If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon swirls fresh from the oven, the Cinnamon Roll Cake is an absolute must-try treat that will amaze your taste buds. Combining the classic cinnamon roll’s rich spice and sugary sweetness in an easy-to-bake cake form, this dessert is perfect for everything from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings. Its soft, tender crumb and luscious glaze make every bite feel like a warm hug, while its simple ingredients and straightforward process make it accessible for bakers of all levels. Dive into this delectable delight and discover why Cinnamon Roll Cake is quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: The delightful mix of cinnamon and sugar wrapped into a soft, cake texture offers cozy flavors that remind you of home.
Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake requires far less labor but delivers the same delicious taste.
Versatile and Shareable: It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, and easy to cut into pieces for sharing.
Impressive Presentation: Your guests will think you spent hours creating this beautiful swirl of cinnamon and icing.
Customizable Flavors: Whether you want more frosting, nuts, or a twist of orange zest, this recipe lets you get creative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Cake lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a tender texture, rich flavor, and inviting aroma. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible treat:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb, balancing moisture beautifully.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners work together to give the cake a light and fluffy rise.
Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and depth, with brown sugar enhancing the cinnamon’s warmth.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making each slice melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to a tender, airy crumb.
Milk and sour cream: Provide moisture and tenderness, while sour cream adds a subtle tang that complements the cinnamon’s sweetness.
Cinnamon: The star spice, delivering that signature warm, aromatic flavor we all crave.
Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Cream cheese and powdered sugar: For the luscious frosting that takes this cake to the next level.

Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun and tasty ideas to customize this classic treat:

Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for added crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a cake everyone can enjoy.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warm spice twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Top the finished cake with caramel sauce instead of cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.
Fruit-Inspired: Mix in diced apples or pears within the swirl to add fruitiness and moisture.

Why Cinnamon Roll Cake Is a Must-Try Treat

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by combining your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in one bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk mixed with sour cream to create a smooth, creamy batter.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

Mix brown sugar with cinnamon and a bit of softened butter until it forms a spreadable paste. This mixture is what will give your cake the signature cinnamon roll flavor and swirl pattern.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into a greased baking pan. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over this layer and pour the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon layer through the batter, creating beautiful ribbons of cinnamon flavor.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooling before frosting is essential to maintain the delicate texture.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious frosting over the cooled cake, sealing in all the wonderful warmth and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temp for even mixing and better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Swirl Gently: Use a light hand when swirling the cinnamon layer to keep distinct patterns without blending everything together.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
Use Fresh Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon has a more vibrant, intense flavor than pre-ground options.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra cream cheese glaze adds an elegant touch. For a bit of color and texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or a few fresh berries on top before serving.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Cake pairs delightfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making it a perfect companion for slow weekend mornings or lively brunches with friends and family. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also raise the indulgence factor.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into small squares and serve on a decorative platter for easy grab-and-go treats at parties. Or transform it into a layered dessert by stacking cake slices with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit for a visually stunning and delicious presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Roll Cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the frosting with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake before frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then frost before serving for the best results.

Reheating

Warming a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds restores that just-baked softness and melts the frosting slightly, making each bite irresistible. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cake without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can also use simple powdered sugar glaze or even skip frosting altogether for a less sweet version.

Is Cinnamon Roll Cake difficult to make?

Not at all! This cake simplifies the process of making cinnamon rolls by combining ingredients into a batter, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level.

Can I prepare this cake vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives and using flax eggs or other egg replacements, you can easily make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How long does Cinnamon Roll Cake last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 5 days, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

What is the best pan for baking Cinnamon Roll Cake?

A 9×13-inch rectangular baking pan works best to create those delightful cinnamon swirls and allows even baking throughout the cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that combines the nostalgia of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake, Cinnamon Roll Cake is ready to become your new favorite. It’s warm, tender, and bursting with cinnamon goodness in every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So why not preheat your oven and surprise your loved ones with this scrumptious sweet treat? You’ll be glad you did!

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-bake cake form. Featuring a soft, tender crumb swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, this versatile cake is perfect for breakfasts, brunches, desserts, or sweet snacks, pleasing bakers and taste buds of all levels.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast; Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for cinnamon swirl)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
½ cup sour cream

Cinnamon Swirl

1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (preferably freshly ground)
3 tablespoons softened butter

Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the mixture of milk combined with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and smooth.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl: Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons softened butter until it forms a spreadable paste. This will create the signature cinnamon flavor and swirl.
Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon layer through the batter to create beautiful ribbons.
Bake: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to preserve texture.
Frost the Cake: Beat cream cheese and ¼ cup butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for better texture and even mixing.
Mix batter just until combined to prevent a dense cake.
Swirl the cinnamon paste gently to keep distinct patterns.
Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
Use freshly ground cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cake, cinnamon swirl cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cinnamon dessert, breakfast cake