If you love the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate shortcut! It’s soft, fluffy, and packed with swirls of cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a sweet treat, this cake is a game-changer. Let’s bake this irresistible delight!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 🍚
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 4 teaspoons baking powder 🥄
- 1 1/2 cups milk 🥛
- 2 large eggs 🥚🥚
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌿
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted 🧈
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) 🧈
- 1 cup brown sugar 🍚
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 🌿
- 2/3 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans) 🌰
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar 🍚
- 4-5 tablespoons milk 🥛
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with oil or cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 4 teaspoons of baking powder.
- Add the 1 1/2 cups of milk, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Gently stir in the 4 tablespoons of melted butter until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 2/3 cup of chopped nuts (if using). Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl filling over the batter. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 4-5 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed—it should be pourable but not too thin.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk!
Tips and Variations
- Add Cream Cheese: For a richer glaze, mix in 2-3 ounces of softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and milk.
- Make It Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts from the cinnamon swirl filling.
- Add Raisins: Stir in 1/2 cup of raisins for a fruity twist.
- Double the Cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover, increase the cinnamon to 2 tablespoons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easier than traditional cinnamon rolls—no rolling or cutting required!
✅ Soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar swirls
✅ Perfect for feeding a crowd
✅ Can be served warm or at room temperature
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Servings: 12-15 slices
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate hack for cinnamon roll lovers. It’s quick, easy, and delivers all the flavor of the classic treat without the fuss. Bake it for your next brunch, potluck, or just because—it’s guaranteed to be a hit! 🍰✨😋