Print

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

5 from 129 reviews

This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the soft, fluffy texture of a classic cake with the rich flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar swirls typical of cinnamon rolls. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this dessert is perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 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 and slightly cooled

Filling

  • 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

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 5 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, preferably one containing flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup white granulated sugar, and 4 teaspoons baking powder. Add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 cups milk.
  3. Add melted butter: While the mixer runs, slowly pour in 1/2 cup melted salted butter, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  4. Spread batter in pan: Evenly spread the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 baking dish using a spatula.
  5. Prepare cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix 3/4 cup softened salted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
  6. Add cinnamon swirls: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling randomly over the cake batter.
  7. Create swirled pattern: Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect throughout the batter without fully blending the filling.
  8. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
  9. Make the glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 5 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin as desired.
  10. Glaze and serve: Once the cake is done, pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake. You can serve it warm or allow it to cool to room temperature for easier slicing.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to prevent a tough cake texture.
  • You can adjust the glaze thickness to your preference by adding powdered sugar or milk accordingly.
  • Letting the cake cool slightly makes slicing easier and cleaner.
  • Using salted butter balances the sweetness and enhances flavor, but you can substitute with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if preferred.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cake, Cinnamon Cake, Swirled Cake, Vanilla Glaze, Breakfast Cake, Dessert