If you love cinnamon rolls, you're going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Cake! It combines the sweet, gooey cinnamon swirl of traditional cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake. This recipe is one of my favorites for family gatherings or weekend brunches – it’s always a hit! The soft, fluffy cake is filled with buttery cinnamon sugar swirls and topped with a sweet glaze. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Why you'll like it
This cake has all the delicious flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. The cinnamon swirl adds a rich, buttery sweetness to each bite, while the glaze gives it a beautiful finish. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
The Recipe
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cake batter, then swirl it through the batter using a knife or spatula.
- Bake the cake: Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll flavor experience. It's perfect as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Helpful Notes
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon in the swirl.
- This cake is best served warm, so feel free to reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving for the freshest taste. - Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or another alternative for a slightly different flavor. - Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature and add the glaze before serving. - What type of milk works best?
Whole milk adds richness to the cake, but you can use any milk or milk substitute, such as almond or oat milk. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and use a larger pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Big Mama's Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake form. The gooey cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze take this dessert to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy every warm, cinnamon-scented bite!
