Description

Say goodbye to the hassle of rolling dough and waiting for it to rise—this Cinnamon Roll Cake is about to change everything you thought you knew about your favorite breakfast treat. Imagine all the gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness of a homemade cinnamon roll, but baked into a soft, moist cake that practically melts in your mouth. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

Whether you're making brunch for friends or simply want to treat yourself on a cozy morning, this cake delivers all the comfort of a cinnamon roll without the extra effort. It's quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing (or not—we won’t judge!). From the first bite, you’ll be hooked by its rich brown sugar-cinnamon ribbon and the buttery tenderness of the crumb. It's no wonder so many people say, "I’ll never make cinnamon rolls again!"

Ingredients

• For the cake batter:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the cinnamon swirl:
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Preparation Method

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This forms the foundation of your cake—light, tender, and just the right amount of sweet.

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. The buttermilk gives this cake its signature moist texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix—you want a light and airy crumb.

To make the swirl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. The rich aroma of this mixture is what gives the cake its irresistible cinnamon roll flavor.

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top, covering the batter completely. Then pour the remaining batter over the top and use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together. You don’t need to overdo it—a few elegant swirls are all you need for that marbled effect.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing—it’s just enough time for the swirl to settle and the flavors to bloom.

Tips and Conclusion

To take this cake to the next level, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top while it’s still warm. Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Pour it over the cake for that classic cinnamon roll finish.

Planning to serve this at a brunch gathering? Pair it with freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte. It also makes a decadent dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Leftovers (if any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for longer freshness.

This Cinnamon Roll Cake isn’t just an easy baking project—it’s a full-on flavor experience. With its soft, buttery crumb and luscious cinnamon swirl, it’s everything you love about a cinnamon roll, minus the time-consuming prep. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake hits the spot every time.

If you loved this recipe, don’t miss our other cozy favorites like Maple Pecan Sticky Buns, Apple Crumble Coffee Cake, or Vanilla Glazed Donut Muffins. Keep exploring, keep baking, and most importantly—don’t forget to share your creations and tag us! We’d love to see your cinnamon-swirled masterpiece.