Start your morning with a burst of joy by baking these delicious Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls. These delectable rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough infused with sweet vanilla cake mix and packed with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with thick, creamy frosting and a generous sprinkle of rainbow jimmies, they are perfect for a festive breakfast, a special birthday brunch, or a sweet treat that brings smiles to any occasion. Imagine the delight on your family’s faces as they dig into these scrumptious rolls that taste just like a cinnamon roll and birthday cake had the sweetest baby!
This recipe is not only fun and creative but also incredibly easy to make. It combines the nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls with the playful flavors of a birthday cake. By using vanilla cake mix, we simplify the dough preparation process, allowing you to focus on creating joy in the kitchen without the need for complicated techniques. Whether you’re cooking for a birthday celebration or simply craving a delightful morning treat, these Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls will definitely check every box!
Why You’ll Love This Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls
- Fun and Festive: Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion, making breakfast feel like a celebration.
- Easy to Make: Simplified recipe using cake mix allows even novice bakers to create delicious rolls.
- Delightfully Fluffy: The dough rises beautifully, resulting in soft and airy rolls with the perfect texture.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite sprinkles or toppings for a personalized touch.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and cake flavors creates a uniquely delightful taste experience.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the creation of these amazing Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by measuring all your ingredients beforehand for smooth sailing during the mixing process. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients, a rolling pin for flattening the dough, and a baking pan (preferably 9×13) to bake the rolls in. Don’t forget your measuring spoons and cups for the accurate amount of each ingredient!
For the best results, find a warm spot in your kitchen to allow the dough to rise. This could be near a sunny window, on top of the refrigerator, or in an oven set to the lowest temperature. You’ll also want to have clean work surfaces ready for rolling out the dough and assembling your rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla or funfetti dry cake mix
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 2 tbsp dry cake mix (for filling)
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (for filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the milk slightly, aiming for about 110°F, which helps activate the yeast effectively. Combine the warmed milk with granulated sugar and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is an essential step to ensure that your rolls will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once the yeast is foamy, add in the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and dry cake mix. Mix everything well until it’s all combined into a smooth mixture. Gradually add your all-purpose flour and salt, kneading it into a soft, slightly sticky dough. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add more flour gradually until you achieve the perfect texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover your bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area in your kitchen. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, fluffy texture in the rolls!
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of dry cake mix in a small bowl until combined. Finally, fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently to avoid breaking them.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about a ¼-inch thick. Spread your filling mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about half an inch at the edges. This ensures that when you roll it up, the filling doesn’t ooze out.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. If your filling spills out, just tuck it back in as you go. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal parts using a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 baking pan. Cover them with a cloth again and allow them to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise enhances the lightness and fluffiness of the rolls.
Step 8: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen properly, pop them into the oven and bake for about 22 to 26 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through. Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible sweet aroma during this time!
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust the heavy cream to get your desired frosting thickness.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, generously frost them with your cream cheese frosting and immediately top with colorful sprinkles. Serve them warm for the best experience or store them for later enjoyment.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked bacon or sausage bits into the filling for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Consider incorporating apples or mashed bananas for added flavor and moisture.
- Spices: Spice it up with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice mixed into the filling for a unique taste.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure to let the dough rise fully each time for the fluffiest result — patience pays off.
- Always use jimmies (not nonpareils) to avoid color bleeding in your dough.
- If you want the roll to be gooier, try pouring ¼ cup of heavy cream over the unbaked rolls before baking.
- You may also use different flavored cake mixes for variety, such as chocolate or red velvet.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- They are perfect as a side for brunch buffets or breakfast gatherings.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother and more consistent dough texture.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning.
- Experiment with different toppings like crushed cookies or chocolate chips.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for longer.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 280 per roll
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 190mg
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After the first rise, shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
What type of cake mix can I use?
You can use any flavor of dry cake mix — vanilla, chocolate, or even funfetti will work beautifully!
Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked rolls. Just thaw, let them rise, and bake as directed.
What can I do if my rolls don’t rise?
If your rolls don’t rise as expected, check your yeast for freshness. It should be active (foamy) when mixed with liquid, so always proof your yeast before using it.
Conclusion
These Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are not just pastries; they are a joyful celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re surprising your loved ones or treating yourself, these delightful rolls promise to bring happiness with every bite. The combination of warm cinnamon-infused dough, gooey filling, and creamy frosting is a true culinary masterpiece that is easy to make and enjoy. We encourage you to try out this recipe, share your experiences, and even experiment with different fillings or toppings. Don’t forget to comment below with any twists you’ve made or ideas for future variations!
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Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat combining the flavors of cinnamon rolls and birthday cake in one sweet package.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla or funfetti dry cake mix
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 2 tbsp dry cake mix (for filling)
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (for filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk slightly to about 110°F. Combine with granulated sugar and instant yeast in a bowl, let sit until foamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add in eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and dry cake mix, mixing until smooth. Gradually add flour and salt, kneading into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- First Rise: Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and dry cake mix in a bowl, then fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll out into a large rectangle, spread filling mixture over, leaving half an inch at the edges.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place sliced rolls in a greased baking pan, cover, and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), bake for about 22 to 26 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Once rolls are cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting and top with sprinkles.
Notes
If rolls don’t rise, check yeast freshness. Can freeze unbaked rolls; thaw and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Protein: 4 g