Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake

Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake brings the warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into a simpler, easy-to-make cake form. This delicious dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat at any time of the day. With its soft texture and sweet icing, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this Cinnamon Roll Cake because it’s quick and simple to prepare, yet it tastes luxurious and indulgent. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which can be time-consuming to make, this cake captures all the flavors with a fraction of the effort. It’s also versatile, making it a great dish for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture, and then top with the remaining batter.
Swirl the batter with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle the icing over the cake once it’s cooled slightly.
Serve and enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll cake!

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake

You can serve this cake warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It is delightful on its own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra flavor.

How to Store Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling.

Variation

You can change this recipe by adding nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch. You can also swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, but it might change the texture slightly.

Q: Is it necessary to swirl the batter?
A: Swirling the batter creates the iconic cinnamon roll effect. If you skip this step, the cake will still taste delicious, but without the marbled look.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake the day before and store it in an airtight container. Drizzle the icing just before serving for the best taste and presentation.