Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, baked in a cake form. It features a soft, buttery vanilla cake swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, bringing the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the need for yeast or waiting for dough to rise. If you love cinnamon rolls but want an easier version that requires minimal effort, this cake is the perfect solution!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. Slowly pour in the melted butter and continue mixing until the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Pour the Batter

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
3. Use a knife or a skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

1. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 7: Glaze the Cake

1. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm cake to allow it to soak in slightly.

Variations

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace some of the milk in the glaze with cream cheese for a richer, tangier flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Instead of vanilla glaze, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolaty variation.
• Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Stir in finely chopped apples into the batter for an apple-cinnamon version.

Cooking Notes

• Do not overmix the batter, as it may result in a dense cake instead of a soft, fluffy texture.
• The cinnamon swirl should be swirled just enough to create a marbled effect without fully blending into the batter.
• If the cake starts browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more or less milk.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy treat.
• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon and powdered sugar on top for added flavor.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
• Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380-420 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 220mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Warm it slightly before serving for the best taste.

2. Can I use a different glaze instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! A cream cheese glaze, caramel drizzle, or even maple glaze would work wonderfully.

3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar + 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of brown sugar needed.

4. How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Do not overbake the cake, and store it properly in an airtight container to retain moisture.

5. Can I add nuts or raisins to this cake?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be added to the batter or cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.

6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a heavenly fusion of warm cinnamon rolls and a soft, buttery cake. With its gooey cinnamon swirls and sweet vanilla glaze, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The best part? It’s much easier to make than traditional cinnamon rolls, requiring no yeast or rising time. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or as a holiday treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Try it today, and enjoy the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls in a cake form!

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