If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, get ready to fall in love with Cinnamon Roll Cake! This delightful treat perfectly marries the sweet, gooey goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a cake. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a cozy weekend brunch, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is bound to be a hit! You’ll find each forkful boasts a soft, fluffy texture infused with buttery cinnamon swirls and topped with a luscious glaze. I promise, once you try it, it will become a regular on your dessert menu!

Why You’ll Like It

This cake captures all the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling out dough. The rich cinnamon swirl adds a buttery sweetness that you won’t be able to resist, while the glaze adds a glossy finish that’s simply irresistible. It’s an all-around perfect dish—ideal for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion. Plus, it goes beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

The Recipe

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

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

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Carefully stir in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is smoothly blended. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Create the cinnamon swirl: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Use a spoon to drop dollops of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Then, take a knife or spatula and gently swirl it through the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect.
3. Bake the cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
4. Prepare the glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Glaze the cake: After the cake has cooled slightly, pour the glaze generously over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes, slice it up, and indulge!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: For the best flavor experience, serve the cake warm. It makes for a fantastic dessert or a sweet breakfast treat that everyone will love.
• Storage: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.

Helpful Notes

• Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl if you’re looking for an extra crunch or burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a pronounced cinnamon flavor, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of cinnamon in the swirl mixture.
• This cake is best enjoyed warm, but you can always reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Definitely! You can bake the cake one day in advance and cover it at room temperature. Just add the glaze right before serving for that fresh taste.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar?
   Yes, feel free to substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or any alternative you like for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
   Absolutely! You can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Just thaw it at room temperature and add the glaze before enjoying.
4. What type of milk works best?
   Whole milk provides a rich texture to the cake, but you can use any milk or dairy-free substitutes like almond milk or oat milk.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Of course! Doubling the recipe is simple; just use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.