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Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

The Best Cinnamon Roll Cake is a soft, moist, and gooey cake that captures the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-slice cake form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe fills your kitchen with warm cinnamon aroma and can be easily customized with toppings, glazes, and mix-ins to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus extra for swirl)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar (plus extra for swirl)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Glaze

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gather and measure all ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined, ensuring a consistent cinnamon flavor throughout the cake.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale, which will contribute to a light and tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to round out the flavor.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  6. Create the Cinnamon Swirl: Combine extra brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it, then pour the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers lightly for a marbled effect.
  7. Bake and Cool: Bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan to prevent the frosting from melting.
  8. Frost with Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the glaze generously over the cooled cake for a rich, tangy finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk for a smoother batter and better rise.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep your cake tender and avoid toughness.
  • Swirl the cinnamon sugar gently using a skewer or knife to create defined ribbons, not a muddled swirl.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick—ideal moistness is indicated by a toothpick with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent glaze melting and running off.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, cinnamon swirl cake, cinnamon cake, sweet breakfast cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe