Ultimate Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the cozy flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake. With a soft, buttery crumb and a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, it is a comforting dessert for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or any time you want a warm homemade treat.

Quick Overview

• Prep Time: Not provided
• Cook Time: Not provided
• Total Time: Not provided
• Servings: Not provided

Why Make This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This cake uses simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps.
• Classic cinnamon flavor: Brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla create the familiar taste of cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for sharing: The 9×13 inch baking dish makes this a convenient dessert for family gatherings, brunches, and potlucks.
• Comforting texture: The cake bakes into a soft, tender treat with a sweet cinnamon swirl throughout.

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
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease the dish well so the cake releases easily after baking.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed.

3. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. Stir until the wet ingredients form a smooth mixture.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense instead of tender.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it gently so the batter forms an even layer.

6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle it over the batter. Distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture as evenly as possible across the surface.

7. Swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter with a knife. Make gentle swirls throughout the batter without mixing it completely.

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Check the center of the cake with a toothpick to confirm it is baked through.

9. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cozy cinnamon roll cake! Allowing it to cool briefly helps the cake set while keeping it warm and inviting.

How to Serve It

• Serve warm on its own for a simple, comforting dessert.
• Pair slices with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
• Add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra color and sweetness.

How to Store It

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To serve, warm individual slices gently until heated through, taking care not to overheat and dry out the cake.

For longer storage, wrap the cake securely and place it in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating gently. Keep the cake covered during storage to help preserve its soft texture.

Helpful Tips

• Measure the flour carefully and avoid packing it tightly into the measuring cup.
• Stir the batter only until the ingredients are just combined to help keep the cake tender.
• Create gentle swirls with the knife so the cinnamon-sugar mixture remains visible throughout the cake.
• Let the cake cool slightly before slicing so the crumb has time to set.

Optional Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for crunch.
• Replace part of the granulated sugar with additional brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Add a light vanilla glaze after the cake has cooled slightly for an extra sweet finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake ahead of time, let it cool, and store it covered until you are ready to serve it.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.

Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?

Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, which may make the cake dense. Stir only until the ingredients are just combined.

Can I freeze leftover cinnamon roll cake?

Yes. Wrap the cake securely and freeze it. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake captures the classic flavor of cinnamon rolls in a soft, buttery cake with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cake Base

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Avoid packing tightly into the measuring cup.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Ensure it's fully melted.
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it gently.

Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
• Sprinkle it over the batter and make gentle swirls throughout the batter.

Baking

• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Allow to cool briefly before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Optional: Add a light glaze after cooling.

Keyword Cinnabon Cake, Cinnamon Roll Cake, Comfort Food, Dessert Recipe, Easy Cake