Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
A Soft, Gooey Cinnamon Dessert Inspired by Classic Cinnabon Rolls
Introduction
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a rich, soft, and indulgent dessert that delivers all the irresistible flavors of classic Cinnabon cinnamon rolls—without the work of rolling dough. This cake features a fluffy vanilla base, thick cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a sweet cream cheese glaze that melts into every bite.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or special occasions, this cinnamon roll cake is easy to make, incredibly moist, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd and makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while baking.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Mix until thick and smooth.
Step 3: Add the Swirl
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a marbled pattern.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Do not overbake—the cake should remain soft and gooey.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Whisk until creamy and pourable.
Step 6: Glaze the Cake
- While the cake is still warm, drizzle the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top.
- Let the glaze melt into the cake before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. This cake pairs perfectly with:
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Tea or chai latte
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Do not over-swirl the cinnamon filling.
- For extra richness, add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Store covered to keep the cake moist.
Why This Recipe Works
This cake captures the signature gooey cinnamon flavor of Cinnabon rolls in an easy-to-make format. The soft cake, buttery cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore gooey texture.