Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup salted butter, melted; 1 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re craving the delightful taste of cinnamon rolls but don’t want to deal with all the rolling, rising, and dough-making, then this Cinnamon Roll Cake is the answer to your dessert dreams! Combining all the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a simple, easy-to-make cake, this dessert will satisfy your cravings without any of the hassle. With layers of soft, fluffy cake and swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness, this cake is a true indulgence. Top it off with a sweet glaze, and you have a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.

What’s great about this Cinnamon Roll Cake is that it’s quick to prepare yet still delivers that warm, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that everyone loves about cinnamon rolls. There’s no need to wait for dough to rise or for the oven to bake multiple layers – this cake gives you the full cinnamon roll experience in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or making it for yourself, this cake is bound to be a hit, and it’s easy enough to make whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet.

So, get ready to enjoy a deliciously simple version of the classic cinnamon roll with this Cinnamon Roll Cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake is incredibly easy to make with minimal effort and no waiting for dough to rise.

2. Perfectly Soft and Fluffy

The cake is soft, tender, and moist, with that melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon filling.

3. Indulgent Cinnamon-Sugar Swirls

The cinnamon-sugar mixture creates a beautiful swirl throughout the cake, giving you that classic cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.

4. Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

This cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat, brunch option, or dessert after dinner.

5. No Special Equipment Needed

You don’t need any special equipment, just a regular cake pan and a whisk – making it easy for anyone to make!

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla extract
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar

Variations

Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for added crunch and flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chopped apples to the batter or the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a fruity variation.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free while keeping the flavor intact.
Dairy-Free: Replace the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and a small amount of milk together until smooth and pourable.

Step 7: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Swirl carefully: When swirling the cinnamon-sugar mixture, be sure not to overmix it. You want a marbled effect, not a fully blended batter.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature to ensure the cake batter mixes evenly.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. If you overbake it, the texture may become dry, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
Add extra cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add a little more cinnamon to the batter or the cinnamon-sugar swirl for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this Cinnamon Roll Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for breakfast or brunch. For a special touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. This cake is also great for a casual gathering or a potluck!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! After it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw the cake at room temperature or warm it in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or place the entire cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar in the cake batter or cinnamon-sugar swirl for a different flavor profile.

2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Just be sure to glaze it right before serving.

4. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well! After baking and cooling, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cake is delicious without the glaze. You can even dust it with powdered sugar instead if you prefer.

7. Can I add nuts to the batter?

Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

8. How long does this cake last?

This cake stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

9. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) in the recipe.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a perfect fusion of two beloved treats – the cinnamon roll and the cake. With its moist texture, irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl, and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Simple to prepare and full of comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy!