Cinnabon’s Cinnamon Roll Cake: A Delightful Homemade Treat
If you’re a fan of Cinnabon’s legendary cinnamon rolls, you’re going to love this easy-to-make Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe. Imagine all the flavors of those gooey, sticky rolls but in a soft, moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This homemade dessert will quickly become a favorite in your household, and it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the rich, buttery taste of a classic cinnamon roll with the convenience of a cake. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. Plus, making it at home allows you to enjoy that fresh-baked goodness without the hassle of dealing with dough or waiting for rolls to rise. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly simple, using common pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake, you’ll need the following 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until well combined, but avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until you have a thick, smooth mixture. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife or spatula to swirl it through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
4. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still soft.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding more milk (a teaspoon at a time) if the glaze is too thick.
6. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the nooks and crannies, creating that classic cinnamon roll effect.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake into squares and serve it warm. The cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, with a gooey cinnamon swirl running through each piece. The sweet glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite irresistible.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a tender, moist cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon swirl for added texture and flavor.
- Make it ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that freshly baked warmth.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnabon-inspired Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With its soft, buttery cake base, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you might find yourself baking it regularly.