Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a deliciously soft and gooey cake that captures the flavors of your favorite Cinnabon cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make format. With swirls of cinnamon sugar and a sweet cream cheese glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s simple enough to make on a lazy weekend morning yet impressive enough for any special occasion.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine. Add the milk, eggs, and melted butter, and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until creamy. Adjust the milk as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the cake slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook Notes
- Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to ensure the cinnamon swirl mixture spreads easily throughout the cake batter.
- Swirling: Be gentle when swirling the cinnamon mixture to create a marbled effect. Over-mixing will cause the layers to blend too much.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add a bit more.
Variations
1. Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a nutty texture that complements the cinnamon flavors.
2. Caramel Drizzle
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake along with or instead of the cream cheese glaze for an extra decadent treat.
3. Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake
Add 1 cup of diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist. The apple pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon swirl, giving the cake a delicious apple-cinnamon flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
- A La Mode: Serve a warm slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
- Holiday Brunch: This cake is perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra festive touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and add the cream cheese glaze just before serving. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Absolutely! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving.
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake brings the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for any time of the day. The soft cake, rich cinnamon swirls, and creamy glaze make every bite a comforting delight. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls in cake form!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it turned out!
