Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake 🍰🍂🍯 – Rich, Swirly & Just Like the Rolls You Crave
If you’ve ever stood in line at a mall food court just for that warm, ooey-gooey slice of Cinnabon , this cake is going to be your new obsession .
Introducing the Cinnamon Roll Cake — a soft, moist spice cake layered with a buttery cinnamon swirl and finished with a dreamy vanilla glaze. It’s everything you love about cinnamon rolls, but baked into one easy-to-slice cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Let’s dive into how to make this sweet, swirly masterpiece!
🧁 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Tastes like Cinnabon : The same gooey cinnamon flavor you know and love.
- No rolling required : Skip the hassle of making actual cinnamon rolls.
- Perfect texture : Moist cake base with a rich cinnamon ripple.
- Make-ahead friendly : Tastes even better the next day!
- Crowd-pleaser : Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weekend baking.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 1 9×13-inch Cake)
For the cake batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter , melted (1 stick)
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🔪 Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Knife or spatula for swirling
- Measuring tools
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
- Combine flour , salt , sugar , and baking powder .
- Add milk , eggs , vanilla extract , and melted butter .
- Mix until smooth — either by hand or with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Tip: Don’t overmix once wet ingredients are added — a few lumps are fine!
Step 3: Pour the Batter Into the Pan
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl:
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add brown sugar , cinnamon , and flour .
- Stir until the mixture becomes thick and paste-like.
This creates that classic gooey cinnamon layer without being too runny.
Step 5: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture In
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the top of the cake batter.
Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter — don’t mix completely, just create ribbons for that marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Moist
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the cake bakes:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar , milk , and vanilla extract .
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed — it should be pourable but not too thin.
Step 8: Glaze While Warm
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the glaze over the top while both the cake and glaze are still warm.
Let the glaze soak into the cake for best flavor and texture.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving.
🥣 Serving Suggestions
- With a side of fresh fruit or coffee for breakfast or brunch.
- Drizzled with extra caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting for a richer twist.
- Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Packed in lunchboxes or wrapped for holiday gifting .
- Sprinkled with crushed pecans or cinnamon sugar on top for extra flair.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze cooled cake (unglazed) for up to 3 months . Thaw and re-glaze before serving.
- Make Ahead: Bake and store overnight — the flavors deepen beautifully.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a toaster oven for crispiness.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for smoother batter.
- Don’t skip the flour in the cinnamon swirl — it prevents sinking and oozing during baking.
- For a cheesecake swirl version , add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the cinnamon mixture.
- Want it even richer? Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce under the glaze.
- Try mini versions in muffin tins — bake for 18–20 minutes.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While definitely indulgent, these bars do offer some benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
- Brown sugar and cinnamon deliver comforting warmth and natural flavor.
- Butter and eggs provide energy-rich fats and essential vitamins.
- Milk and flour combine for structure and softness in every bite.
- The glaze gives that sweet finish we all crave — just keep portions in check!
📝 Final Thoughts
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen to enjoy the deep, sugary goodness of cinnamon rolls. With its soft crumb, gooey cinnamon swirl, and shiny vanilla glaze, it brings all the cozy nostalgia straight to your table — minus the sticky bun mess!
Whether you’re feeding the family, packing lunches, or preparing something special for guests, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds.
So grab your 9×13-inch pan, dust off that cinnamon jar, and get ready to fall in love with cinnamon-scented heaven!
