cinnamon roll cake

Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for topping); ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk (whole or your choice); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); 1 cup powdered sugar

Published: January 9, 2026

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This cinnamon roll cake

This incredible cinnamon roll cake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cinnamon roll cake:

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of this cake! Use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
Baking Powder: Essential for giving your cake that light and airy texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use freshly ground cinnamon for maximum flavor.
Eggs: These help bind everything together and give your cake structure.
Milk: Adds moisture to your batter; whole milk works best but any milk will do.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor—because who doesn’t love butter?
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile—trust me on this one.

For the Topping:

Brown Sugar: This adds depth and caramel notes that are simply irresistible.
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making that dreamy icing drizzle on top!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious cinnamon roll cake:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set aside so those dry ingredients can mingle.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then pour this delightful mixture into your dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 4: Pour and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar and additional cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Pour the remaining batter on top followed by the rest of the brown sugar mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Icing Drizzle

While the cake cools slightly, mix powdered sugar with a little bit of milk until smooth for icing. Drizzle generously over your warm cake before serving.

Transfer to plates and enjoy this glorious slice of heaven as you reminisce about all those fun memories in Grandma’s kitchen!

You Must Know About cinnamon roll cake

This showstopping cinnamon roll cake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by preparing the cake batter while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, mix the cinnamon-sugar filling before pouring half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the filling, add the remaining batter, and swirl it gently for a beautiful marbled effect.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to jazz up your cinnamon roll cake! Swap out vanilla for almond extract, add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or even toss in some dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for a delightful twist.

Storing & Reheating

To store your cinnamon roll cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy that freshly-baked taste again.

Chef's Helpful Tips for cinnamon roll cake

This professional-quality cinnamon roll cake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes I whip up this cinnamon roll cake when my friends come over, and it’s hilarious watching them try to resist going back for a second slice—spoiler alert: they never do!

FAQs

What is cinnamon roll cake?

Cinnamon roll cake is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake. This delightful treat features a soft, moist cake base swirled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet glaze. Unlike regular cinnamon rolls, which require time for dough to rise, the cinnamon roll cake can be prepared quickly and baked in one pan. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent snack.

How do I store leftover cinnamon roll cake?

To store leftover cinnamon roll cake, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container for optimal freshness. The cake will stay good at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for about a week. If you want to keep it fresh even longer, you might freeze the cake and thaw it when you’re ready to enjoy a slice.

Can I make cinnamon roll cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make cinnamon roll cake ahead of time! To prepare it in advance, bake the cake and let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. If frozen, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This makes it an excellent option for gatherings or busy mornings when you want something delicious without much hassle.

What are some variations of cinnamon roll cake?

There are many delightful variations of cinnamon roll cake you can try! You may add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch or incorporate fruit such as apples or berries for a fresh twist. Another variation is to infuse different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, into the filling. For those who love chocolate, consider adding cocoa powder to create a chocolate cinnamon roll cake. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

In summary, the cinnamon roll cake is a versatile and easy dessert that brings together classic flavors in a convenient form. It is perfect for any occasion and can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a sweet treat, this delightful cake is sure to please everyone. Don’t hesitate to whip up your own version of this tasty cinnamon roll cake today!

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