Enjoy the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in cake form! This moist and fluffy cake is swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With all the warm, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls but without the hassle of rolling dough, this easy cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easier than traditional cinnamon rolls – No yeast, kneading, or waiting for dough to rise.
Moist and fluffy texture – A tender cake base with gooey cinnamon swirls.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Customizable – Add nuts, caramel, or extra spices for a unique twist.
Sweet and satisfying – Topped with a simple vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla extract
Butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Butter, melted

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients – Stir in eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

Mix the Swirl Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Swirl into the Cake – Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it throughout the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake – Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Whisk the Glaze – In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle Over Cake – Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and Serve – Enjoy warm for a gooey cinnamon roll experience or let it cool completely for a firmer texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
Caramel Drizzle – Swap the glaze for caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Spiced Version – Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a richer spice flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze – Replace milk with cream cheese for a tangy frosting.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing – Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes! Use a vanilla or yellow cake mix and follow the instructions, then add the cinnamon swirl.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?

Make sure the batter is thick enough and don’t over-swirl—it should sit on top and slightly sink as it bakes.

Can I make this in a smaller pan?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. An 8×8-inch pan will require a longer bake time.

Can I add raisins?

Absolutely! Add ½ cup of raisins to the batter for a classic cinnamon roll flavor.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar mixed with a little molasses or use coconut sugar.

Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?

Yes! Any milk alternative will work in this recipe.

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Do not overbake, and consider adding ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes! The cake is still delicious without it, but the glaze adds extra sweetness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Warm before serving for the best taste.

What can I serve with this cake?

Pair it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate fusion of a classic cinnamon roll and a fluffy cake. With a gooey cinnamon swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of a homemade cinnamon roll—without the extra effort!

Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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Author: asma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in this moist and fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake! Swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. A warm, buttery, and comforting treat that everyone will love!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.

3. Bake the Cake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Make the Glaze & Finish

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and let it soak in.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Slice and serve warm for the best cinnamon roll flavor experience!

Notes

For extra richness, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
Love cream cheese icing? Swap the glaze for a cream cheese frosting!
Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American