Introduction
Indulge in the ultimate easy dessert recipe that transforms your favorite breakfast pastry into a simple homemade cake. This Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers the iconic flavor of gooey cinnamon rolls in a fast, crowd-pleasing format, perfect for holiday baking or a special weekend brunch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed 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
Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until the batter is just combined and smooth.
Gently stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a fork or mixer to blend until a smooth, spreadable mixture forms.
Drop large spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
Take a butter knife or a thin skewer and swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter in a figure-eight pattern. Do not overmix; you want distinct ribbons of flavor.
Bake the Cake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze:
While the cake bakes, make the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
Finish and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the entire surface.
Slice into squares and serve warm for the best taste and texture. This easy family treat is best enjoyed fresh.
How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl
The secret to this decadent sweet cake is achieving a beautiful swirl without blending the layers. Use a knife and make slow, deliberate passes through the batter. Aim for 4-5 figure-eight motions across the length and width of the pan. The goal is marbling, not mixing, creating pockets of molten cinnamon sugar that bake into a delicious filling.
Delicious Variations
Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer topping, blend 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the glaze ingredients.
Apple Cinnamon Cake: Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples to the cake batter for a moist fruit dessert.
Nutty Crumble Top: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for added crunch.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cake batter for a chocolate lover’s version.
Pumpkin Spice Version: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon swirl for a perfect fall baking idea.
Expert Tips for Success
Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free batter.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
For an extra moist cake, substitute buttermilk for the regular milk.
If your cinnamon swirl mixture is too thick to drizzle, warm it slightly for 5 seconds in the microwave.
This simple homemade cake can be made ahead. Bake and cool completely, then glaze just before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx. 1/12 of cake)
Calories: ~520 | Total Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 220mg | Total Carbohydrates: 72g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 52g | Protein: 5g
Healthy Benefits & Considerations
While this is a rich indulgence, it can be part of balanced eating. The eggs and milk provide protein and calcium. For a slightly healthier version, you can use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup, or use a plant-based milk.
Enjoying a small portion of this comforting sweet cake can provide a satisfying psychological boost and fits into a lifestyle that values occasional homemade treats.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect easy dessert recipe that promises to become a requested family favorite. Its simple steps, incredible aroma, and delicious result make it an ideal choice for any occasion, from holiday baking to a spontaneous weekend treat.