If you dream of cinnamon rolls but crave the ease of a one-pan dessert, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is about to become your new favorite. Imagine all the irresistible flavors of a gooey, bakery-style cinnamon roll—warm swirls of brown sugar, buttery crumb, and the cozy scent of cinnamon—baked into a tender, golden cake you can serve in slices. With simple pantry staples and barely any fuss, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing treat for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want a little cinnamon comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how this short list of ingredients comes together for such a big payoff. Each one adds something special to our Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake, building layers of flavor, texture, and that classic cinnamon roll magic.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of the cake, giving it structure and a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake its light lift, ensuring every bite is fluffy instead of dense.
- Salt: Don’t skip this—it sharpens and balances all the sweet flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness right into the base cake for just the right amount of treat.
- Milk: Creates a moist batter and helps everything blend together beautifully.
- Large eggs: Binds everything and brings richness to the cake.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the cake moist and decadent, while adding a gentle buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Instantly elevates the cake’s aroma and brings bakery-style depth.
- Brown sugar: Essential for the cinnamon swirl, giving caramel notes and delightful gooeyness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing the cake with warmth and spice.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Combines with brown sugar and cinnamon for that signature swirl.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Gather and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so your cake turns out cleanly and beautifully. This is the time to set out your eggs and measure out your ingredients—smooth baking is all about a good setup!
Step 2: Make the Batter
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This dry mix will make sure your cake bakes up perfectly even. Add the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract next. Stir just until well combined and the batter is smooth—not overmixing keeps it tender and light. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly all the way to the edges for a uniform bake.
Step 3: Swirl the Cinnamon Magic
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Mash them together until you have a thick, fragrant paste. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture across your batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake—think of soft figure-eights, giving every bite a beautiful streak of cinnamon sweetness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top, bubbling edges, and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean—just a few moist crumbs is perfect! Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes, so the swirl sets up and you can slice it neatly.
Step 5: Optional Glaze
If your sweet tooth calls for something extra, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk (and a splash of vanilla for good measure). Drizzle the glaze right over the warm cake so it soaks into those cinnamon swirls—absolute bakery-level bliss with almost no effort.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Garnishes
Dress up every square with a cascade of the simple glaze, or shower it lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. For a touch of decadence, try a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans. Even a few fresh berries can add a gorgeous pop of color—because Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake deserves to look as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Enjoy this cake with a steamy mug of coffee or chai for the coziest breakfast. Fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or a handful of berries all make perfect additions. If you’re serving brunch, offer savory favorites like scrambled eggs or breakfast sausage alongside to balance the sweet, warming flavors of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into generous squares and let guests serve themselves straight from the pan for easy family vibes. For a party, slice into smaller bites, arrange on a pretty platter, and drizzle with extra glaze just before serving. Or, layer pieces into mini trifle glasses with whipped cream or vanilla pudding for a fun, fancy twist on classic Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for a few extra days of freshness. The flavors deepen as it sits, and it stays wonderfully moist—just cover the dish with plastic wrap or use an airtight container.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole (unglazed) cake snugly in plastic and then foil. Stash in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temperature.
Reheating
For the best warm, bakery-style experience, reheat a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or pop the whole pan in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If glazed, heat gently so the icing melts just a bit—instant cozy comfort.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake gluten free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend for the regular flour, and you’ll get delicious results. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten free, too.
What’s the best way to make the swirl look beautiful?
After dropping in the cinnamon paste, use a thin knife and gently swirl it through just the top half of the batter. Don’t over-mix; a few swoops are all you need for those striking cinnamon ribbons.
Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?
Yes! If you want to serve a large group, simply double the ingredients and use two 9×13 pans. Bake both at once on the middle rack, switching positions halfway through so they bake evenly.
Is there a way to make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake dairy free?
You bet! Swap in your favorite plant-based milk for the whole milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives. The cake will still be rich, tender, and everyone can enjoy it.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this cake?
Definitely! Fold up to 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, or a handful of raisins, right into the batter for extra texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with the cinnamon swirl.
Final Thoughts
Once you bake your first Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake, you’ll see why it wins hearts (and kitchen counter space) every single time. It transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular, whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or just because. I hope you’ll make it, share it, and let its buttery, cinnamon comfort fill your home with joy!
