Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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Imagine waking up to the sweet smell of cinnamon sugar swirling through your kitchen. That’s exactly the cozy comfort this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe delivers. It’s a buttery vanilla cake layered and topped with a gooey cinnamon filling, all crowned with a creamy glaze that melts into every swirl. It’s everything you love about a cinnamon roll, reimagined as an easy-to-make cake.

This bake is ideal for holiday mornings, Sunday brunch, or any time you want to turn a regular day into something special. It’s rich, moist, and so inviting that one slice never feels like enough. Whether you serve it warm or room temp, this cake wins hearts at first bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

• Easier than cinnamon rolls: No yeast, no rising time, just quick mixing and baking.
• Incredible texture: Moist vanilla cake with pockets of gooey cinnamon-sugar.
• Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better the next day.
• Perfect for any time: Breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the classic cinnamon flavor.

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Do I Need to Use Yeast for Cinnamon Roll Cake?

No yeast needed! That’s what makes this cake so special. It captures the signature flavor and swirled look of traditional cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rising dough. Instead of a bread-like texture, you get a tender, buttery crumb that still delivers that warm, nostalgic cinnamon swirl in every bite.

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Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Each ingredient plays a part in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for both the cake and the swirl:

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and soft texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s moist crumb.
• Baking powder: Leavens the cake, making it light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Brings moisture and helps blend the batter.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, it adds richness and a tender crumb.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Unsalted butter: Softened, not melted, so it can be creamed.
• Brown sugar: Deep molasses flavor for the swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: Smooth sweetness.
• Milk or cream: For thinning to a pourable consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the glaze.

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How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

This recipe is all about easy layering. Follow these steps to get that perfect swirl:

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in melted butter until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture on top. Add remaining batter and more cinnamon mixture on top. Use a knife to swirl it all together.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 5: Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm cake so it melts into the top.

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How to Serve and Store This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

This cake is best served slightly warm, fresh from the oven or gently reheated. The glaze soaks into the cake and adds an extra layer of richness. Perfect as a cozy breakfast treat or a dessert with coffee.

It yields about 12 generous squares, so it’s great for sharing at brunches, holiday tables, or casual gatherings.

To store, cover the cake tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and warm before serving, and drizzle glaze fresh.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Here are some delicious pairings to create a full breakfast or dessert spread:

Fresh Berries

Their tartness balances the sweet richness of the cake.

Scrambled Eggs

Add a savory protein to round out a brunch plate.

Hot Coffee or Espresso

A warm cup cuts through the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon.

Maple Sausages

The salty-sweet contrast pairs beautifully.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Layer with honey and granola for texture and tang.

Spiced Apple Cider

A seasonal drink that complements the warm cinnamon notes.

Whipped Cream

A dollop adds lightness to every bite.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For dessert time, serve a warm square with a scoop on top.

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Want More Cake Recipes with a Twist?

If this Cinnamon Roll Cake hit your sweet spot, check out these other crave-worthy bakes:

• Indulge in the soft layers of our Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Cake
• Craving chocolate? You need the Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cake Bars in your life.
• For something cozy and classic, try the Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe.
• Don’t miss our crowd-favorite Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake.
• Or cozy up with a fall favorite, Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bars.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest baking board and come back to it whenever you crave something sweet and cinnamony.

If you tried it, I’d love to know what you think! Did you add chopped pecans or a caramel drizzle?

Drop your tips or tweaks in the comments so we can inspire each other.

Discover even more homey, crowd-pleasing treats on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next baking obsession!

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