Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate dessert (or breakfast!) that combines the soft, fluffy texture of a cake with the rich, buttery cinnamon flavor of classic cinnamon rolls. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this cake is perfect for family brunches, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting dessert any time of the year. This easy-to-make recipe delivers all the indulgence of cinnamon rolls without the need for rolling out dough, making it a quicker and simpler alternative. If you love the sweet, spiced warmth of cinnamon rolls, this cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cinnamon Roll Flavor in Cake Form: Enjoy the taste of cinnamon rolls with a fraction of the effort.
• Soft and Moist Texture: The cake base is tender and moist, with swirls of buttery cinnamon filling throughout.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a midnight snack.
• Customizable Topping: The cream cheese glaze adds decadence, but you can also use a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is guaranteed to impress family and friends with its warm, inviting flavors.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Serving size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30g

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Filling:

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

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk (plus more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the milk, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined, but avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

1. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Ingredient Background

• Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cake. For a lighter texture, you can substitute part of it with cake flour.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor to the cinnamon filling, enhancing the classic cinnamon roll taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the cake batter and the filling. Use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
• Cinnamon: The star of the recipe, cinnamon gives the cake its warm, spiced flavor. Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best results.
• Cream Cheese: The tangy cream cheese glaze balances the sweetness of the cake and adds a luxurious finishing touch.

Technique Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Swirling the Filling: Use a gentle hand when swirling the cinnamon filling to avoid mixing it completely into the batter.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it’s pourable. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Serve Warm: Cinnamon Roll Cake is best enjoyed warm when the glaze is slightly gooey.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cakes: Divide the batter and filling into individual ramekins for single-serving cakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Bundt Cake Style: Bake the batter in a greased Bundt pan for a stunning presentation. Drizzle the glaze over the top for a show-stopping dessert.
• Layered Cinnamon Roll Cake: Bake the batter in two 9-inch round cake pans and layer them with extra cinnamon filling and glaze for a layered cake.
• Muffin Version: Spoon the batter and filling into a muffin tin for portable, bite-sized treats.

Additional Tips for Success

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Let the Cake Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting completely.
• Double the Filling: For an extra indulgent cake, double the cinnamon filling and swirl more into the batter.
• Extra Toppings: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the glaze for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter for a fall-inspired twist.
• Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Fold diced apples into the batter and sprinkle some on top before swirling in the cinnamon filling.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake: Mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon filling and top with a chocolate glaze instead of cream cheese.
• Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a crunchy texture.
• Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cake: Use plant-based milk, a flaxseed egg substitute, and vegan butter for a dairy-free and egg-free version.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Let the baked cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
• Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature or microwave individual slices for a few seconds before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore freshness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce Sugar: Use less sugar in the cake batter and opt for a lighter glaze with less powdered sugar.
• Low-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat milk and cream cheese to reduce the fat content.
• Add Fruit: Fold mashed bananas or applesauce into the batter for natural sweetness and moisture.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Brunch: Serve the cake as part of a festive brunch spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
• Dessert Table: Add it to a dessert table alongside cookies, brownies, and pies for variety.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring it to potlucks or gatherings—it’s easy to transport and always a hit with crowds.

Special Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls for the batter, filling, and glaze.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: A whisk works well for the batter, but an electric mixer makes blending the glaze easier.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Ensures even baking and provides plenty of surface area for swirling in the filling.
• Offset Spatula: Helpful for spreading the glaze evenly over the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boxed cake mix for this recipe?
Yes! Use a vanilla or yellow cake mix as the base. Prepare the batter according to the package instructions and proceed with the cinnamon filling and glaze.

2. What’s the best way to swirl the filling?
Use a knife or skewer and gently drag it through the batter in a figure-eight pattern to create swirls.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake and store it at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Add the glaze just before serving for the freshest presentation.

4. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?
You can use a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Alternatively, use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

6. How do I prevent the cake from being too dry?
Avoid overbaking the cake. Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Double the ingredients and bake the cake in two 9×13-inch pans or a larger sheet pan.

8. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Fold chopped nuts or raisins into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon filling before swirling.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence, offering all the flavors of cinnamon rolls in a fuss-free, cake format. With its soft texture, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as an after-dinner dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite flavors, share it with loved ones, and savor every bite of this warm, spiced, and utterly delicious treat!

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