Cinnamon Roll Cake – A Sweet & Irresistible Treat

If you love the warm, sweet, and buttery flavor of cinnamon rolls but want something easy to make and perfect for sharing, a Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate solution. This cake captures all the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls—soft, fluffy dough, gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a rich cream cheese glaze—without the hassle of rolling individual rolls. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any occasion that calls for a cozy, comforting treat.

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Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake

• ✔ All the flavor of cinnamon rolls in a simple cake
• ✔ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• ✔ Quick and easy to prepare
• ✔ Soft, fluffy, and gooey with a sweet glaze
• ✔ Great for serving a crowd or making ahead

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

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How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

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Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Set aside.

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Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter for a marbled effect.

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Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before adding the glaze.

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Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.

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Step 7: Glaze the Cake

Pour the cream cheese glaze evenly over the warm cake. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Use fresh cinnamon: For the best flavor, freshly ground cinnamon is ideal.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense.
• Swirl gently: Use a light hand when swirling the cinnamon sugar to create beautiful patterns without overmixing.
• Serve warm: Cinnamon Roll Cake tastes best warm, but it can also be served at room temperature.

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Variations

1. Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake

Add 1 cup diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist.

2. Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl before baking for extra crunch.

3. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake

Add 1 cup pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice to the batter for a fall-inspired treat.

4. Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cream cheese glaze for an indulgent dessert.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices warm with a cup of coffee or tea
• Perfect for brunch gatherings
• Great as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Wrap leftovers in foil; they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave

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Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Can be stored for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in a round pan?
Yes! Use a 9-inch round pan, but adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk to mimic buttermilk’s tang.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before pouring over the cake.

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Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect combination of soft, fluffy cake and gooey cinnamon goodness, topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze. Easy to make, perfect for sharing, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe that will become a staple for brunch, dessert, or cozy weekends at home. Indulge in a slice (or two!) and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls in cake form.

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