Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour (320g); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1⅓ cups granulated sugar (266g); ¾ cup unsalted butter melted (170g); ¾ cup whole milk (180mL); 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup packed light brown sugar (110g); ¼ cup unsalted butter softened (56g); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar (120g); 1½ tablespoons milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 50 reviews

If you’re a cinnamon roll lover but not up for the whole rolling and twisting process, this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures all the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness we crave in cinnamon rolls but bakes it up in a simple sheet cake form that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. I’ve made this recipe on lazy Sunday mornings and rushed weekday breakfasts—either way, everyone always asks for seconds. Stick around and I’ll share everything to help you nail this fan-freaking-tastic cake!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Swirls, Big Flavor: The cinnamon filling gets just the right swirling treatment to create that classic cinnamon roll look without all the fuss of rolling dough.
Moist and Tender Crumb: Melted butter and whole milk give the cake that perfect soft texture you want, mimicking the fluffy interior of a real cinnamon roll.
Easy Glaze Finish: A quick powdered sugar glaze ties everything together and adds that classic cinnamon roll sweetness without overpowering the cake.
No Fancy Skills Needed: This cake skips the traditional yeast dough and kneading but delivers all the warm, comforting cinnamon goodness you’re craving.

Cinnamon Roll Cake, cinnamon roll cake recipe, easy cinnamon cake, sheet cake cinnamon roll, cinnamon dessert recipe - The image shows three square pieces of cinnamon roll cake with a light brown base and a visible swirl of darker cinnamon filling inside. Each piece is topped with a thick, creamy white icing that spreads unevenly on top. The pieces sit on white plates with delicate gold edges and small floral designs. A white teacup with a gold line on the rim and small floral pattern holds dark brown tea, positioned beside one of the plates. A gold fork rests on a soft pink napkin near the front plate. The background is a white marbled surface, and a tray with more pieces is visible in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Building this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is all about combining simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a part in creating that luscious, cinnamon-packed treat that’s easy to make without compromising flavor or texture.

Cinnamon Roll Cake, cinnamon roll cake recipe, easy cinnamon cake, sheet cake cinnamon roll, cinnamon dessert recipe - Flat lay of a small pile of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a tablespoon of golden baking powder in a small white bowl, a pinch of coarse salt in another small white bowl, a mound of granulated sugar on a white plate, a small white bowl with melted unsalted butter shimmering, a small white bowl of whole milk, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged side by side, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl with packed light brown sugar, a softened slab of unsalted butter on a white plate, a tablespoon of pale all-purpose flour on a white plate, a small white bowl filled with warm ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl containing powdered sugar, a smaller white bowl with milk for glaze, and a tiny white bowl with vanilla extract—all ingredients shown fresh and natural, perfectly arranged in balanced, symmetrical composition placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The foundation, giving structure but still tender enough for a soft cake.
Baking powder: Helps the cake puff nicely and stay light, avoiding any dense cinnamon roll heaviness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, essential for balance.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and melts into the batter, making it cozy and sweet.
Unsalted butter (melted): This infuses the cake with richness and moistness—you’ll taste the difference!
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps keep the texture soft and tender.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure for a clean slice.
Vanilla extract: Brings out warm, sweet notes that complement the cinnamon perfectly.
Light brown sugar (for filling): Adds moisture and depth to the cinnamon swirl with its caramel undertones.
Butter (softened, for filling): Creates that melt-in-your-mouth swirl for authentic cinnamon roll vibes.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—use good quality for maximum aroma and flavor.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Perfect for quick glazing with a smooth finish.
Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency that drizzles beautifully and sets nicely.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is that it’s like a blank canvas for cinnamon goodness—you can easily personalize it based on what you love or the occasion at hand.

Add Nuts or Raisins: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins into the cinnamon swirl for a little extra texture and surprise bites, which my family adores.
Swap the Glaze: If you want that ultra-rich cinnamon roll feel, try swapping out the powdered sugar glaze for a velvety cream cheese frosting—totally elevates this cake for brunch parties.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a warm spice boost that makes it feel extra cozy in cooler months.
Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes and the recipe still comes out wonderfully moist and flavorful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro (Get the Oven and Pan Ready)

The first thing I do is preheat my oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with baking spray or butter. You want a non-stick surface so the cake slips out beautifully later on. This little prep step saves you the headache of stuck edges.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, I combine the flour, baking powder, and salt first. Then I add the sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything well until totally smooth—there should be no flour pockets hiding. A smooth batter means a tender cake crumb. If you melt the butter first and let it cool just a bit, it blends better without cooking the eggs.

Step 3: Dollop and Swirl That Cinnamon Filling

This is where the magic happens: in a small bowl, I stir together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the filling until it looks like a thick paste. Then, I drop small teaspoon-sized dollops all over the surface of the batter in the pan. Pro tip: keep those dollops small—bigger globs tend to sink and leave craters when baked!

Next, I take the tip of a butter knife and gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter in a marbled pattern, careful not to overmix. This gentle swirl creates that signature cinnamon roll look and flavor pockets without mixing away the cinnamon goodness.

Step 4: Bake and Cool The Cake

Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes. Here’s my trick: around the 30-minute mark, gently press the cake’s center with your finger—it should spring back slightly. That’s when it’s perfectly baked and still moist inside. As soon as you notice a golden edge and a springy center, pull it out. Don’t overbake! Too long in the oven will dry it out and none of us want that.

Once out, I let it cool in the pan on a rack for at least 15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors deepen and makes slicing so much cleaner.

Step 5: Drizzle with Glaze and Serve

While the cake is cooling, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Then I drizzle it generously over the warm cake, watching it pool into all those swirly nooks. This sweet shower is the last touch that makes the cake so addicting. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing into perfect pieces!

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Keep Dollops Small: I’ve learned that sticking to teaspoon-sized dollops prevents those annoying sinkholes—your cake surface stays gorgeous and even.
Use Melted Butter for Moisture: Using melted (not softened) butter in the batter gives a tender crumb and richer flavor than oil or softened butter alone.
Gentle Swirling: Swirl just enough to see cinnamon ribbons; over swirling blends the cinnamon too much into the batter and loses the distinct pockets we want.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Every oven is different, so start checking at 30 minutes and use the spring-back test to avoid drying out your cake.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cake, cinnamon roll cake recipe, easy cinnamon cake, sheet cake cinnamon roll, cinnamon dessert recipe - The image shows a close-up of a square piece of cinnamon roll cake with three layers: a light golden brown cake base with swirls of dark cinnamon running through the middle, topped with a thick, white creamy icing that smoothly covers the top and slightly drips down the sides. The piece sits on a small, white plate with delicate floral and butterfly decorations and a thin gold rim. In the background, there is a white plate with several more pieces of the same cake stacked slightly on top of each other. To the right, a white teacup with a gold rim and small bee design is filled with dark tea. A gold fork lies on a soft pink cloth to the side, and all items rest on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with a light drizzle of the powdered sugar glaze, but for special occasions, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon powder makes the cake feel a little fancier. Sometimes, I even add a few fresh berries on the side for a bright contrast to all that sweet cinnamon.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, especially on lazy weekend mornings. If you’re serving it for brunch, I like to throw on some scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad alongside to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday brunches, I’ve presented this cake on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers and a bowl of cream cheese frosting on the side for guests to add freely. You could also cut it into squares and serve with mini skewered fruits for a charming party appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), I recommend covering the cake tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays deliciously moist for about 2 days—though, spoiler alert, that cake usually disappears faster in my house.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices of this cinnamon roll cake wrapped tightly in parchment and foil, and they thaw well overnight in the fridge. It’s a great way to keep cake on hand for unexpected breakfast cravings without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven wrapped loosely with foil to keep moistness. The glaze softens perfectly and it feels like fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon roll goodness all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe?

All-purpose flour works best here for structure and tenderness, but if you want to try whole wheat, replace half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Just note the cake might be less tender.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results. The texture may be slightly different, but the cinnamon flavor will still shine.
Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze is optional but highly recommended—it adds that classic glaze sweetness and helps keep the cake moist. You could swap it for cream cheese frosting if you prefer a richer, more indulgent finish.
How can I prevent the cinnamon filling from sinking?

Keep your cinnamon filling dollops small—about a teaspoon each—and swirl gently into the batter. Also, the flour in the filling helps it hold its shape during baking so don’t skip it!

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe has become my go-to when I want the flavors of a homemade cinnamon roll but don’t have the time (or patience!) to roll and twist dough. It’s quick, approachable, and hits all the warm, cozy notes we associate with cinnamon rolls. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak it, dress it up, or keep it classic. I hope you enjoy baking and eating this cake as much as I do; it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends (or keep all to yourself). So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make some cinnamon roll magic happen!