Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect blend of rich flavors and soft textures, capturing everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls but in an easy-to-make cake form. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this delightful treat is sure to impress family and friends. With a sweet vanilla icing drizzled on top, every bite offers a warm and comforting experience that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Delight: Each slice bursts with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar, reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm for breakfast or as a sweet finish to any meal; it’s suitable for any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With 12 servings, this cake is great for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a piece of deliciousness.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delightful Cinnamon Roll Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by effectively blending dry and wet ingredients.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: The ideal size for even baking, allowing your cake to rise beautifully.

Ingredients

This Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake dessert has all the flavor of a cinnamon roll but in an easy cake with a vanilla icing drizzled on top!

For the Cake Base

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted (slightly cooled)

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 Tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Sugar

Whisk until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Eggs
2. Vanilla extract
3. Milk
4. Melted butter

Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir until combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix:
1. Softened butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Flour
4. Ground cinnamon

Stir until crumbly.

Step 6: Layer the Cake Batter

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it. Pour the remaining batter on top followed by the rest of the swirl mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Place in preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Make the Icing

While your cake cools slightly, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

Step 9: Drizzle Icing

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over it before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it for breakfast or as a sweet treat, here are some serving suggestions that bring out the best flavors of this cake.

For Breakfast

• With Coffee: Pairing a slice of Cinnamon Roll Cake with a hot cup of coffee makes for a perfect morning pick-me-up.
• Fresh Berries: Add a side of fresh berries for a burst of flavor and freshness that complements the sweetness of the cake.

As a Dessert

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm Cinnamon Roll Cake creates an indulgent treat.
• Whipped Cream: Top your cake with whipped cream for an airy and light finish.

For Special Occasions

• Garnished with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Drizzled Chocolate Sauce: For a decadent touch, drizzle chocolate sauce over each slice before serving.

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How to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake

To achieve the perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake, consider these helpful tips that ensure delicious results every time you bake.

• Measurement Accuracy: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best texture and flavor.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature; this helps them blend better into the batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
• Let It Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling with icing, allowing it to set properly without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options that enhance its flavors and complement its sweetness.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit provide a creamy contrast that works well with the cake’s texture.
3. Bacon Strips: The saltiness of crispy bacon contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors in the Cinnamon Roll Cake.
4. Chia Seed Pudding: This light dessert brings a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully alongside the cake.
5. Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate creates a cozy atmosphere when served alongside slices of cake.
6. Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzling maple syrup over your cake enhances its cinnamon flavor and adds extra sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cinnamon Roll Cake, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your baking game. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat for the best results.
• Measuring Flour Incorrectly: Using too much flour can result in a dense cake. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Mix only until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Not Allowing Butter to Cool: Using hot melted butter can affect the batter’s consistency. Let it cool slightly before adding it.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking or underbaking is easy to do. Check for doneness with a toothpick about 5 minutes before the timer goes off.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Reheating Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Cover with a lid and heat on low for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cinnamon Roll Cake that can help you achieve perfect results.

What is Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls into a moist cake, topped with sweet icing.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or refrigerate if you prefer.

How do I customize my Cinnamon Roll Cake?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance flavor. Experiment with different spices like nutmeg for variety.

Is there a gluten-free version of Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I use alternative sweeteners in the recipe?

Yes, you can use options like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener as substitutes for regular sugar.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Cake is not just easy but also incredibly versatile. With its comforting flavors and customizable options, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients!