Cinnamon Roll Cake from Scratch: A No-Fail Family Favorite2025
Imagine the cozy aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen, the soft crumb of a freshly baked cake, and a drizzle of creamy glaze melting over warm swirls of sugar and spice. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers — the best of two comforting classics, all in one easy, irresistible dessert.
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast, kneading, and rising time, this cake simplifies the entire process. It captures the rich flavor and gooey texture of cinnamon rolls while offering the ease and fluffiness of a quick-bake vanilla cake. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, need a show-stopping dessert, or simply want to treat your loved ones to something special, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is guaranteed to become a new household favorite.
📋 What is Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Cinnamon Roll Cake is a moist vanilla-based cake that features a cinnamon-sugar swirl layered throughout, mimicking the structure and flavor of classic cinnamon rolls. Once baked, it’s topped with a rich glaze or cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite.
The best part? No yeast. No waiting for dough to rise. Just mix, swirl, bake, and glaze.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a complete list of ingredients, divided into components for clarity:
🧁 For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
🌪️ For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
🍥 For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
📝 Optional Additions: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be mixed into the swirl layer for texture.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
🔥 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
🥄 Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
🍯 Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In another bowl, mix:
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Then, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter. Don’t overmix — visible swirls are key to its appearance and texture.
⏱️ Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the center should be soft but set.
🥄 Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the cake cools slightly, whisk together:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The glaze should be thick but pourable. If needed, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. Drizzle over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the swirls and cracks.
🍽️ Step 6: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and serve warm. Pair it with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy moment.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake
- ✅ No yeast or rising time
- ✅ Ready in under an hour
- ✅ Perfect for beginners
- ✅ Family-friendly flavor
- ✅ Freezer and travel-friendly
It’s the kind of dessert you bring to brunch, holiday gatherings, bake sales—or enjoy alone on a quiet Sunday morning.
🧊 Storage and Reheating Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Perfect if you’re planning to serve it soon.
Refrigerator
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked texture.
Freezing
To freeze:
- Cool the cake completely
- Cut into individual portions
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag
Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
🧠 Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temp Ingredients: Helps your batter mix evenly for a soft crumb.
- Don’t Overmix the Swirl: It should look like ribbons, not fully blended.
- Test with a Toothpick: Every oven varies; check at 30 minutes.
- Add Texture: Chopped nuts or raisins give a delightful crunch.
🍰 Variations to Try
| Variation | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese Frosting | Swap glaze with cream cheese frosting for added richness. |
| Apple Cinnamon Cake | Add diced apples to the swirl mixture. |
| Pumpkin Spice Cake | Add ½ cup pumpkin puree + 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to the batter. |
| Maple Glaze | Replace vanilla extract in the glaze with ½ tsp maple extract. |
| Mini Muffin Version | Divide batter into muffin tins, swirl, and bake for 18–20 mins. |
📈 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbs | 48g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Sugar | 34g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
⚠️ Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on portion size and ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it the day before. Store at room temperature and add glaze just before serving.
2. Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Slightly. Reduce both white and brown sugar by ¼ cup each without affecting texture too much.
4. How do I keep the cake moist?
Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overbaking. Adding a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter also boosts moisture.
5. Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Replace eggs with flax eggs, milk with almond or oat milk, and butter with plant-based butter.
🖼️ How to Share This Recipe
📌 Pin It on Pinterest: Use a vertical image of the cake with an eye-catching title overlay.
📱 Share on WhatsApp or Facebook: Perfect for family groups and recipe swaps.
🖨️ Printable Version: Offer a clean, print-friendly version of the recipe card.
🏆 Final Thoughts: Why This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a Keeper
This Cinnamon Roll Cake isn’t just another dessert—it’s a warm hug, a nostalgic flavor, and an instant crowd-pleaser. It combines the gooey, spiced filling of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a one-bowl cake, offering the best of both worlds.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, take it to a party, or keep it all to yourself (we won’t tell), this recipe is bound to earn its place in your go-to collection. And with so many variations to try, it never gets old.
✅ Ready to Bake?
Don’t forget to:
- Pin this recipe 📌
- Share it with your friends 👩🍳
- Leave a comment with your favorite variation! 💬
💡 Looking for more comforting bakes? Try our Old-Fashioned Banana Bread, Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake, or No-Yeast Sticky Buns.
