If you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and irresistible, this Cinnamon Roll Cake will warm your heart and elevate your dessert game. Hi there! I’m Michael, a passionate culinary artist behind FoodyDish.com. With years of culinary experience and a love for reimagining classics, I’ve crafted this recipe to turn a timeless breakfast favorite into a tender, gooey dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a laid-back weekend treat, this is the one you’ll keep coming back to. In this post, I’ll guide you through why this dessert works so well, share ingredient tips, step-by-step instructions, variations, and all the pro tricks you’ll need.
Why This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe Works
- Uses pantry staples you already have
- Bakes faster than traditional cinnamon rolls
- Delivers gooey cinnamon-sugar flavor without the mess of rolling dough
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any cozy gathering
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake
Best Bases for This Recipe
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure while remaining light.
- Buttermilk or Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Brown sugar & cinnamon: The heart of the classic cinnamon swirl.
Buying Tips
- Use fresh baking powder for a perfect rise.
- Choose unsalted butter to control flavor and salt content.
- Pick real vanilla extract for deep flavor—not imitation.
Substitutions
- No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.
- Gluten-free version? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Want to cut dairy? Try coconut yogurt and vegan butter alternatives.
Ingredients & Prep for Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cake Batter Essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl (Beam Style)
- Brown Sugar – 3/4 cup
- Ground Cinnamon – 2 tbsp
- Melted Butter – 1/4 cup
Icing (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Cake
Pre-Cooking Prep: Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13” baking pan or line with parchment.
- Mix all cake ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Cooking Method: Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Combine the swirl ingredients and drop spoonfuls over the batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
Doneness Check: Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Edges should be golden and the top slightly puffed.
Resting: Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes before drizzling with icing.
- This allows the swirl to settle and the cake to firm up for slicing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake
Avoiding Dry Texture in Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Don’t overmix the batter—stop when ingredients are just combined.
- Avoid overbaking; check at 28 minutes.
Tool Recommendations: Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Use a glass baking dish for even heat distribution.
- A silicone spatula helps mix batter gently without deflating it.
Storage & Reheating: Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive gooeyness.
Flavor Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cake
| Variation Type | Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Chai Twist | Add 1 tsp cardamom & 1/2 tsp nutmeg | Warming, bold, perfect for fall |
| Vegan | Use almond milk & vegan butter | Equally moist and flavorful |
| Apple Cinnamon | Add 1/2 cup diced apples to batter | Fruity, cozy twist on the classic |
| Maple Glaze | Replace vanilla with maple syrup in icing | Deep, caramelized sweetness |
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Pair with hot herbal tea or spiced chai latte for a warming combo.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert-style flair.
- Serve for brunch with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for contrast.
FAQs about Cinnamon Roll Cake
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! A 1:1 baking blend works well.
How do I fix overbaked cake?
Wrap slices in a damp paper towel and microwave briefly to soften.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Freeze individual pieces in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! It’s alcohol-free and uses whole, family-friendly ingredients.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cozy, fail-proof dessert to charm your guests or brighten your own day, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is your new go-to. It brings all the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a one-bowl bake. Fire up your oven and give this treat a try tonight!
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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe: Cozy Dessert Favorite for All
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is your shortcut to the flavor of cinnamon rolls without the fuss—gooey, moist, and laced with a sweet cinnamon swirl.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (for swirl)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13” baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and swirl using a knife.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake for 10–15 minutes before adding icing.
9. For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
10. Drizzle the icing over the warm cake and serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture tender.
To reheat, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds to revive softness.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
You can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cake, dessert, cinnamon, easy cake recipe