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Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

4.6 from 78 reviews

This Cinnamon Roll Cake captures all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but in a simple, easy-to-make cake form. It combines a tender vanilla cake base swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, making it the perfect comforting dessert for breakfast or anytime you crave a warm, cinnamon-infused treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted (slightly cooled)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 3/4 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray that includes flour to prevent sticking. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until just mixed.
  2. Add Melted Butter: While mixing, slowly pour in the cooled melted butter and mix just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  3. Spread Batter: Evenly spread the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  4. Make Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
  5. Add Filling to Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter in the pan.
  6. Create Swirls: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter to create a marbled effect without mixing everything completely.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Prepare Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin as desired.
  9. Glaze the Cake: After baking, pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly or to room temperature to firm up for easier slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use softened and melted butter as specified to achieve the right batter and filling consistency.
  • Swirling the filling gently ensures a beautiful marble effect and distinct cinnamon flavor pockets without overmixing.
  • You can adjust the glaze consistency to your liking by altering powdered sugar or milk amounts.
  • This cake is delicious served warm, but cooling it makes slicing easier and helps the glaze set.
  • Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cake, cinnamon cake, cinnamon swirl cake, easy cinnamon dessert, vanilla cinnamon cake, marbled cake, breakfast cake, glazed cake