If you have a love for that warm, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon roll flavor but are looking for an easier way to enjoy it, you are absolutely going to adore this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. This cake captures everything you love about classic Cinnabon buns—the rich cinnamon swirls, the buttery goodness, and the irresistible cream cheese-like glaze—all baked into a soft, sliceable cake that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this heavenly dessert, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for every cozy occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create a cake bursting with comforting cinnamon roll flavor. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, sweetness, and aroma that will fill your kitchen with pure joy.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the cake’s soft crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances out the cinnamon’s warm spice.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy without any heaviness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the cake from tasting flat.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Brings moisture and richness to make every bite irresistible.
- 2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the tender texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to complement the cinnamon.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Infuses the cake with buttery richness and helps tenderize the crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar: For the luscious cinnamon swirl, adding moist, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings that signature Cinnabon flavor.
- 2/3 cup melted butter: Used in the cinnamon swirl for gooey, buttery pockets in the cake.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the glaze, creating the classic creamy sweetness on top.
- 5 tablespoons milk or cream: Thins the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Perfectly rounds out the glaze with a subtle warmth.
How to Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly heated to give the cake an even rise and golden color. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly—this step prevents sticking and gives the cake a beautiful crust around the edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first makes sure everything is evenly distributed, which is key to a consistent texture and flavor throughout the cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. These wet ingredients bring all the dry ingredients alive, creating a batter that will bake into a moist and soft cake.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing, because that can make the cake dense instead of tender. The batter should be thick but smooth, ready to be poured into the pan.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. This mixture is what creates those signature cinnamon swirls that make this cake taste like a giant, fudgy cinnamon roll.
Step 6: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top in various spots, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the mixture into the batter, creating lovely cinnamon ribbons throughout the cake.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point is absolutely intoxicating, and the cake should have a beautifully golden top with rich swirls shining through.
Step 8: Make the Glaze and Serve
While your cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let it soak in for a few minutes before slicing so every bite is perfectly sweet and sticky.
How to Serve Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of extra flair, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for crunch and a nutty contrast. A dusting of cinnamon powder can also enhance that cozy cinnamon aroma just before serving.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and luscious enough to stand on its own, but if you want the perfect pairing, try a side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai tea also complements the spicy-sweet flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or party, cut the cake into smaller squares and serve it alongside a variety of toppings—think cream cheese spread, extra cinnamon sugar, or mini caramel drizzle. You can even layer slices with whipped cream and berries to create a simple cake parfait that wows everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it sealed ensures the cake stays moist and the glaze doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To refresh your cake, warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and reactivates the glaze’s gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for the right texture in the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flour might change the crumb and moisture, so if you try variations, expect a slightly different result.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The cake texture remains soft, and the cinnamon flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
While you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time, it’s best to combine and bake the batter right before to keep the cake as fluffy and tender as possible.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the swirl?
If brown sugar isn’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses to mimic that deep caramel flavor classic to brown sugar.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe—it’s like the comforting hug of a cinnamon roll but in a delightfully easy-to-make cake form. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this cake will fill your home with warmth and smiles. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite cinnamon treat!
Print
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe captures the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make sheet cake form. With a tender vanilla batter swirled with a cinnamon-sugar butter filling and topped with a rich glaze, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is simple to bake and guaranteed to satisfy cinnamon roll cravings without the hassle of rolling dough.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup melted butter
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir to blend the wet ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined to form the cake batter, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the cake batter and use a knife to swirl it through for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to absorb slightly before slicing and serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- For a richer glaze, use cream instead of milk.
- Ensure the cake is warm when applying glaze so it melts slightly for a glossy finish.
- You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, but flavor may vary.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
