If you crave the gooey, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but want something even easier and more shareable, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen, a buttery cake that bakes up soft and tender, and a glossy vanilla glaze that melts into every bite. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings all the magic of homemade cinnamon rolls without the fuss of yeast or rolling dough. Trust me, your friends and family will beg for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is how straightforward the ingredients are—no specialty items, just familiar basics that blend together to create something truly special. Each component adds its own touch of flavor, texture, or color, making every bite a delicious experience.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to the cake base.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
- Milk: Brings moisture and helps create a tender texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma to both the cake and the glaze.
- Unsalted butter (melted for cake, softened for swirl): Butter is key for richness—melted for the cake, softened for that irresistible cinnamon swirl.
- Packed brown sugar: Deep, molasses-y sweetness for the cinnamon layer.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the glaze silky-smooth and perfectly sweet.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake won’t stick, and it makes for easy serving later on.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring just until everything is combined. Last but not least, pour in the melted butter and give it one final mix—your batter should be smooth, but don’t overdo it. Pour this lovely mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and stir until a thick, spreadable paste forms. Drop generous spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over your cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it all around. Don’t worry about perfection—those ribbons of cinnamon are what make every slice unique!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent alone will have everyone in the house wandering into the kitchen!
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
While your cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a luscious glaze. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm surface, letting it sink into every swirl and crevice. Let the cake cool just a bit before slicing—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for crunch, or add a dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake into an extra-special dessert.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cake with fresh fruit—like sliced strawberries or a fruit salad—adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet richness. If you’re enjoying it for brunch, a savory egg casserole or crispy bacon balances out the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or slice it into cubes and skewer with fresh fruit for a fun brunch platter. For a party, cut the cake into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tiered stand—watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for another time, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Add the glaze after thawing for the freshest flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, simply warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or pop the whole cake (covered with foil) in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The glaze will melt slightly, making every bite as gooey and delicious as the first time.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake the night before and store it covered. Just wait to add the glaze until you’re ready to serve, then reheat slightly and drizzle on the fresh glaze for that straight-from-the-oven taste.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be sprinkled into the cinnamon swirl for added texture and flavor. Feel free to customize based on your favorite cinnamon roll additions.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and a plant-based butter in both the cake and cinnamon swirl. The results are just as delicious, and everyone can enjoy a slice.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon mixture?
Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently drag and swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter. Don’t over-mix; you want distinct ribbons for that classic cinnamon roll look and taste.
Can I halve the recipe?
You sure can! Simply halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may be done a bit sooner.
Final Thoughts
Baking up a pan of Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is like sharing a warm hug with everyone at your table. Whether you serve it for a lazy weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or a sweet after-dinner treat, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a beloved tradition in your home, too!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into a simple, moist cake perfect for breakfast or dessert. Swirled with a rich cinnamon and brown sugar paste, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this cake offers a comforting treat with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Stir in the melted butter, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix thoroughly until a thick paste forms. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter. Using a knife, swirl the mixture gently through the batter to create a marbled effect without fully blending.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and set on top.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to let the glaze set slightly for perfect serving.
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed warm, bringing out the gooey cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze.
- It reheats well in the microwave for quick servings on subsequent days.
- For extra texture and flavor, add chopped pecans into the cinnamon swirl mixture or sprinkle nutmeg over the top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
