Short Description
This cinnamon roll cake brings all the rich, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into a simple, soft cake. With a buttery cinnamon swirl and a sweet glaze, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon roll cake takes everything you love about cinnamon rolls and makes it so much easier! No need to wait for dough to rise or deal with the hassle of rolling, cutting, and baking individual rolls. This recipe combines the buttery, sweet cinnamon filling swirled right into a cake base, then topped off with a sweet glaze. The result is a soft, fluffy cake with a gooey, spiced swirl—just like a cinnamon roll but in cake form. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to a special family gathering.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted butter

For the filling:

1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp flour
2 tbsp cinnamon

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add sour cream, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
While mixing, slowly add the melted butter and mix until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the filling.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling onto the batter.
Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter, creating a marble effect.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Once the cake is done, pour the glaze over the warm cake and allow it to settle into the swirls.
Serve warm or at room temperature. The cake slices better once cooled.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives to make it dairy-free.
Spices: Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor in the cake or filling.
Toppings: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the cake before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake and glaze in advance. Store the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate the glaze. Heat both before serving.

2. Can I freeze cinnamon roll cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

3. Can I use regular milk instead of sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt, but the texture might change slightly.

4. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you want a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Can I add raisins or other mix-ins to the filling?

Yes, adding raisins or chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling would add great texture and flavor.

6. How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there’s batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

7. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

You can use a different pan, but adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will require a longer baking time, while a larger pan will bake faster.

8. Can I make the cinnamon filling ahead of time?

Yes, the cinnamon filling can be mixed ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before using.

9. What should I serve with this cake?

Cinnamon roll cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk for breakfast or dessert.

10. Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?

Yes! For a cream cheese glaze, combine 4 oz of softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. This will make the glaze rich and tangy.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cake is an irresistible combination of soft cake and cinnamon goodness, all topped off with a sweet glaze. It’s the perfect dessert or breakfast treat that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.