Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake: A Decadent Dessert Delight

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake: All the Flavor, None of the Fuss

If you’re a fan of the iconic Cinnabon cinnamon rolls—those warm, spiraled treats bursting with aroma and gooey sweetness—then this recipe is about to become your new favorite. The Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake captures everything you love about a cinnamon roll, but in the accessible, shareable form of a cake. There’s no need to knead dough or wait for several rises; just mix, swirl, bake, and drizzle!

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Easy to Make: No special equipment or complicated steps—just basic mixing and baking.
• Authentic Flavor: Rich cinnamon swirls and luscious icing bring authentic Cinnabon vibes home.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bakes in a 9×13-inch pan, ideal for potlucks, brunches, and family gatherings.
• Customizable: Tweak the filling or glaze for your own delicious twist.

Ingredients Overview

This easy cinnamon roll cake uses pantry staples plus plenty of cinnamon and a generous swirl of buttery goodness. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake, filling, and icing:

For the Cake Batter

• 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
• ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

• 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Sweet Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this cake is as simple as mixing, swirling, and baking. Here’s how to bring it to your table in less than an hour:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
3. Pour into Pan: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In another bowl, stir (or mix) together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined and creamy.
5. Add Cinnamon Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter. Using a knife, swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter to create a marbled effect.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
7. Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
8. Glaze the Cake: When the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the swirls and soak lightly into the top.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix—the batter should be just combined to keep the cake tender.
• Make sure the cinnamon filling is soft, not melted, for better swirls and a gooey texture.
• Pour glaze over the cake while still warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth effect.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition data is approximate and will vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm, straight from the pan, for a classic Cinnabon-inspired treat.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate dessert pairing.
• Drizzle with extra icing or a touch of caramel sauce for a special touch.
• Perfect for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or any time you crave a sweet, cinnamon-laden snack.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

• Make-Ahead: The cake can be baked a day ahead. Cover tightly and store at room temperature; reheat slices briefly in the microwave before serving.
• Storing: Keep leftovers covered in the pan or an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if your kitchen is particularly warm.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled cake (without glaze) in individual slices, tightly wrapped. Add glaze after thawing and warming.

Easy Variations

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for classic cream cheese icing for extra richness.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add a layer of finely diced apples to the cinnamon swirl for an autumnal twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate along with or instead of the glaze for a decadent finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day before you need it and glaze right before serving. You can also freeze unglazed portions and add the glaze after reheating.

Can I use a boxed cake mix as a shortcut?

While this recipe is designed for a scratch-made batter, you can substitute a vanilla or yellow cake mix as the base to save time. Prepare according to package directions, then proceed with the cinnamon swirl and glaze steps.

How do I create perfect cinnamon swirls?

Drop dollops of cinnamon filling across the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl, making sure to avoid overmixing (which could muddy the design).

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids can help swirl the cinnamon mixture and drizzle the glaze. It’s a hit at parties and family breakfasts.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Check baking powder and all other ingredient labels for gluten as well.

Expert Baking Tips

• Let the cake rest for at least 10 minutes before glazing—this allows the glaze to seep in without melting completely away.
• For deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar in the filling.
• Experiment with spices—add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
• To prevent sinking, ensure the cinnamon filling is dropped in small, even dollops rather than big clumps.

Reader Reviews and Ratings

• “This cake was a hit at brunch—tastes just like a Cinnabon, but easier!”
• “Super easy and so delicious. My family requests it every holiday!”
• “I added chopped pecans and used cream cheese icing. Perfection!”

If you’ve tried this recipe, leave a review or share your own twist!

Conclusion: Bringing Cinnabon’s Magic to Your Home Kitchen

This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate answer for anyone craving that unmistakable cinnamon roll bliss but short on time. Moist, tender, and rippled with a generous cinnamon swirl, each forkful is pure comfort. With an easy recipe and options for customization, it’s destined to become a favorite for celebrations, brunches, and anytime you want to wow a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready for the sweet scent of fresh-baked cinnamon roll cake to fill your home. Happy baking!

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman