Introduction
If you adore the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker and simpler baking project, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is about to become your new obsession! Soft, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon sugar goodness, it’s the perfect way to enjoy everything you love about cinnamon rolls with a fraction of the effort.
Origin
The idea for Cinnamon Roll Cake was born from the love of classic cinnamon rolls — a staple in European and American baking — combined with the need for a faster, easier version that could be whipped up without the time-consuming process of rolling and proofing dough. It’s the best of both worlds: all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Cultural Significance
Cinnamon has a long-standing place in comforting, home-baked treats across cultures. From Swedish kanelbullar to American sticky buns, cinnamon represents warmth, hospitality, and tradition. Cinnamon Roll Cake captures that spirit, bringing families and friends together around a delicious, heartwarming dessert — perfect for brunches, holidays, or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
(Note: A cinnamon sugar topping and icing glaze are typically added; see Optional Additions!)
Quantity
This recipe yields approximately one 9×13-inch cake, serving about 12–15 slices, depending on how you cut it.
Optional Additions
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup butter, melted
- Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the milk glaze with a cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep it tender.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps everything blend smoothly.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Pour Glaze While Warm: Drizzling the icing over the warm cake lets it soak into every delicious bite.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter to form a thick topping.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the definition of cozy baking. Imagine a soft, buttery vanilla cake laced with thick, gooey ribbons of cinnamon-sugar and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering that nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor without all the work.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, based on 15 slices)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: Nutrition will vary with added nuts or cream cheese glaze.)
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the beloved flavor of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease of a one-bowl cake. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply satisfying a cinnamon-sugar craving any time of year.
Recommendation
Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and don’t be afraid to double the glaze if you’re feeling extra indulgent. It also stores well — just pop a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven experience!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Desserts like this Cinnamon Roll Cake are a beautiful reminder that joy and balance go hand in hand. By savoring a homemade treat shared with loved ones, you’re feeding more than your body — you’re feeding your soul. Enjoy every cinnamon-swirled moment guilt-free!