Best Cinnamon Roll Cakes

Introduction

Imagine the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen—soft dough, rich cinnamon, and the sweet scent of sugar filling the air. Now imagine that all of that deliciousness comes together in the form of a cake! Cinnamon roll cakes combine the best elements of your favorite cinnamon rolls with the easy-to-make structure of a cake. They offer a fun twist on a classic favorite, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. If you’re ready to bake a cinnamon roll cake that will melt in your mouth and have your friends and family asking for more, keep reading!

What Is a Cinnamon Roll Cake?

A cinnamon roll cake is the best of both worlds: the cinnamon swirls of a cinnamon roll, paired with the soft and fluffy texture of cake. It’s like having a gooey, cinnamon-filled dessert without the laborious process of rolling dough. This cake features layers of tender, spiced batter interspersed with sweet cinnamon-sugar swirls, then finished off with a rich icing drizzled on top. The result is a warm, comforting treat that’s impossible to resist.

The Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cakes

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the basic ingredients you’ll need to make your cinnamon roll cake:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the cake, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
• Butter: This adds richness and flavor to the cake, creating a moist, tender texture.
• Milk: Milk helps bind the dry ingredients together and makes the batter smooth.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness to balance out the cinnamon swirl and icing.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and contribute to the overall structure of the cake.
• Cinnamon: The star of the cake! Ground cinnamon creates the signature swirl and aroma.
• Brown Sugar: Adds richness and a molasses-like flavor to the cinnamon swirl.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and complexity of the flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Often used in the frosting, adding a creamy, tangy richness to balance the sweetness of the cake.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Making a cinnamon roll cake is simple and quick, and the result is well worth the effort. Follow these easy steps to create a cake that will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Set it aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, butter, and eggs until smooth. Add milk and vanilla extract, then stir in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until just combined.
4. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the batter to create the signature cinnamon roll pattern.
5. Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the icing.
6. Make the Icing: While the cake is cooling, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm cake before serving.

Flavor Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cake

While the classic cinnamon roll cake is a crowd-pleaser, don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipe! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Nutty Swirl: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra crunch.
• Maple Icing: Replace the milk in the icing with maple syrup for a sweet, maple-flavored twist.
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice to the batter for a fall-inspired treat.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an even richer treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon roll cakes are perfect for any occasion. Here are some ways you can serve and enjoy your cake:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
• Dessert: The cake is delicious enough to stand on its own, but you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Party Treat: It’s easy to slice and serve, making it an ideal option for parties or family gatherings.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), storing your cinnamon roll cake is simple:

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: You can refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: If you want to save it for later, freeze slices of the cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe (Printable)

Ingredients	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Butter (softened)	½ cup
Milk	1 cup
Eggs	2 large
Baking powder	1 tbsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Brown sugar	¾ cup
Ground cinnamon	2 tsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Cream cheese (for icing)	4 oz
Powdered sugar (for icing)	1 cup
Butter (for icing)	2 tbsp
Milk (for icing)	1-2 tbsp

Nutrition Table (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Carbohydrates	45g
Protein	4g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	25g
Sodium	220mg

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Can I make cinnamon roll cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for later.
2. How do I store leftover cinnamon roll cake? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
3. Can I add nuts to the cinnamon roll cake? Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar swirl gives the cake an extra crunchy texture.
4. How do I reheat cinnamon roll cake? To reheat, place slices of the cake in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cakes are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic flavor of cinnamon rolls but wants something a little easier to make. With its swirled cinnamon-sugar filling, soft cake texture, and creamy icing, this cake is the perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your baking rotation. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or save some for later, cinnamon roll cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!