If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in the fresh-from-the-oven magic of cinnamon rolls without all the fuss and wait, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake will absolutely win you over. Picture a soft, buttery cake laced with pockets of melty brown sugar and cinnamon, draped in a sweet vanilla glaze—the comfort and aroma are simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a cozy treat on a busy morning, this cake brings all the best parts of classic cinnamon rolls into a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together in just about fifty minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list for Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is refreshingly short, yet each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and that unmistakable swirl. Stick to the basics for maximum reward: buttery richness, warm spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze that brings everything together.
- All-purpose flour: Provides a tender crumb and sturdy base for the cake, perfect for holding the gooey cinnamon swirl.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the cake itself, balancing the cinnamon flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise into a soft, fluffy, cloud-like texture.
- Salt: Enhances and sharpens all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Milk: Gives the batter its creamy smoothness and makes the crumb moist.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the cake’s aroma and complexity, both in the batter and glaze.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds essential richness and keeps the texture melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- Unsalted butter (softened): Helps the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture swirl smoothly into the batter.
- Brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and that classic cinnamon roll sweetness to every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Gives body to the swirl, ensuring it doesn’t just melt away as the cake bakes.
- Ground cinnamon: The hero spice—fragrant, warm, and totally essential for that signature flavor.
- For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully for a silky-smooth glaze topping.
- Milk: Makes the glaze pourable; use heavy cream for extra decadence.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the sweet, warm finish and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon swirl.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Gather Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures nothing sticks and makes serving up beautiful squares of Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake a breeze. Lay out and measure your ingredients now to keep things smooth and stress-free as you mix.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until they’re thoroughly combined. Now pour in the milk, crack in the eggs, splash in the vanilla, and add the melted butter. Stir gently just until everything comes together—it’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth. This batter forms the pillowy foundation of your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake.
Step 3: Spread the Batter in the Dish
Pour the batter out into your prepared pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it into an even layer. Aim for an even thickness across the dish so your cake bakes up light and fluffy all the way through.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until it’s velvety and cohesive. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls all over the top of the batter, then grab a knife and gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake in beautiful, swooping motions. Don’t overdo it—just enough to marble the swirl throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top will turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The scent of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze
While the cake is still warm, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. If you like it especially thick or thin, add the milk a little at a time until you reach your perfect consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, letting it soak into the warm cake’s crevices.
Step 7: Let Set and Enjoy
Allow your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake to rest for a few minutes so the glaze can set and slightly harden. Slice into generous squares and get ready to swoon with the very first bite!
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Garnishes
This cake is a stunner all on its own, but if you’re in the mood to dress things up, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. For extra flair, dust with a hint of powdered sugar or add a few curls of white chocolate on top. A dollop of freshly whipped cream on a warm slice is pure heaven!
Side Dishes
Pair Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake with a hot cup of coffee or a frothy latte for the ultimate café-style breakfast at home. For brunch gatherings, serve it beside a fresh fruit salad, juicy berries, or even some crispy bacon to balance the sweetness with a savory bite.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut the cake into generous squares or use a round biscuit cutter for charming single-serving rounds. For parties, try serving mini portions in decorative cupcake liners, or even layer cubes of cake with whipped cream and fruit for a playful cinnamon roll trifle. The possibilities are genuinely fun and festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
Let the cake cool completely, then cut into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil. Gather wrapped slices in a freezer bag and store for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat from frozen for an almost-fresh experience.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that just-baked magic? Pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm it in a low oven. The glaze turns gooey, and the cake softens up, just like it did the first time you served it.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake without eggs?
Absolutely! You can swap the eggs for a flaxseed egg or another egg substitute if you’re looking for an egg-free version. The texture will be a bit different, but the warm cinnamon flavors will still shine through.
What kind of milk should I use?
Any milk you have on hand will work—whole, 2 percent, or even non-dairy milks like almond or oat for a slight twist. Whole milk or even a splash of cream will give you the richest, moistest result.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this cake?
Definitely! Stir a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking. It’s a fun way to personalize your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double everything and bake in two pans or one larger pan if you’re feeding a crowd. Just keep a close eye on the baking time, since a thicker cake might need a few extra minutes.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A cake that sinks is often the result of underbaking or overmixing. Make sure your oven is fully heated, don’t over-stir the batter, and test the center with a toothpick for best results. Even if it sinks a little, it will still taste absolutely amazing!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a shortcut to the nostalgia and coziness of homemade cinnamon rolls, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is your delicious answer. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll earn you rave reviews at breakfast, brunch, or any sweet moment in between. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let the compliments (and requests for seconds) roll in!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with this easy-to-make Cinnamon Roll Cake. A soft, fluffy cake with a sweet cinnamon swirl, topped with a vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Cake Batter: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Pour into baking dish.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Drop over batter and swirl gently.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm cake.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream in the glaze.
- This cake is best served warm but can be reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds per slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
