Best Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe – Easy, Moist, Swirled Cinnamon

Cinnamon Roll Cake – If you crave the warm, gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls but want the ease of a simple cake, this recipe is the perfect solution. A delightful fusion of the classic breakfast treat and a tender vanilla cake, cinnamon roll cake delivers all the irresistible flavors you love—without the time-consuming kneading, rolling, or rising. This cake transforms your kitchen into a cozy bakery, filling the air with the aroma of cinnamon, butter, and vanilla. It’s an ideal comfort dessert that works for brunch, holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

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Recipe Time Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Time: 25 minutes

• Resting/Cooling Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Dessert / Breakfast

• Servings: 12

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on 12 servings

• Calories: 420

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Sugar: 39g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 310mg

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Rubber spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Small saucepan (optional for melting ingredients)

• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups milk (whole preferred)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional for richness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.

3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.

4. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a tablespoon of flour.

2. Mix with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

4. Swirl the Filling Into the Batter

1. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter.

2. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter, creating ribbons throughout.

3. Swirl gently so that the filling stays in beautiful layered patterns and doesn’t disappear completely into the batter.

5. Bake the Cake

1. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 32–38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool on a rack for at least 20–30 minutes.

6. Make the Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

2. Add cream cheese if you prefer a thicker, richer icing similar to cinnamon roll frosting.

3. Whisk until smooth and pourable.

7. Glaze the Cake

1. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm (not hot) cake.

2. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with extra icing on the side.

• Pair with coffee, chai, or hot cocoa.

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style serving.

• Slice smaller squares for brunch gatherings or potlucks.

Conclusion

This cinnamon roll cake is the ultimate combination of simplicity and indulgence. With minimal steps and everyday ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes like your favorite bakery cinnamon rolls, but without the hassle of dough-making.