Why You’ll Like This Recipe

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is not only delightful but also incredibly easy to prepare. It captures the essence of homemade cinnamon rolls while eliminating the hassle. The rich, spiced sweetness of the cinnamon swirl beautifully complements the sweet vanilla glaze, making it a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or anyone looking for a cozy treat on special mornings.

Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5-6 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In another bowl, mix the softened butter, packed brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Blend together until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.

Step 3: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture

Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. With a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a lovely marble pattern. Be careful not to overmix; we want those beautiful swirls!

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Keep whisking until you achieve a smooth consistency. Feel free to adjust the amount of milk to get your desired glaze thickness—thicker for a frosting-like coating, or thinner for a lovely drizzle!

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

Once your cake has cooled a bit, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving. It’s wonderfully tasty warm!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: This cake is best enjoyed warm and makes a delightful treat with an extra drizzle of glaze on top. It pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch or dessert.

Storage: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To enjoy, simply reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Helpful Notes

• Swirling Technique: For the best marbled appearance, swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to avoid overmixing.
• Glaze Thickness: Adjust the milk in your glaze for your preferred thickness. A thicker glaze offers a more frosting-like texture, while a thinner glaze creates a lovely drizzle.
• Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider mixing a pinch of nutmeg into your cinnamon swirl.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and simply warm individual pieces before serving to give it that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Q2: Can I use a different type of flour?
Certainly! For a softer texture, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes indeed! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge and warm in the microwave before enjoying.

Q4: How do I keep the cinnamon swirl from sinking?
To ensure the swirl stays on top, make sure your cake batter is thick enough by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing.

Q5: Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! You can fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl mixture or toss a handful of raisins into the cake batter for extra flavor and texture.