Indulge in the delightful flavors of a cinnamon roll transformed into a cake. This Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering a warm, comforting taste that will make your home smell heavenly.
Most of the ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Cake are common pantry staples. However, ensure you have brown sugar and vanilla extract on hand, as these might not be as commonly stocked. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor, while vanilla extract enhances the overall taste of the cake.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake
Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake batter.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
Butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
Butter (softened): Used in the cinnamon mixture for a creamy texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon mixture.
Cinnamon: Provides the signature warm, spicy flavor of a cinnamon roll.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter, use a butter knife and make gentle, figure-eight motions. This technique ensures that the cinnamon flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cake, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as you want distinct swirls of cinnamon in each bite.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1 teaspoon baking soda and 2 teaspoon cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the cake.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
butter, melted - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a slight coconut flavor.
butter, softened - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that has a similar texture and taste.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness and moisture to the cake.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to thicken the batter and provide a lighter texture.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can replace cinnamon in many recipes.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cake
How to Store or Freeze Your Cake
- Allow the cinnamon roll cake to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy.
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor.
- For short-term storage, keep the cake at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- If you need to store the cake for a longer period, place it in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to a week. Make sure it is well-wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- To freeze the cinnamon roll cake, first ensure it is completely cool. Cut the cake into individual slices or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
- Wrap each slice or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cake or slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- For a freshly baked taste, warm the thawed cake slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help revive the buttery and cinnamon flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover cinnamon roll cake in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cake from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't overheat.
Microwave Method:
- Place a slice of the cinnamon roll cake on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. If it’s not warm enough, continue in 10-second intervals until heated through.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cinnamon roll cake on a piece of aluminum foil or a toaster oven-safe tray.
- Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Steaming Method:
- Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place the cinnamon roll cake on a heatproof plate and put it in a steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the cinnamon roll cake in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t get too crispy.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: used to bake the cake at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
9x13 inch baking pan: the container in which the cake batter is poured and baked.
Mixing bowl: used to combine the dry ingredients and later the wet ingredients with the dry mixture.
Whisk: used to mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Measuring cups: used to measure out the flour, sugar, milk, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: used to measure out the baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Spatula: used to stir in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter into the dry ingredients.
Knife: used to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
Toothpick: used to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center of the cake.
Cooling rack: used to allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Separate bowl: used to mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the cinnamon mixture.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine batter and cinnamon mixture, saving you time and effort.
Room temperature butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing, which speeds up preparation.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing to save waiting time.
Line the pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy cleanup and quicker removal of the cake.

Cinnamon Roll Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it through the batter.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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