This Cinnamon Roll Cake takes all the delicious flavors of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and transforms them into an easy-to-make cake! With a soft, fluffy texture, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and a sweet vanilla glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
(Serves 12–16)
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
- Add the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until it forms a thick paste.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter.
- Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before adding the glaze.
Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake for maximum gooeyness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice into squares and serve warm. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk!
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
- For extra richness, use heavy cream in the glaze instead of milk.
- Want a stronger cinnamon flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the swirl.
- Make ahead: You can bake the cake in advance and warm it up before serving.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft and Gooey: Just like a cinnamon roll, but without all the work!
✔ Easy to Make: No kneading or rolling required.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
This Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Enjoy its warm, buttery, cinnamon-swirled goodness.