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Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake — All the Cozy Comfort Without the Rolling

There’s something almost magical about the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven. It wraps around you, slows the world down, and instantly makes everything feel warmer. This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake captures that exact feeling — the soft, buttery cake, thick cinnamon swirls, and creamy glaze that melts into every crack and crevice.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunch tables, or those evenings when you want something sweet but don’t want to wrestle with yeast and dough. This cake gives you everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, without the fuss — just mix, swirl, bake, and drizzle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the cinnamon roll flavor without rolling or proofing dough
• Soft, fluffy texture with gooey cinnamon pockets
• Perfect for brunch or dessert — one pan feeds a crowd
• Beginner-friendly and nearly foolproof
• Comfort food at its finest, especially served warm

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Creamy Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Butter knife or skewer (for swirling)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
Gradually combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients, mixing until just smooth.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until thick and spreadable.

4. Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the pan.
Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife.
Pour remaining batter on top and repeat with the remaining cinnamon mixture.

5. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Make the Glaze

While baking, whisk powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.

7. Glaze & Serve

Let cake cool slightly, then drizzle glaze generously over the warm cake.
Slice and serve while soft and gooey.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the cake light and tender
• Swirl gently to keep defined cinnamon ribbons
• Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth glaze
• Serve warm for that true cinnamon-roll experience
• Reheat leftovers briefly to revive the gooey texture

Variations & Substitutions

• Extra Gooey: Add a few tablespoons of heavy cream poured over the batter before baking
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice blend
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter
• Maple Glaze: Swap vanilla for maple extract in the glaze

Serving, Pairing & Storage

How to Serve

• Warm, straight from the pan
• With coffee, chai, or hot cocoa
• As a brunch centerpiece or dessert

Storage

• Cover and store at room temperature for 1 day
• Refrigerate up to 4 days

Reheating

• Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds
• Warm covered in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes

Freezing

• Freeze unfrosted cake up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight and glaze before serving

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake a day ahead and glaze before serving.

Why isn’t my cake gooey enough?
It may be slightly overbaked. Pull it when the center is just set.

Can I use boxed cake mix?
You can, but homemade gives better cinnamon absorption and texture.

Does it taste like real cinnamon rolls?
Yes — especially when served warm with glaze soaking in.