Cinnamon Roll Cake (The One Everyone Always Asks For)

This Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the warm, gooey goodness of classic cinnamon rolls—without the yeast, kneading, or waiting. It’s soft, buttery, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that sinks into every crack.

Overview of Recipe Content

This cake is perfect for:

• Family gatherings
• Potlucks & holidays
• Weekend baking
• Breakfast-for-dessert moments

Why everyone loves it

• No yeast, no rising time
• Feeds a crowd
• Moist, tender crumb
• That irresistible cinnamon swirl

What it tastes like

Buttery vanilla cake layered with rich brown sugar cinnamon ribbons—soft in the center, lightly golden on top, and dripping with glaze.

Ingredients (Full & Complete)

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Cake Batter

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Swirl

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Knife or skewer for swirling

Substitutions & Additions

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts
• Use half heavy cream in the glaze for richness
• Add nutmeg for extra warmth
• Swap vanilla glaze for cream cheese glaze

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

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Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Spread Batter

Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.

Step 4: Make Cinnamon Swirl

In another bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until thick and smooth.

Step 5: Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture over batter. Use a knife to swirl throughout the cake.

Step 6: Bake

Bake 35–40 minutes, until set and lightly golden.

Step 7: Glaze

Whisk glaze ingredients and pour over warm cake so it melts into the swirls.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Hot coffee or cappuccino
• Cold milk
• Fresh fruit for balance
• Extra glaze on the side

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Swirl gently—don’t overmix
• Glaze while warm for best soak
• Use full-fat dairy for richness
• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 2 days (covered)
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Slice and freeze up to 2 months

General Information

This cake is inspired by classic Midwestern potluck desserts—simple, generous, and designed to make people happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It’s even better the next day.

Can I use cream cheese glaze?
Absolutely—and it’s delicious.

Why is it so moist?
The butter swirl melts right into the cake as it bakes.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the kind of recipe that becomes a family legend. If you bring it once, be prepared to bring it again—because everyone will ask.

You may also love:

• https://poulef.com/cinnamon-desserts
• https://poulef.com/bakery-style-cakes
• https://poulef.com/coffee-cake-recipes
• https://poulef.com/potluck-desserts
• https://poulef.com/classic-american-baking

Interactive Elements

Leave a review if you make it!
Share your cake on Pinterest and tag me:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Slice)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
420	52g	20g	5g

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