Description
Cinnamon Roll Cake with buttery cinnamon filling and vanilla glaze—like a cinnamon roll in every slice. Easy, cozy, and totally irresistible!
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
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray (preferably one that contains flour).
Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), add the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
Begin mixing, then slowly pour in the melted butter while continuing to mix.
Mix just until the ingredients are combined—do not overmix, as it may toughen the cake.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until a smooth, spreadable paste forms.
Swirl the Filling
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.
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
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
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
If too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Glaze the Cake
Once the cake comes out of the oven, pour the glaze over the warm cake.
Let the glaze sink into the swirls and edges. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
You can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 or 9×9 pan.
Make sure your baking powder is fresh—expired leavening can result in a dense cake.
Letting the cake cool slightly before cutting will give you neater slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, cinnamon swirl cake, vanilla glaze cake, brunch cake, easy cinnamon dessert