There’s something wildly satisfying about a dish that takes you from the slow mornings of a Southern kitchen to the aromatic bakeries of Copenhagen—all in one bite. This Cinnamon Roll Cake is exactly that: the gooey, spiced center of a cinnamon roll swirled into a tender, buttery cake.
One of my favorite takeaways from traveling through Scandinavia was how cinnamon is used not just as a spice but as a scent-memory, an invitation. Here, I’ve translated that tradition into something unmistakably comforting yet effortlessly shareable.
Whether you’re baking this for a lazy brunch, a church potluck, or just to fill your kitchen with the scent of nostalgia, this recipe invites experimentation. Add toasted pecans, swap in cardamom, or use orange zest in the glaze—let your tastebuds travel a bit.
Perfect for Family Gatherings!
- I made this for a holiday brunch when I didn’t have time for yeasted rolls, and everyone was shocked it was a cake—the shortcut was my little secret. Great for anyone who wants that classic flavor without the wait.
- We now bake this every time my cousins visit from out of state—it’s a tradition that started by accident and became our most-requested dish. This could become your family’s surprise staple, too.
- I’ve swapped regular flour for almond flour to reduce carbs, and surprisingly, it worked beautifully. If you’re watching your sugar or carb intake, this is a satisfying (and still decadent) option.
- One time, I sliced it cold and packed it for a road trip snack. It holds up like a charm and tastes like a hug in cake form—even in the back seat of a car crossing state lines.
Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a dreamy, easy-to-make treat that swirls all the best parts of a cinnamon roll into a soft, fluffy cake. With a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Butter knife
- Whisk
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk
Glaze
- 5 tbsp milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon filling
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray (preferably one with flour).
- In a large bowl or a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1½ cups of milk.
- With the mixer running, slowly pour in ½ cup of melted salted butter and mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix ¾ cup softened salted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon filling evenly over the cake batter.
- Using a butter knife, swirl the filling through the batter to create a marble effect.
- Bake for about 35–40 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 5 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to make the glaze, adjusting the consistency with more sugar or milk as needed.
- Once the cake is done, pour the glaze over the warm cake and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- To prevent overmixing, stop blending the batter as soon as the ingredients are incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
- For a deeper cinnamon flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling mixture.
- If you prefer more pockets of gooey cinnamon, double the filling recipe and swirl in layers.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 538kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 82g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Protein | 5g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Measure ingredients before starting: Having everything ready helps the process flow smoothly without scrambling midway.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Milk, eggs, and butter blend better and give you a softer, fluffier cake.
- Line the baking dish: If you lightly line the dish with parchment paper along with spraying, it’s even easier to lift the cake out.
- Clean your butter knife between swirls: Wipe the knife occasionally while swirling to keep the marble effect neat and defined.
