Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
This Best Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe offers soft, gooey layers of tender cake wrapped in warm cinnamon swirls, combining sweetness and spice in every bite. Ideal for any occasion, it uses simple pantry ingredients and quick preparation to deliver a comforting, festively flavored dessert that feels like a warm hug in slice form.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Batter
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Milk
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons Butter, melted
Icing
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons Milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Prepare the Batter: Begin by mixing the dry ingredients—2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon—in one bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup milk, then fold in the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to keep the batter light and airy.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: Combine 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and 4 tablespoons melted butter in a small bowl to create the gooey cinnamon filling. This mixture will give your cake that signature swirl packed with rich flavor.
- Layer the Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into a greased cake pan. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Finally, create swirls with the remaining cinnamon mixture using a knife or skewer to design beautiful, inviting patterns.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and filling should bubble slightly around the edges.
- Add the Icing: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this icing over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness and an eye-catching finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes evenly for a light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir only until combined to avoid dense or tough cake layers.
- Grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray so the cake releases easily after baking.
- Be generous but don’t overdo the cinnamon filling to maintain a perfect cake-to-filling ratio.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the icing to prevent it from melting and running off.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, cinnamon swirl cake, soft cinnamon cake, gooey cinnamon dessert, homemade cinnamon cake