If you’ve ever craved the comforting, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll but didn’t want the hassle of dealing with dough, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect solution. Combining the rich, buttery flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the simplicity of a cake, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon snack, this cake is a delightful twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with oil or cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, granulated sugar, and baking powder until well combined. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated, ensuring the batter has a rich, creamy consistency.
3. Pour the Batter:
Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure a uniform bake.
4. Create the Cinnamon Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix until the ingredients form a thick, paste-like consistency. This will be your flavorful cinnamon swirl that gives the cake its signature taste.
5. Swirl in the Filling:
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling evenly over the cake batter. Using a knife, swirl the filling through the batter, creating beautiful, marbled patterns. This technique ensures that every bite of the cake has a perfect balance of buttery cinnamon goodness.
6. Bake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s ready, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The top of the cake should be golden brown, with a slight crisp to the edges.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable, but not too runny.
8. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the glaze over the top of the warm cake. The warmth of the cake helps the glaze seep into every nook and cranny, adding an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon filling perfectly.
9. Serve:
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing into it. Serve it warm for a more decadent experience, or at room temperature if you prefer a firmer texture. Each bite will melt in your mouth, offering a symphony of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery cake that’s hard to resist.
For an added twist, consider mixing a bit of cream cheese into the glaze. The slight tang of the cream cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cinnamon filling, giving the cake an even richer flavor. Alternatively, you can add a handful of raisins to the cinnamon filling if you want a hint of fruity sweetness.
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a wonderful fusion of the beloved cinnamon roll and the convenience of a cake. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends—or keeping all to yourself! With its buttery layers, rich cinnamon swirls, and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to a meal, this cake is sure to impress and delight.
Give it a try, and soon you’ll find yourself making this easy, yet indulgent dessert over and over again. The best part? It’s done in under an hour, so you don’t have to wait long to indulge in a slice of heaven!