Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Dreamy Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe: Swirls of Sweet Comfort

Weekends call for something special, and this decadent cinnamon roll cake will make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

Layered with rich, warm cinnamon swirls, this recipe combines the best elements of a classic breakfast pastry into an irresistible dessert.

Every slice promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that bridges comfort and indulgence.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, creating an instant atmosphere of warmth and anticipation.

Soft, tender crumb mingles with sweet cinnamon ribbons, making each bite a celebration of flavor.

Baking this cake is easier than traditional cinnamon rolls, requiring minimal effort for maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to impress and savor every single delectable moment.

Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake with Icing

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair this cinnamon roll cake with a steaming cup of french press coffee or creamy cappuccino for a delightful morning treat.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad and crispy bacon to create a balanced and impressive weekend breakfast spread that will wow your guests.
  • Dessert Drama: Transform this cake into an evening indulgence by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzling extra caramel sauce on top for a decadent finish.
  • Party Perfect Portion: Cut into smaller squares for easy serving at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers where people love shareable, crowd-pleasing desserts.

Store Slices Without Losing Softness

  • Keep cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Extend cake's life by storing in refrigerator for up to one week, which helps maintain moisture and prevents quick spoilage.
  • Slice cake into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for quick dessert options anytime.
  • Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore that fresh-baked softness and enhance cinnamon's rich aroma.

FAQs

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too salty.

  • How do I know when the cinnamon roll cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

  • What if my batter looks lumpy when mixing?

Don’t worry! Slight lumps are okay. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a tender cake.

  • Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cake a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent sogginess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 12

Cinnamon Roll Cake Ingredient Rundown

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation for the cake, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create tender crumb, look for fine-grain variety.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy cake structure, check expiration date for maximum rising power.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Milk: Creates moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly, whole milk recommended for richness.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure, room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic undertone, pure extract delivers best flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create soft texture.
For Cinnamon Swirl:
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and creates signature swirl, use freshly packed sugar.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, spicy essence, opt for fresh, fragrant variety.
  • Softened Butter: Helps distribute cinnamon mixture evenly throughout cake.
For Sweet Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy topping, sift to remove lumps.
  • Milk: Helps achieve perfect glaze consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic finish to the topping.

Equipment That Helps You Bake Fluffy Cake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for baking the cake and creating perfect rectangular shape.
  • Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing cinnamon swirl ingredients.
  • Medium bowl: Needed for preparing the glaze.
  • Whisk: Helps blend ingredients without overmixing.
  • Knife: Used for creating beautiful cinnamon swirls in the batter.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter and glaze evenly.
  • Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake from Scratch

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and get your baking dish ready with a quick spray or butter rub.

  • Mix the Base

Grab a big bowl and toss in your dry ingredients. Pour in the wet ingredients and give everything a quick swirl until just combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing – you want it relaxed, not stressed out.

  • Create the Cinnamon

In a separate small bowl, smoosh together brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until creamy. Dollop this delicious mixture across the cake batter and use a knife to create gorgeous swirly patterns.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it transform for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean and the kitchen smells like heaven.

  • Drizzle the Glaze

Whip up a quick glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and a splash of vanilla. When the cake is still warm, pour this liquid gold all over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue, then slice and savor every single bite of this incredible treat.

Spicing and Drizzling Tips for Flavor

  • Easy tricks to make your cinnamon roll cake shine like a star.
  • Prepare the batter and cinnamon swirl mixture the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.
  • Swap regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to create a lactose-free version that's equally delicious and creamy.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch and a rich, toasted flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this sweet sensation.
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Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Heavenly cinnamon roll cake blends classic pastry flavors into a delightful dessert. Sweet layers of cinnamon swirl create a mouthwatering treat for bakery enthusiasts you’ll definitely want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
  • 4 tsps baking powder
  • 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 5 6/10 tbsps milk
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Amalgamate flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a generously sized mixing bowl, whisking to guarantee uniform distribution.
  2. Liquid Integration: Pour milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter into dry ingredients, gently folding until a smooth, cohesive batter emerges without overmixing.
  3. Batter Placement: Spread the silky mixture evenly into a greased rectangular baking pan, ensuring a level surface for optimal baking.
  4. Cinnamon Swirl Creation: Blend brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter into a rich, spreadable mixture with a luxurious texture.
  5. Marbling Technique: Strategically dollop the cinnamon mixture across the batter, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the cake’s surface.
  6. Baking Process: Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F, baking for 30-35 minutes until a cake tester emerges clean and the top achieves a golden-brown hue.
  7. Glaze Preparation: Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, adjusting consistency to create a smooth, pourable topping that will cascade beautifully.
  8. Final Flourish: While the cake remains warm, drench the surface with the glossy glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  9. Serving Presentation: Allow the cake to cool briefly, permitting the glaze to set and flavors to harmonize before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ingredient Precision: Measure dry and wet ingredients accurately to maintain the cake’s delicate texture and ensure consistent results every time.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter; stir just until ingredients combine to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
  • Marbling Magic: Use a knife or toothpick to create swirls gently, making sure not to overmix the cinnamon layer for a beautiful, distinct pattern.
  • Glaze Consistency Check: Adjust powdered sugar and milk quantities to achieve a smooth, pourable glaze that drizzles perfectly without being too thick or runny.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 363
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 138 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 43 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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