If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the warm, gooey comfort of a classic cinnamon roll without spending hours kneading dough, you’re in for a treat. Cinnamon Roll Cake combines everything you love about cinnamon rolls—the swirls of cinnamon sugar, the buttery richness, and the sweet glaze—into one easy, no-yeast cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is beginner-friendly but advanced enough to impress.
In this guide, you’ll learn not just how to make the best cinnamon roll cake, but also the science behind the ingredients, expert baking tips, variations, storage methods, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ No yeast required → quicker than traditional rolls
- ✅ Beginner-friendly → simple mixing and baking method
- ✅ Swirled cinnamon sugar throughout → same flavor as rolls, less effort
- ✅ Perfect for gatherings → one pan serves a crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this cake soft, flavorful, and bakery-worthy:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure (gluten forms the base).
- 3 tsp baking powder – The leavening that makes the cake rise.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ¾ cup sugar – Adds sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk) – Buttermilk gives tang and tenderness.
- 1 large egg – Adds richness and helps bind ingredients.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – Deepens flavor.
- ¼ cup melted butter – Ensures a soft crumb.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup melted butter – Helps cinnamon sugar sink into the cake.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Moisture + molasses flavor.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Thickens the swirl so it doesn’t sink.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon – The star spice.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweet topping.
- 2–3 tbsp milk – Adjust for drizzle consistency.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Flavor boost.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix or the cake will be dense.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter.
- Use a butter knife to swirl it in a figure-8 pattern for that “cinnamon roll” effect.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be fluffy but moist.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Drizzle over the warm cake for a glossy finish.
Pro Baker Tips
- Don’t overmix → Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Use buttermilk if possible → The acidity makes the crumb softer.
- Swirl lightly → If you mix too much, the cinnamon layer blends in instead of forming ribbons.
- Check early → Every oven is different; start testing at 28 minutes.
Variations You’ll Love
- 🍏 Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake – Add diced apples to the swirl mixture.
- 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake – Mix pumpkin purée into the batter and use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon.
- 🧀 Cream Cheese Frosting – Swap glaze for tangy frosting.
- 🍫 Chocolate Swirl Cake – Add cocoa powder to the swirl for a mocha twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Best served warm, fresh from the oven.
- Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- For dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temp: Store covered for 2 days.
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (warm slices before serving).
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months.
Reheating tip: Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore softness.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, ~12 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 4g
(Exact numbers vary by ingredients used.)
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cake
1. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Substitute with ¼ cup applesauce or 1 flax egg.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum if the mix doesn’t already include it.
3. Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes, mix the batter and swirl, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
4. What’s the difference between cinnamon roll cake and coffee cake?
Cinnamon roll cake mimics the swirled filling of cinnamon rolls, while coffee cake has a crumb topping.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Cake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls—sweet, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon—without the hours of kneading or waiting for dough to rise. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or a cozy dessert, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
With the science behind ingredients, expert tips, storage hacks, and creative variations, you now have the most complete guide online.
So go ahead—preheat that oven, swirl in the cinnamon sugar, and enjoy a slice of warm, gooey perfection.
