Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven, filling your home with cozy warmth. This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines all the gooey, spiced goodness of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease of a single-layer cake that's perfect for any occasion.

this Recipe

I first discovered this gem when I wanted the taste of cinnamon rolls but didn’t have time to deal with yeast dough. Now, it’s my go-to for brunches, holidays, or even casual weekday treats. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert that’s as simple as it is indulgent.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Get ready to experience all the flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time. This cake is a game-changer for bakers who love a good shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

First, the ease of preparation is unmatched. With no yeast to proof or dough to roll out, this recipe saves you hours of effort. Just mix, swirl, and bake – it’s that simple!

Next, the cake itself is delightfully moist and tender. Thanks to a blend of sour cream and melted butter, every bite is rich, soft, and downright irresistible.

And let’s not forget the cinnamon sugar swirl. This element creates pockets of gooey, caramelized cinnamon goodness throughout the cake, making every slice a decadent treat.

Finally, the cream cheese glaze ties it all together. Smooth, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, it’s the perfect finishing touch for a cake that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is versatile too – ideal for breakfast, dessert, or even as a potluck centerpiece. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create bakery-level results. Each one plays a vital role in making this cake irresistibly good.

The flour forms the base of the batter. For best results, use all-purpose flour, which gives the cake its perfect structure. If you prefer a slightly denser texture, you can substitute a small portion with whole wheat flour.

Sugar sweetens the batter and creates that signature cinnamon-sugar swirl. I use granulated sugar for the batter and brown sugar for the swirl, which adds depth and a slight caramel flavor.

The sour cream keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender. You can swap this with Greek yogurt if that’s what you have on hand – both options work beautifully.

For the cinnamon sugar swirl, ground cinnamon and brown sugar are the stars. Together, they create that iconic warm and spiced filling reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll.

Lastly, the cream cheese glaze is made with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk. It’s silky, sweet, and the perfect contrast to the spiced cake.

As for equipment, you’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a hand or stand mixer for easy blending of the glaze.

How To Make This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Creating this Cinnamon Roll Cake is a breeze, even for beginners. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping treat ready in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Next, prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry until just combined. Pour this batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.

Now for the fun part – the swirl! In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spoon dollops of this mixture over the batter and use a knife to create swirls, ensuring you drag some cinnamon mixture deep into the batter for those signature pockets of flavor.

Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake bakes, prepare the cream cheese glaze by whipping together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable.

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. The warmth of the cake will help the glaze seep into every crevice, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Expect this entire process to take just under an hour from start to finish – a small investment of time for such a delightful payoff!

Storage Options

Cinnamon Roll Cake stores beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead occasions or enjoying over several days.

For room-temperature storage, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

If you need to extend its shelf life, refrigerate the cake. While the texture becomes slightly denser when chilled, a quick microwave zap will restore its softness. Refrigerated, it lasts up to a week.

To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices will keep for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat directly in the microwave.

When reheating, aim for 20-30 seconds per slice in the microwave to restore its gooey texture without overcooking.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this Cinnamon Roll Cake is how adaptable it is to suit your preferences. Here are some fun variations to try.

• Swap the brown sugar and cinnamon swirl for a blend of chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and nutty flavor.
• Add a handful of raisins or chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist. The apples will make the cake even moister!
• Use pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon for a fall-inspired version that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese glaze.
• If you’re dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the finished cake with caramel sauce along with the cream cheese glaze.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas or come up with your own. No matter how you customize it, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is sure to be a hit!

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