Heavenly Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe: Swirls of Joy

Sweet mornings deserve a delightful cinnamon roll cake that combines the best of breakfast pastries into one irresistible dessert.

This heavenly treat brings together the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a moist, tender cake form.

Each slice promises a swirl of rich cinnamon and a drizzle of creamy glaze that melts in your mouth.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece for any gathering.

Soft, buttery layers create a decadent experience that rivals any bakery creation.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable recipe and treat yourself to a slice of pure comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything In Cinnamon Roll Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational building block that gives structure and body to our dreamy cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create a tender, golden crumb with delightful caramelization.
• Baking Powder: The magical rising agent that ensures a light, fluffy texture throughout the cake.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors, making each bite more vibrant.

• Milk: Adds moisture and richness, creating a soft and supple cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure, binding, and a luxurious silkiness to the cake's interior.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert's flavor profile.
• Melted Butter: Contributes incredible richness, moisture, and a golden, indulgent undertone.

• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that delivers a warm, nostalgic essence reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.

Tools For Baking Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for creating an even layer of delicious cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter evenly and scraping bowl sides.
• Oven: Necessary for baking the cake to golden perfection.

Steps To Cook Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get your baking dish ready for a delightful cinnamon adventure. Create a smooth surface by lightly coating the pan with a thin layer of grease.

• Flour Foundation

Gather your dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Combine the powdery whites and granulated sweetness with a gentle whisking motion, creating a soft cloud of potential deliciousness.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in the creamy milk, rich eggs, fragrant vanilla, and melted golden butter. Blend everything with a light touch, being careful not to overwork the mixture. The goal is a smooth, silky batter that promises a tender cake.

• Baking Transformation

Carefully transfer the velvety mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a gentle hand. Let the oven work its transformative magic, turning your simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that will fill your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aroma.

Tips To Nail Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Cinnamon Swirl Magic: Create beautiful cinnamon swirls by using a butter knife to gently drag through the brown sugar mixture, creating artistic marble-like patterns across the cake's surface.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the cake batter and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to develop deeper richness. Simply bring to room temperature before baking for perfect texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free blend to make this cake accessible for those with wheat sensitivities. Add an extra teaspoon of baking powder to maintain the cake's light, fluffy structure.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter alternatives. These swaps create a delicious version for lactose-intolerant friends without compromising flavor.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Enhance the cinnamon profile by toasting ground cinnamon briefly in a dry pan before mixing into the brown sugar topping, which intensifies its warm, complex aromatics and brings more depth to the cake.

Fun Ways To Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Sweet Swirl Topping: Drizzle warm cream cheese frosting over each slice, creating delightful zigzag patterns that enhance the cake's cinnamon flavor and add creamy richness.
• Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside fresh hot coffee or a cold glass of milk to complement the cake's warm, sweet spices and create a delectable morning treat.
• Dessert Elevation: Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra texture and a gourmet touch that makes the cake look professionally prepared.
• Ice Cream Partner: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to a warm slice, letting the cold, creamy dessert melt slightly and create a heavenly contrast with the cake's warm, soft texture.

Storage Advice For Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Tasty Timing Strategy: Enjoy this cake within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor intensity.
• Chilled Storage Solution: Refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Cover with plastic wrap or sealed lid to block potential refrigerator odors.
• Room Temperature Tip: Keep cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days if planning to serve soon. Use a cake dome or clean kitchen towel for protection.
• Freezing Technique: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future enjoyment. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving, allowing cake to return to room temperature naturally.

Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic cinnamon roll cake blends nostalgic bakery flavors into a comforting dessert. Warm spices and sweet glaze promise delightful moments for people who cherish home-baked memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml/12 fl oz) milk
• 1 cup (200 g/7 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 g/4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups (375 g/13 oz) all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g/7 oz) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (115 g/4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
• 2 cups (250 g/9 oz) powdered sugar
• 5 tbsps milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a rectangular baking pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation for the cake’s structure.
3. Wet Mixture: Blend milk, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth, lump-free batter forms without overmixing.
4. Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter to create a rich, aromatic filling mixture.
5. Layering: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, then strategically drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture across the surface, using a knife to create intricate swirling patterns throughout.
6. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a golden-brown crust develops and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Finishing Touch: After removing from the oven, allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan, then prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and drizzle elegantly over the warm cake.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a tender, soft cake texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Achieve Perfect Swirls: Use a butter knife or thin spatula to create delicate, random cinnamon patterns for a professional-looking marbled effect.
• Temperature Precision: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to promote even mixing and consistent baking results.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for improved texture and structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg