If you’ve ever craved the mouthwatering flavor of a freshly baked cinnamon roll but wanted the convenience of a quick and easy recipe, look no further than this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake. This delightful cake is perfect for anyone who loves the rich, buttery taste of cinnamon rolls but wants to skip the fuss of rising dough. With its fluffy vanilla cake layers, thick swirls of cinnamon and sugar, and a decadent cream cheese glaze, this cake satisfies your sweet tooth in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The aroma of this cake baking in the oven is sure to draw everyone into the kitchen, and the first bite will take you straight to dessert heaven.
This easy recipe appeals to both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, delivering a satisfying homemade treat without the typical hassle. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at a family gathering, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is sure to impress. Each slice offers a perfect balance of fluffy cake and gooey cinnamon goodness, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that brings it all together. Plus, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly, making it a wonderful choice for all types of eaters. With this cake in your repertoire, you’ll never need to rely on the bakery for your cinnamon roll fix again!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is an absolute game-changer for any dessert lover. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: Enjoy the heavenly flavors of cinnamon rolls without the wait—bake and serve in just 55 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common kitchen staples, this cake is easy to whip up anytime you have a craving.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat after dinner; it suits any occasion.
- Decadent Flavors: Buttery vanilla cake with cinnamon swirls and cream cheese glaze delivers all the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy this delightful cake.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out for efficiency. You’ll need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent your cake from sticking.
Here are some tools that will make your baking experience even better:
- Mixing Bowls: Having at least two large mixing bowls—one for wet ingredients and one for dry—will streamline your process.
- Electric Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer will help you achieve a smooth batter and fluffy glaze.
- Rubber Spatula: This is ideal for folding ingredients together without overmixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so be sure to have these on hand.
Ingredients
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake features a delightful combination of ingredients, making it easy to achieve that classic flavor:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking. While the oven heats up, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and will help your cake come out beautifully after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness of your butter and sugar will help incorporate air into your cake, giving it a light texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring that your cake rises appropriately.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually alternate between adding the dry flour mixture and the 1 cup of buttermilk to the wet mixture. Begin with a bit of the flour, then add some buttermilk, continuing to alternate until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be just combined for a tender cake.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of softened butter to create a thick cinnamon swirl mixture. Mix until it’s well blended but still thick enough to spoon onto the batter.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a rubber spatula. Then, take spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture and drop them over the top of the batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
Carefully place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 32–38 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
After your cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set for a few moments before slicing the cake into squares for serving. This cake is delightful warm or at room temperature, so feel free to enjoy it at your preference!
Variations
You can customize this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake in various ways to make it your own:
- Protein: Add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with adding pumpkin spice or nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
Here are a few tips to ensure your Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a smash hit:
- Always use softened butter and cream cheese for smoother mixing.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once you’ve added flour. This helps maintain a fluffy texture.
- Allow your cake to cool slightly before glazing so that the glaze doesn’t melt entirely when applied.
- If you want a richer glaze, consider adding an extra ounce of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Enjoy it as a decadent breakfast paired with fresh fruit or yogurt.
- Serve it at a brunch gathering alongside coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Tips
Keep your cake fresh and delicious with these valuable tips:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- If desired, reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the warmth again.
- Consider freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months for an easy future treat.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32–38 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Glaze just before serving for the best results.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite frosting, like a vanilla or chocolate frosting.
What should I do if the cinnamon swirl is sinking to the bottom?
If you notice that the swirl is sinking, try dropping spoonfuls of the swirl mixture onto the batter before baking. This allows it to stay suspended in the layers.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
While you can use regular milk, the tanginess of buttermilk adds a unique flavor and moisture that enhances the cake. Consider adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk to mimic buttermilk.
Conclusion
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its ease of preparation and delicious flavor, it’s a splendid option for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its fluffy texture, gooey cinnamon swirls, and creamy glaze make it a comfort treat that everyone will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to try variations to suit your taste, and remember to share your experience! We’d love to hear from you, so comment below if you have questions or your own tips. Happy baking!
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Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking. While the oven heats up, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually alternate between adding the dry mixture and the 1 cup of buttermilk to the wet mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of softened butter to create a thick cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a rubber spatula. Spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture should be dropped over the top of the batter.
- Carefully place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 32–38 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze.
- After your cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32–38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 4 g