Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, you’re going to love this cake. It captures the essence of the beloved cinnamon roll with a deliciously fluffy cake base, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a smooth glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It’s easier to make than traditional cinnamon rolls, but every bite is just as decadent. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and with just a few simple steps, you can whip up a show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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 (1 stick) 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Slowly incorporate the melted butter into the mixture.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
4. In a medium bowl, prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. Drop dollops of this cinnamon mixture over the cake batter and use a knife to swirl it through, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
7. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings

Variations

• Add nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon swirl for an added crunch and flavor.
• Use cream cheese frosting: For a tangy twist, drizzle some cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze for an extra rich flavor.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make this cake gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Reheating: To enjoy your cake warm, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds or place the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake the night before and drizzle the glaze on the following morning, or store the whole cake in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Absolutely! After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Can I substitute almond milk for regular milk?

Yes, almond milk works as a great alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.

What can I use if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use an 8×8-inch pan or a 10-inch round cake pan. Just keep in mind the cake may need slightly less time to bake, so check for doneness earlier.

Can I use brown sugar in the glaze?

It’s best to stick to powdered sugar for the glaze to achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. Brown sugar could make the glaze too grainy.

Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Use the paddle attachment to mix the batter and the cinnamon swirl ingredients. A stand mixer makes the process faster but isn’t necessary.

Is this cake supposed to be gooey inside?

Yes, the cinnamon swirl creates a marbled, slightly gooey texture inside the cake. It adds to the overall cinnamon roll experience!

Can I add frosting on top instead of the glaze?

You can, but keep in mind that the glaze adds a light sweetness, while frosting will give you a richer flavor. Choose based on your preference!

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine is a fine substitute, but butter adds more richness and flavor to the cake.

Conclusion

Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake is an easy-to-make treat that will make your home smell heavenly as it bakes. The perfect combination of soft cake, warm cinnamon swirl, and a sweet glaze creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it for brunch or as a delightful dessert, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!

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