Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of the iconic Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, you’ll love this cake! It combines the rich, buttery flavor of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake. The layers of cinnamon swirl throughout the cake batter provide that warm, comforting taste, while the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. Plus, this recipe is much quicker to prepare than making traditional cinnamon rolls, making it a great option for busy mornings or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s the perfect balance of gooey and soft, and will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until a thick, paste-like consistency forms.

4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it gently through the cake.

5. Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

7. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake immediately after removing it from the oven. Let the cake cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 servings.
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

1. Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans over the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch and flavor.
2. Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the glaze for a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist on the sweetness.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Add a dusting of cinnamon sugar to the top of the cake before baking for a crispy, sweet crust.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free while maintaining the same delicious taste.
5. Add Fruit: Try adding fresh or dried fruit like raisins or chopped apples to the cake batter for a fruity variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: Reheat slices of cake in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving for the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. How do I store leftover glaze?

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir it before using, as it may thicken over time.

4. Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free milk as a substitute for regular milk.

5. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the cake batter to avoid it becoming too salty.

6. Can I use a different type of sugar for the cinnamon swirl?

You can try using coconut sugar or another sweetener, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the swirl.

7. Can I make the cake without the glaze?

Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer, and the cake will still be delicious with the cinnamon swirl alone.

8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

9. Can I use a different size baking dish?

You can use a different size dish, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. A larger dish will result in a thinner cake, and a smaller dish may require more baking time.

10. How do I get a nice swirl effect?

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter and use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it. Be careful not to mix it in completely for the best swirl effect.

Conclusion

This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect way to satisfy your cinnamon roll cravings without all the hassle. With its easy preparation, gooey cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, it’s an irresistible treat that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Enjoy!

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