or brunch indulgence!) that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Tastes like a cinnamon roll, but no yeast or rising time required
• Swirled cinnamon filling melts into the cake as it bakes
• Soft, fluffy cake with buttery cinnamon sugar bites in every piece
• Finished with a simple vanilla glaze that sinks into every crevice
• Great for brunches, holiday mornings, or any sweet craving

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Cinnamon Filling:

• ¾ cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray (preferably one that contains flour).

Make the Cake Batter

3. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), add the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
4. Begin mixing, then slowly pour in the melted butter while continuing to mix.
5. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—do not overmix, as it may toughen the cake.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Make the Cinnamon Filling

7. In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until a smooth, spreadable paste forms.

Swirl the Filling

8. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.
9. Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter, creating a marble-like pattern. Be sure to drag the knife through both layers to incorporate.

Bake the Cake

10. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Glaze

11. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
12. If too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Glaze the Cake

13. Once the cake comes out of the oven, pour the glaze over the warm cake.
14. Let the glaze sink into the swirls and edges. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients (milk, eggs, butter) for the best texture.
• For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra ½ tablespoon of cinnamon to the filling.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a nutty twist.
• Try a maple glaze variation by substituting 1 tablespoon of milk with maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or chai.
• Excellent as a brunch centerpiece or weekend breakfast.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage / Reheating

• Do not refrigerate – it will dry out. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual slices in plastic wrap and reheat as needed.
• To reheat: microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds until just warm.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead?
A: You can try, but homemade holds up better to the dense cinnamon filling. A boxed mix may become too soft and sink in the middle.

Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It can be baked and glazed a day ahead. Let cool, cover tightly, and serve the next day.

Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Slice and wrap individually for freezing. Reheat as needed for a fresh-from-the-oven treat.

Do I have to use salted butter?
A: It’s recommended, as there’s no added salt in the batter. If using unsalted, consider adding a pinch of salt to both the batter and the filling.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. With a rich swirl of brown sugar cinnamon and a sweet vanilla glaze that melts into every bite, it’s like a warm cinnamon roll in every slice—without the kneading, rising, or waiting. Simple to make and hard to resist, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite.

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