If you love the warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls but want something easier to make, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect dessert. It combines the soft, fluffy texture of cake with the rich cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze of classic cinnamon rolls. The result is a comforting, bakery-style treat that’s simple enough for any home baker.
This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. If you’re searching for Easy Desserts With Few Ingredients or quick Easy Dessert Recipes, this cake delivers amazing flavor with minimal effort. It’s like enjoying a homemade Cinnabon Cake without all the rolling and rising.
Read Map
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Why this Cinnamon Roll Cake is worth making
- Ingredients needed for the recipe
- Step-by-step instructions
- Serving ideas
- Helpful tips for best results
- Answers to common questions
By the end, you’ll have one of the best Cinnamon Swirl Cake recipes to add to your baking collection.
Why Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
There are many reasons this recipe stands out among other Cinnamon Roll Ideas.
Easy to Make
No yeast or rising time is required, making it one of the best Easy Desserts With Few Ingredients.
Rich Cinnamon Flavor
The buttery cinnamon swirl gives it that classic cinnamon roll taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Soft and Moist Texture
This cake stays soft and fluffy with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Family Favorite
It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
Making Cinnamon Roll Cake is simple. A soft cake batter is prepared and poured into a baking dish. A cinnamon-sugar mixture is swirled throughout the batter, creating a marbled effect. After baking, the cake is topped with a sweet glaze for that classic cinnamon roll finish.
This recipe is similar to a Cinnamon Bun Cake, but even easier to prepare.
Ingredients
To make this delicious cake, you will need:
For the Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful Cinnamon Swirl Cake that’s soft, sweet, and irresistible.
Directions
Follow these steps to make the perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the Batter
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until combined.
Step 5: Add the Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it through the cake.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
Step 9: Cool Slightly
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve
Slice and enjoy this delicious homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake.
How to Serve
This Cinnamon Roll Cake can be served in many ways.
For Breakfast
Serve warm with coffee for a cozy morning treat.
For Dessert
Pair with ice cream or whipped cream.
For Brunch
It’s perfect alongside fruit and other baked goods.
For Special Occasions
Great for holidays or gatherings.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
This helps create a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Swirl Gently
Light swirling creates a beautiful cinnamon pattern.
Serve Warm
The glaze melts into the cake for extra flavor.
Add Nuts or Raisins
Optional add-ins can enhance texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored covered.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Yes, freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Is this similar to cinnamon roll bars?
Yes, it has a similar flavor to Cinnamon Roll Bars but with a softer cake texture.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes, you can adapt it into Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes by using a muffin pan.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that brings together the best flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake form. With its soft texture, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re exploring Easy Dessert Recipes, looking for creative Cinnamon Roll Ideas, or craving something similar to a Cinnamon Poke Cake, this recipe is a must-try. It’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the mixture into the batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is similar to a Cinnamon Bun Cake with a rich swirl and soft texture.
- For a variation like Cinnamon Roll Bars, cut into squares and serve as handheld treats.
- You can turn this into Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes by baking the batter in a muffin pan.
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or everyday baking, making it one of the best Easy Dessert Recipes.



