Introduction

This Cinnamon Roll Cake captures all the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make sheet cake. With a tender cake base, a luscious cinnamon swirl, and a sweet glaze on top, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

The image shows two thick, square slices of cinnamon roll cake placed on a white plate. The cake has a moist yellow base layer with visible swirls of cinnamon filling in the middle. The top layer is covered with a smooth, white icing that glistens, dripping slightly over the edges. The texture of the cake looks soft and crumbly, with some cinnamon filling peeking through the sides. In the blurred background, there is another slice on a white plate, some cinnamon sticks, and a glass of milk. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted (slightly cooled)
3/4 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray that contains flour for best results.
Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: With the mixer running, slowly pour in the melted butter. Mix briefly until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: In a separate small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter.
Step 7: Use a butter knife to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled pattern.
Step 8: Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
Step 10: Pour the glaze over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing for easier serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of regular milk.
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra texture.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk or add more powdered sugar gradually.
Make mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings.

Storage

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or serve chilled depending on preference. The glaze may firm up when refrigerated but softens again at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows two pieces of cinnamon swirl cake on a white plate, each piece having about three layers with a golden-yellow cake base, a middle layer of cinnamon brown swirl, and a top layer covered with a smooth, white icing glaze that drips slightly down the sides. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist with visible cinnamon swirls inside. In the background, another piece of the same cake sits on a white plate, slightly blurred. Nearby, there is a clear glass container filled with cinnamon sticks, all set on a white marbled surface with a red cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use oil instead of butter in this recipe?

Butter provides flavor and texture, especially in the cinnamon filling. While you can substitute oil in the cake batter, avoid replacing butter in the filling for best results.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven.