If you’re in the mood for homemade cinnamon rolls but don’t want to deal with all that dough kneading and long rising times, this easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect solution. Imagine a fluffy vanilla cake swirled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a sweet glaze. It’s like having a giant cinnamon roll in cake form, ready to devour in under 30 minutes! Whether it’s for breakfast or dessert, this cake will quickly become a family favorite, especially when paired with a cup of coffee.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
What’s not to love about a cake that tastes like a cinnamon roll? This easy cinnamon roll cake recipe uses a boxed cake mix for the base, making it super convenient when you’re short on time. The cinnamon swirl creates that classic cinnamon roll flavor with minimal effort, and the sweet vanilla glaze on top gives it a perfectly moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, you can serve it warm, room temperature, or even straight from the fridge—no judgment here! It’s great for birthdays, potlucks, or even a regular Tuesday morning.
Ingredients Needed For Cinnamon Roll Cake
Everything you need for this cake is pretty common baking ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started. Be sure to check out the variations list if you want to make change things up!
For the cake mix–
- White cake mix – Using a boxed mix cuts down on time, but you still get a deliciously moist cake.
- Eggs – Adds structure to your cake, keeping it light and fluffy.
- Oil – Vegetable, canola or coconut oil helps keep the cake moist.
- Water – Combines with the dry ingredients for a smooth batter.
For the cinnamon mixture–
- Melted butter – Makes the cinnamon mixture rich and buttery.
- Brown sugar – I used light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper mollases flavor.
- Cinnamon – The star of the show for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
For the glaze–
- Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth and sweet vanilla glaze.
- Vanilla extract – Adds flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Milk – Whole milk or 2% is best. Adjust the amount to get the right icing consistency.
Variations
- Cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
- Substitute sour cream for some of the oil in the cake mix for a tangy twist.
- Use dark brown sugar in the cinnamon mixture for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for some crunch.
- Try using a yellow cake mix or even a butter pecan cake mix for a flavor variation.
- Make the cake part homemade. My homemade cake recipe is a reader favorite!
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements see the printable recipe card below. Here are my step-by-step instructions for making this homemade cinnamon roll cake:
1. Preheat Oven + Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line half sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Pro Tip: a half sheet pan measures 18x13x1. If you have 2 smaller quarter sheet pans (9x13x1), you can use those instead.
2. Make Cake Batter
In a large bowl, make the cake mix batter according to package directions and spread evenly into the prepared half sheet pan.
Mix melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon together and drizzle across cake batter. Using a butter knife, swirl cinnamon filling through cake batter.
3. Bake
Bake about 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean after being inserted into the cake.
4. Make the Glaze
While cake bakes, stir the glaze ingredients together (powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk) to create a glaze the consistency of white glue.
5. Cool + Drizzle With Glaze
Remove from oven and cool 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Serve warm for the best cinnamon flavor!
Storage + Make Ahead Directions
Store this cake covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge.
To Freeze: This cake freezes really well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Just thaw and enjoy.
To Make Ahead: You can bake the cake the day before and store it covered in the fridge. Drizzle the glaze just before serving for the best texture.
More Cinnamon Recipes to Try!
- Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Cinnamon Bread
- Cinnamon Muffins
- Cinnamon Twists
- Chewy Soft Cinnamon Rolls
With this easy and delicious cinnamon roll cake, you get all the deliciousness of traditional cinnamon rolls without all the fuss. Serve it for breakfast (with coffee!), dessert, or even as a birthday cake, and watch the whole family rave about it. The printable recipe card is below! Have a great day, friends! 🙂
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
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