There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. It’s comforting, it’s cozy, and it just makes everything feel a little brighter. But, let’s be real—who has the time to roll out dough and wait for it to rise? That’s where this delightful Cinnamon Roll Cake comes to the rescue. It gives you that same warm, gooey comfort of classic cinnamon rolls but in a simple, straightforward cake form. Can you already feel the warm hugs happening?

why make this recipe

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for brunch or a sweet treat with your morning coffee. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it a great choice for new bakers and busy bees alike. You can gather all the ingredients in just a few minutes and let the oven do the hard work. Plus, there’s less cleanup! Everyone will fall in love with its tender, buttery texture and the delightful cinnamon-sugar swirls. Trust me, it might just become a new favorite in your home.

how to make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Directions:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This way, your cake won’t stick!
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. It’s like a big hug for your dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. This will add a lovely richness.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Don’t overdo it—lumps are perfectly fine! Then, pour the mixture into your prepared pan.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. This is where we get the sweet swirls!
Sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Let that sugary goodness rain down.
Grab a knife and gently swirl the sugar into the batter. This creates those beautiful cinnamon ribbons.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. It should be golden and springy to the touch!
Allow it to cool a bit before diving in. Patience is key here, but I know it’s hard!

how to serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is delightful warm, and you can serve it as is or drizzle a simple glaze on top. To make a quick glaze, just mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until you get your desired consistency. If you want to get fancy, pair your cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or some sweet tea. Just imagine the cozy vibes as you munch on that cake while catching up with friends!

how to store Cinnamon Roll Cake

You can store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for about 2-3 days. You can also pop it in the fridge for a slightly longer life, but trust me, this cake is usually gobbled up pretty quickly! If you want an even longer-lasting treat, you can freeze individual slices—just wrap them well in plastic wrap before stashing them away.

tips to make Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor. It elevates the cake to another level! You might also enjoy it with a side of some delicious vanilla bean ice cream.
You can swap out the whole milk for your favorite non-dairy milk if you’d like!
For an extra kick, try mixing a bit of nutmeg with your cinnamon for a unique flavor twist—perfect for the fall or winter months.
If you’d like, you can always turn this into a layered cake with frosting between the layers. Just like my best-ever chocolate cake!

variation (if any)

Feel free to get creative! You can easily turn this into a pumpkin spice cinnamon roll cake by adding pumpkin puree and adjusting the spices. Just skip the brown sugar in the batter, and you’ll have yourself a fall treat that perfectly pairs with spiced apple cider.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can work, but your cake will have a denser texture. You might want to try a mix of both for the best results.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just swirl in the cinnamon sugar and bake in the morning, and you’ll have a delightful treat waiting for you!

How can I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure to check the package for any necessary adjustments to liquid ingredients.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Isn’t that easy? I can’t wait for you to try this Cinnamon Roll Cake. It’s going to bring a little sweetness to your day!

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