Description
If you love the warm, comforting flavor of classic cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and easier to prepare, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect dessert. It combines a soft, buttery vanilla cake with rich swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, then finishes with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts into every bite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a holiday gathering, this cake delivers all the delicious flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls without the extra work of making yeast dough.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In another bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts if using.
- Spoon the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
- While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
- Allow the glaze to soak in for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Serving Tips
- Serve slightly warm for the best gooey texture.
- Pair with freshly brewed coffee or hot tea.
- Add fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
- Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Warm leftovers for 15–20 seconds in the microwave.
- Cut into small squares for brunch buffets.
- Dust lightly with cinnamon before serving.
- Garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Storage Tips
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Warm slices before serving for the freshest taste.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Avoid leaving the glaze uncovered to prevent drying.
- Store in a cake carrier to help retain moisture.
- Do not freeze while still warm.