There's nothing quite like the aroma of Cinnamon Roll Cake baking in your kitchen, filling the air with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar. This dessert, with its moist cake base and swirls of cinnamon goodness, tastes just like a classic cinnamon roll but comes together with a fraction of the effort.

I first made this cake on a snowy weekend when I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to deal with yeast or rolling dough. To my delight, it quickly became a family favorite, perfect for holiday brunches, lazy weekends, or a sweet treat to end the day. Let me show you how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake
Get ready to experience the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll in cake form! This Cinnamon Roll Cake is here to simplify your dessert game without compromising on flavor.
First, it's unbelievably easy to make. No yeast, no kneading, and no waiting for dough to rise. Just mix, pour, and bake! It’s the perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want an impressive dessert.
Second, this cake delivers incredible flavor. With a buttery vanilla base and ribbons of spiced cinnamon-sugar throughout, every bite is pure comfort. Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top, and it’s like eating a cinnamon roll with a fork.
Third, it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Serve it as a decadent breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack with coffee, or a crowd-pleasing dessert. Trust me – everyone will be asking for seconds.
Finally, this recipe is super forgiving. Whether you’re a baking pro or a kitchen newbie, it’s almost impossible to mess up. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this cake so special.
Ingredient Notes

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
The cake batter is a rich, buttery base made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk. The combination creates a moist, tender crumb that complements the sweet filling perfectly.
For the iconic cinnamon-sugar swirl, you’ll need brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. The melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture seep into the cake as it bakes, creating those irresistible swirls.
The cream cheese glaze is the cherry on top. It’s a blend of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk for drizzling. This glaze adds tangy sweetness and makes the cake extra indulgent.
Special equipment? Not really! All you need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a 9x13-inch baking dish. Let’s get to the fun part – putting it all together.
How To Make This Cinnamon Roll Cake

Creating this Cinnamon Roll Cake is as simple as it gets. Here’s how you can whip it up in no time:
- Make the Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Alternate adding the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt) and milk, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. - Add the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Spoon this mixture over the cake batter in dollops, then use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the batter. Don’t worry about perfection – the swirls will look beautiful once baked. - Bake
Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by this point! - Make the Glaze
While the cake cools slightly, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth. If you like a thinner glaze, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. - Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake, letting it seep into the swirls. Slice and serve immediately for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
Storage Options
This cake is so good, you might not have leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it on the counter for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: To keep it fresh for longer, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Want to save some for later? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
Variations and Substitutions
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar swirl for added crunch and flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- Try Different Glazes: Swap the cream cheese glaze for a simple powdered sugar glaze or even a maple-flavored drizzle.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spiced twist.
- Mini Cakes: Divide the batter into a muffin tin for individual servings – perfect for brunch parties or grab-and-go treats!
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving and fun it is to experiment with. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
There you have it – the ultimate Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying a slice on a quiet afternoon, this cake is sure to bring comfort and joy. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
PrintCinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe brings the classic cinnamon roll flavor to a quick and easy cake! Featuring a moist base swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy glaze, this cake is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or weekend treats. A must-try for cinnamon lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir in milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to form the cinnamon swirl. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the gooey cinnamon roll goodness!
Notes
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
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