Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe has all the gooey, spicy-sweet flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy, no-yeast sheet cake! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen, the promise of something soft, sweet, and swirled with spice. Now imagine enjoying all that iconic cinnamon roll flavor without any of the fuss of yeast, proofing, or intricate rolling. Welcome to Cinnamon Roll Cake—the ultimate easy coffee cake that delivers every bit of that gooey, buttery, cinnamon-sugar bliss in a simple, shareable sheet pan. If you’re craving a quick breakfast dessert, a crowd-pleasing potluck treat, or a cozy weekend baking project that feels special without the stress, this recipe is your golden ticket.

In the world of simple baking recipes, this cake is a game-changer. It masterfully combines the tender, fluffy crumb of a classic vanilla cake with the rich, caramelized ribbon of a cinnamon roll filling, all topped with a warm, drippy glaze that seals the deal. It’s a one-bowl wonder (for the cake batter, at least) that requires no special skills, no waiting for dough to rise, and bakes up in a fraction of the time. The result is a dessert that’s somehow both elegant and homey, impressive and utterly approachable.

Whether you need a last-minute brunch star, a holiday morning showstopper, or just a family-friendly sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this recipe is your blueprint. It’s forgiving, decadent, and guaranteed to make your house smell like a bakery. Let’s walk through how to create this foolproof, swirled masterpiece.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a Non-Negotiable Keeper

Before we preheat the oven, let’s talk about what makes this version stand out. First, it’s the perfect solution for cinnamon roll cravings in a hurry. By transforming the concept into a simple sheet cake, we bypass hours of rise time while capturing the essential experience: soft cake, gooey cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze.

Second, the textural contrast is pure genius. The cake base is soft and moist, almost like a thick, buttery dough. The swirl layer bakes into a slightly chewy, caramelized ribbon. And the glaze adds a sweet, creamy finish that ties it all together. It’s a symphony of textures in every forkful.

Finally, its versatility is legendary. Serve it warm for breakfast, at room temperature for dessert, or even cold straight from the fridge (it’s secretly amazing). It’s a make-ahead marvel that travels beautifully, making it the ultimate potluck or bake sale winner. This isn’t just a cake recipe; it’s your new secret weapon for any occasion that calls for comforting sweetness.

Gathering Your Ingredients: Simple Components for Spectacular Flavor

The magic is in the combination of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need for this family-friendly coffee cake:

For the Cake Batter:

· 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
· 4 teaspoons baking powder
· 1 ½ cups (355ml) whole milk
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
· 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

· 1 cup (220g) packed light or dark brown sugar
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
· 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

For the Glaze:

· 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
· 5 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
· 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Ingredient Spotlight & Pro Substitutions

· The Leavening: Fresh baking powder is critical for the cake’s rise. If your container is older than 6 months, it may have lost potency.
· The Fat: Using melted butter in the batter creates a tender, dense crumb reminiscent of roll dough. Room temperature butter for the swirl is essential for a spreadable, paste-like consistency.
· The Cinnamon: For the best flavor, use a high-quality ground cinnamon. For a more complex spice note, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the swirl mixture.
· The Milk: Whole milk provides the richest flavor and tenderness. For a slightly tangy note, you can use buttermilk.
· Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar will give a deeper, more molasses-rich flavor to the swirl compared to light brown sugar.

Essential Kitchen Tools: The Equipment for Swirled Success

You don’t need any specialty equipment, but the right tools make the process seamless.

1. The Baking Vessel: Your Pan

A 9×13 inch metal baking pan is standard. Light-colored aluminum is best for even baking and browning. For easy removal and clean slices, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Alternatively, you can grease and flour the pan thoroughly.

2. The Mixing & Swirling Station:

· Large Mixing Bowl: For the cake batter. A sturdy glass or ceramic bowl works well.
· Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining the cinnamon swirl ingredients.
· Whisk & Rubber Spatula: A whisk for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly. A flexible spatula for folding and for spreading the swirl.
· Hand Mixer or Fork: A hand mixer makes quick work of creaming the butter into the cinnamon-sugar for the swirl. A sturdy fork and some elbow grease will also do the trick.
· Small Bowl or Measuring Cup: For whisking together the simple glaze.

3. Helpful Extras:

· Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: Perfect for dolloping and gently swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
· Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate under the cake for even cooling before glazing.
· Fine-Mesh Sieve (optional): For dusting the finished cake with a little extra powdered sugar, or for sifting powdered sugar for the glaze to prevent lumps.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating the Perfect Swirl

The process is simple: make the batter, make the swirl, layer, and marble. Follow these steps for a beautiful, defined ribbon.

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13 pan or line it with parchment paper.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In your large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center. Pour in the milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk until the batter is just smooth and combined. Do not overmix. It will be a thick, spoonable batter. Spread evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 2: Create & Apply the Cinnamon Swirl

Make the Swirl Paste: In your medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter. Using a hand mixer or a fork, mix until it forms a thick, cohesive paste. It will have the consistency of wet sand or a thick frosting.

Dollop & Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon paste evenly all over the top of the cake batter. Using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the paste into the batter. Don’t overdo it—you want distinct ribbons of cinnamon, not a fully blended mixture. A few figure-eight motions through the pan are perfect.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 28-35 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown, the edges pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not a cinnamon swirl) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before adding the glaze. It should still be warm, but not piping hot.

Step 4: Glaze & Serve

Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until completely smooth. It should be thick but pourable.

Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake, using a spoon or a squeeze bottle.

Serve: Slice and serve warm, or let it cool completely to set the glaze. The cake is delicious at any temperature.

Chef’s Pro-Tips for a Bakery-Quality Cake Every Time

· Room Temperature Eggs & Milk: They incorporate more evenly into the batter, preventing overmixing and ensuring a uniform, tender crumb.
· The Swirl Consistency is Key: Your cinnamon-butter mixture must be a paste. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more softened butter. If it’s too wet, add a pinch more flour.
· Don’t Over-Swirl: The goal is a marbled effect, not a homogenous mix. A few gentle passes with a knife will create beautiful, tasty streaks.
· Test for Doneness Carefully: Avoid testing in a pure cinnamon swirl spot, as it will always come out wet. Find a cake-only area to insert your toothpick.
· For a Gooier Swirl: Underbake the cake very slightly (toothpick with moist crumbs). The residual heat will continue to cook it, leaving the swirl extra soft.

Serving Suggestions & Next-Level Variations

This cake is sublime on its own, but here’s how to customize it:

· Breakfast Upgrade: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream.
· Dessert Mode: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice.
· Flavor Twists:
· Apple Cinnamon: Fold 1 cup of finely chopped apples into the cake batter.
· Pecan Streusel: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the cinnamon swirl before baking.
· Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a mix of 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2-3 tbsp milk.

How to Store, Freeze, and Make-Ahead

· Storage: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze will soften over time.
· Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that “fresh-from-the-oven” softness and melt the glaze.
· Freezing: Freeze unglazed cake, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh glaze before serving.
· Make-Ahead: You can bake the cake a day ahead. Store covered at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving.

Final Thoughts: The Cake That Brings Everyone to the Table

Cinnamon Roll Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a mood. It’s the smell of weekend mornings, the taste of celebration, and the comfort of something made with love and simplicity. It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something that feels like a hug in food form—something that brings people together, asking for just one more sliver.

So, the next time that cinnamon craving hits, skip the long wait and bake this cake. In under an hour, you’ll have a pan of warm, gooey, spicy-sweet perfection that makes any moment feel special.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe, rate it, and leave a comment below telling me if you enjoy it more for breakfast or dessert!

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