Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe: Fluffy, Moist, and Drizzled with the Perfect Glaze

If you’re a fan of the rich, buttery, and cinnamon-filled goodness of cinnamon rolls but want the ease of a simple cake, then this Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe is about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine a fluffy cake swirled with a decadent cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. It’s the perfect balance of warm spice, soft texture, and sweet, gooey glaze. This cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee.

Photo byInsanely Good Recipes

I came across this amazing recipe on Insanely Good Recipes, and it’s too good not to share. With a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this delightful cake in no time. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special gathering, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds.

A Touch of History

Cinnamon rolls have been a beloved comfort food for centuries, with their origins traced back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” Traditionally, cinnamon rolls are baked in a spiral shape, but this cake version allows you to enjoy all the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls in a simpler format, with the same melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1⁄2 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 3⁄4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1⁄4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter
   In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, yolk, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk gently until mostly combined. Add the melted butter, making sure it’s slightly cooled, and stir until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
   In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until you form a smooth, paste-like mixture. Stir in the flour last. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter, creating ribbons of cinnamon throughout the cake.
4. Bake
   Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack.
5. Make the Glaze
   While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little extra milk. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to set before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips:

• Avoid Overmixing: When whisking the cake batter, do it by hand to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake too dense.
• Cinnamon Swirl Technique: For perfect ribbons of cinnamon, be gentle when swirling. Overmixing the swirl can make the cinnamon layer disappear into the cake.

Enjoy and Experiment

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a versatile dessert. You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture. For those looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, and swap the butter for vegan butter.

Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee, or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to festive gatherings.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes! Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!