If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time to prepare and shape individual rolls, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect solution. It combines everything people love about classic cinnamon rolls—soft fluffy texture, rich cinnamon-sugar swirls, buttery flavor, and a sweet cream cheese glaze—into one easy-to-make cake.
This delicious breakfast cake is baked in a single pan and features beautiful cinnamon ribbons running through every bite. The result is a moist, tender cake with a gooey cinnamon filling and a silky cream cheese frosting that melts into the warm cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, family gatherings, or weekend baking, this recipe delivers all the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls with half the effort.
Whether you’re serving it with coffee in the morning or enjoying it as a dessert after dinner, this Cinnamon Roll Cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Easier than traditional cinnamon rolls
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Rich cinnamon-sugar flavor
- Sweet cream cheese glaze
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ½ cup softened butter
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Butter knife
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Set aside while preparing the batter.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl combine:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
In a separate bowl whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Melted butter
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined.
Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a medium bowl combine:
- Softened butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Mix until smooth and spreadable.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture all over the cake batter.
Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter.
Create beautiful marble patterns without completely mixing it in.
These swirls will create the signature cinnamon roll appearance once baked.
Step 4: Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven.
Bake for 30–35 minutes.
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
The cinnamon filling will bubble slightly around the edges, creating an irresistible aroma throughout your kitchen.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze.
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Mix until creamy and pourable.
If needed, add a little extra milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven.
Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
While still warm, spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the top.
The warmth of the cake will slightly melt the glaze, allowing it to seep into the cinnamon swirls and create an incredibly moist texture.
Step 7: Serve
Cut into squares and serve warm.
Each slice will feature soft cake layers, rich cinnamon swirls, and creamy frosting.
Pair with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort-food experience.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs, milk, and cream cheese blend more smoothly and create a better texture.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
Serve Warm
This cake tastes best slightly warm when the glaze is soft and creamy.
Add Extra Cinnamon
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon filling by an additional tablespoon.
Flavor Variations
Maple Cinnamon Roll Cake
Replace vanilla in the glaze with maple extract.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake
Add diced apples to the batter.
Pecan Cinnamon Cake
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon filling before baking.
Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cake
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese glaze.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes.
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the cake one day in advance and glaze before serving.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade cream cheese glaze provides the best flavor.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking is usually the cause. Check for doneness at 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls without the complicated shaping and rising process. The combination of fluffy cake, buttery cinnamon swirls, and rich cream cheese glaze creates a dessert that’s comforting, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress everyone who takes a bite.
