This Cinnamon Roll Cake takes everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls and transforms it into a soft, fluffy cake swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s quicker and easier than traditional rolls—no yeast, no kneading, no waiting—making it the perfect treat for busy mornings, brunch, or dessert.
As it bakes, your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar, and once it’s drizzled with glaze, every bite tastes just like a warm cinnamon roll in cake form.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Easy to make – No rolling or rising required.
- Cinnamon swirl perfection – Sweet, buttery ribbons marbled into the cake.
- Crowd-pleasing – A 9×13 pan makes plenty for sharing.
- Versatile – Enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or with coffee any time of day.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl Topping
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. - Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, sugar, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in melted butter. Pour batter into the prepared pan. - Mix the Cinnamon Layer
In another bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until creamy. Drop spoonfuls over the cake batter. - Create the Swirl
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter for a marbled effect. Don’t overmix. - Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. - Glaze & Serve
In a small bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Extra spice – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for depth.
- Nutty crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
- Chocolate swirl – Mix mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon layer.
- Individual servings – Bake in muffin tins for grab-and-go treats.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store covered up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing or serving.
✨ This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a sweet shortcut to bakery-style flavor with none of the hassle. Serve it warm, drizzled with glaze, and watch it disappear fast!