Healthy Soft Cinnamon Roll Vanilla Donut Cake (Baked in a Square Pan)

There are days when you crave a cinnamon roll… but not the effort, the mess, or the sugar overload. That’s exactly how this Healthy Soft Cinnamon Roll Vanilla Donut Cake was born in my kitchen. It’s baked in a simple square pan, swirled with cinnamon goodness, and finished with a light vanilla glaze that melts right into the cake.

The texture is soft and tender like a donut, the flavor is warm and comforting like a cinnamon roll, and the ingredient list stays refreshingly simple. If cozy, wholesome baking is your thing, be sure to subscribe by email so you never miss a recipe straight from my oven to yours

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is a Cinnamon Roll Donut Cake?

It’s a one-pan baked cake inspired by cinnamon rolls and vanilla donuts. Instead of yeast or frying, this version uses baking powder and pantry staples for an easy, healthier bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No yeast, no rolling, no frying
• Naturally sweetened
• Soft, fluffy donut-like crumb
• Perfect for breakfast or dessert

What Does It Taste Like?

Light vanilla cake with a tender crumb, ribbons of cinnamon swirl, and just enough sweetness to feel indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients

PIN IT

For the Vanilla Donut Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

• ¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

Optional Vanilla Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• 8×8-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper (optional)

Substitutions & Additions

• Use whole wheat pastry flour
• Add chopped nuts to the swirl
• Make dairy-free with plant milk
• Skip glaze for a breakfast version

How to Make Healthy Cinnamon Roll Vanilla Donut Cake

PIN IT

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line square pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk honey (or maple syrup), eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine

Stir wet ingredients into dry just until combined.

Step 5: Make Cinnamon Swirl

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.

Step 6: Assemble

Pour batter into pan. Spoon cinnamon swirl over top and gently swirl with a knife.

Step 7: Bake

Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Glaze (Optional)

Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm cake.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Donut Cake

• Hot coffee or latte
• Fresh fruit
• Greek yogurt
• Glass of cold milk

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter
• Swirl gently to keep layers defined
• Use parchment for easy lifting
• Let cool slightly before glazing

Storage Instructions

• Store covered at room temperature 2 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze slices up to 2 months
• Reheat gently for best texture

General Information

Baked donut cakes are a wonderful alternative to fried donuts — lighter, easier, and perfect for sharing. This one takes inspiration from classic cinnamon rolls while keeping things simple and wholesome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — use plant milk and coconut oil.

Is this very sweet?

No — it’s lightly sweet and balanced.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — bake in a 9×13 pan.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely — it’s delicious on its own.

Conclusion

This Healthy Soft Cinnamon Roll Vanilla Donut Cake is cozy baking at its best — simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing. If you love cinnamon-forward treats like this, try these next:

• Healthy Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats
  https://poulef.com/cinnamon-roll-baked-oats/
• Banana Oat Mug Cake
  https://poulef.com/banana-oat-mug-cake/
• Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cake
  https://poulef.com/apple-cinnamon-breakfast-cake/
• Vanilla Snack Cake
  https://poulef.com/vanilla-snack-cake/
• Easy Yogurt Cake
  https://poulef.com/yogurt-cake/

Interactive Elements

Did you bake this donut cake? Leave a review
Share your swirl on Pinterest and tag me https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	260
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	2g
Carbs	42g
Sugar	18g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g

Print