Introduction
This cinnamon roll cake brings together everything people love about classic cinnamon rolls without the long rising times or complicated shaping. It offers all the warm cinnamon flavor and gooey swirls but in the simple form of a tender, moist cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is quick, comforting, and irresistible.
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Description
Cinnamon roll cake is a soft vanilla cake layered and topped with buttery cinnamon sugar swirls that melt into the batter as it bakes. Finished with a smooth glaze, it tastes like a hybrid between a cinnamon roll and a coffee cake. It’s ideal when you want the flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls but need something faster and easier.
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Ingredients
For the Cake
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Instructions
1. Make the Cake Batter
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
1. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Mix until creamy and spreadable.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.
4. Use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter, creating a marble pattern.
3. Bake
1. Bake for 32 to 38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Do not overbake; the cake should remain soft and moist.
4. Add the Glaze
1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the swirls.
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Tips
For a richer flavor, use half and half or buttermilk instead of regular milk.
Make sure your butter for the swirl is softened, not melted, for proper texture.
If your glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Serve warm for the best cinnamon roll experience.
Letting the cake rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the glaze absorb better.
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Variations
Cream cheese glaze: Replace half the powdered sugar with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese and beat until smooth.
Nutty version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
Extra cinnamon: Increase cinnamon in the swirl to 1.5 tablespoons.
Maple twist: Replace 1 tablespoon of the milk in the glaze with maple syrup.
Mini version: Bake in an 8 x 8 pan for a thicker cake (increase bake time slightly).
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Corrections
If your cake turns out:
Dry: Reduce baking time, measure flour accurately, and ensure ingredients are not overmixed.
Dense: Make sure baking powder is fresh and do not overmix the batter.
Too sweet: Reduce the glaze or use unsweetened milk for thinning.
Not enough cinnamon flavor: Increase cinnamon in the swirl or add a pinch to the batter.
Glaze too runny: Add extra powdered sugar until it thickens.
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Enjoy
Slice warm, serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, and enjoy the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in easy cake form. This treat works beautifully for holidays, family gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings.