Cinnamon Roll Cake

Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delectable dessert that blends the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease and convenience of a cake. Imagine a fluffy, moist cake topped with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness and finished off with a luscious glaze. It’s like enjoying a cinnamon roll, but in cake form! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is bound to become your new favorite indulgence. Best of all, it’s simple to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. If you love cinnamon rolls but prefer a simpler way to enjoy them, then this recipe is just for you.

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunches
• Family gatherings
• Holiday mornings
• Dessert after a savory meal
• Cinnamon lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cinnamon Roll Cake will become your go-to dessert:

• Fluffy and Moist Texture: The cake base is light, airy, and incredibly moist, making it the perfect canvas for the rich, cinnamon-sugar swirl inside.
• Swirls of Cinnamon Goodness: The swirls of cinnamon sugar create pockets of sweetness and spice throughout the cake, mimicking the iconic flavor of a cinnamon roll.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and no yeast required, this cake can be whipped up in no time without the need for complicated dough-making or rising time.
• Ideal for Sharing: Perfect for large gatherings or family breakfasts, this cake is easy to slice into portions and serve to a crowd.
• Customizable: You can easily make this recipe your own by adjusting the level of cinnamon or adding extras like nuts or raisins to the swirl.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients:
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 12g

Ingredients

To make this irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• All-purpose Flour: Provides the structure and texture for the cake, allowing it to rise and remain soft and fluffy.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake, ensuring it stays soft and tender.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the dish, cinnamon infuses the cake with a warm, aromatic spice that is essential for the signature cinnamon roll flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the cinnamon swirl its characteristic richness and depth of flavor.
• Powdered Sugar and Milk: The glaze brings a sweet, smooth finish to the cake, enhancing its sweetness and giving it that perfect touch of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or a whisk. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Assemble the Cake

7. Layer the Cake Batter and Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the cake batter. Repeat with the remaining cake batter and cinnamon sugar, swirling again to distribute the cinnamon sugar evenly throughout the cake.

Bake the Cake

8. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes, as oven times may vary.
9. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze

10. Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
11. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake. You can use a spoon or drizzle it directly from the bowl for a more rustic look.

Serve and Enjoy

12. Cut and Serve: Slice the Cinnamon Roll Cake into squares or rectangles, and serve it warm or at room temperature. The cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake can be served in many ways:

• As a Breakfast or Brunch Item: Serve the cake as part of a brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and hot beverages like coffee or tea.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels extra indulgent.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast to the warm, cinnamon sweetness of the cake.
• At Gatherings: This cake is a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s easy to slice and serve to large groups.
• As a Gift: Wrap slices of the cake in parchment paper or place them in a decorative box to gift to loved ones.

Additional Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cake

To make your Cinnamon Roll Cake even better, try these tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Make the Swirls Neat: When adding the cinnamon sugar, try to distribute it evenly across the cake batter for consistent swirls.
• Customize the Flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a nutty crunch. You can also fold in some raisins or dried fruit for added sweetness.
• Make It Ahead of Time: The cake can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and reheat slices in the microwave before serving.
• Use a Toothpick for Perfect Swirls: To make sure your cinnamon sugar is swirled evenly, use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it through the batter without over-mixing.

Recipe Variations of Cinnamon Roll Cake

Here are some delicious variations of the Cinnamon Roll Cake you can try:

• Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chopped apples to the cinnamon swirl for a fruity twist on this classic cake.
• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the cake batter for a cozy autumn flavor.
• Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar swirl for added texture and crunch.
• Maple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Drizzle the top with maple syrup instead of a traditional glaze for a rich, maple-flavored topping.
• Coconut Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter or cinnamon swirl for a tropical twist.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a simple glaze, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a rich and tangy topping.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar swirl for a chocolatey variation of this cake.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure the blend you use works well in baking.
• Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cake: Swap the butter and eggs with vegan alternatives, such as coconut oil and flax eggs, to make the cake dairy-free and egg-free.
• Almond Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add almond extract to the cake batter for a nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon.

Freezing and Storage for Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Freezing: You can freeze the Cinnamon Roll Cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cake stays soft and moist, perfect for enjoying a slice whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Special Equipment for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Here are some tools that will make baking Cinnamon Roll Cake easier:

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This size pan is perfect for making a large, thick cake that can be cut into generous portions.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer can help you quickly cream the butter and sugar and mix the batter evenly.
• Silicone Spatula: A silicone spatula helps gently fold in the dry ingredients and swirl the cinnamon sugar without overmixing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to making the cake turn out just right, so be sure to use proper measuring tools.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack helps air circulate around the cake as it cools, preventing it from becoming soggy.

FAQ Section about Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
   Yes, you can substitute white sugar for the brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl, but the flavor will be slightly less rich. Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon.
2. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
   Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) to make this cake dairy-free.
3. How do I know when the cake is done?
   The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check the texture of the batter before baking.
5. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

Print

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect combination of indulgence and ease. With its soft, moist cake base, gooey cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, this dessert is sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, a dessert after dinner, or serving it at a gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite. Plus, with endless ways to customize it, you’ll be able to make it your own. Simple, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying, Cinnamon Roll Cake is a must-try recipe that will bring joy to every bite. Enjoy!