Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon roll cake—an easy twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. This cake features a buttery, moist base swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped off with a luscious glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to please both family and friends. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the cooking time is around 35-40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g fat, 36g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 14g sugars.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining cake batter and swirl with a knife to combine slightly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute almond milk for regular milk, and coconut oil for butter. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, feel free to add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
Serving and Pairings
This cinnamon roll cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake; mix just until combined.
- Not greasing the baking dish can cause sticking; always grease or line it.
- Using cold ingredients can affect texture; use room temperature eggs and milk.
- Under-baking will result in a soggy center; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Skipping the glaze can make the cake less appealing; it adds sweetness and moisture.
Helpful Tips
- Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing for better adherence.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve warm for the best experience; it’s delicious right out of the oven.
- To enhance the glaze, add a splash of maple syrup for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh in the morning for a warm treat.
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
You can use almond extract or maple extract for a different flavor profile. Just reduce the quantity slightly, as these extracts can be more potent.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should spring back when touched.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch and flavor.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
This cinnamon roll cake recipe is a delightful addition to any breakfast or dessert table. With its soft texture, warm cinnamon swirls, and creamy glaze, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and delicious to eat, it’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones!
Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tablespoons milk for glaze
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining cake batter and swirl with a knife to combine slightly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.