Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances comfort and decadence, look no further than Cinnamon Roll Cake. This heavenly creation combines the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fluffy texture of cake, making it an ideal choice for brunch or a cozy evening treat. The aroma of warm cinnamon filling wafting through your kitchen is irresistible and instantly transports you to a bakery. Plus, the addition of cream cheese frosting elevates this cake to a whole new level of indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps / Instructions

Preheat your oven
Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Create the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until well blended.
Assemble the cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batter gently, creating a marbled effect.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
Cool and frost: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best results with your Cinnamon Roll Cake, keep these tips in mind: You can learn more about this topic.

For a moist cinnamon cake, be careful not to overbake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
If you want to make this cake ahead of time, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
To avoid common baking mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and ensure your baking powder is fresh.

Variations

Feel free to customize your Cinnamon Roll Cake to suit your taste: Check out our related guide for more tips.

For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple, to give a unique twist to the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for brunch or as a comforting dessert. Serve it warm or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors that transforms a beloved breakfast classic into an irresistible dessert. With its moist texture and sweet cinnamon swirl, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it during the holidays or as a sweet breakfast treat, this recipe promises to bring comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience!