Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining two beloved treats into one delightful dish. With a soft, fluffy cake base infused with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, each bite feels like a warm hug. Topped with a creamy glaze, it’s hard to resist a generous slice, whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert after dinner. It’s easy to create and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

I remember the first time I made this Cinnamon Roll Cake; it was for a brunch gathering, and I was blown away by the positive response. People were gravitating towards it as soon as it came out of the oven. The sweet scent of cinnamon filled my kitchen and drew everyone in, just like home-baked treats should. Now, it has become a staple in my rotating lineup of desserts. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, hoping it finds a happy spot in your kitchen as well!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This Cinnamon Roll Cake comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery cake and fragrant cinnamon truly satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its gorgeous swirl patterns and creamy glaze, it’s a treat for the eyes too!
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it warm from the oven, with coffee for breakfast, or as a delightful dessert.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for sharing and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled slightly: This will provide a rich flavor and tender crumb. Be sure to let it cool a bit to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step!
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Standard sweetness that helps balance the richness of the butter.
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed: A hint of molasses adds depth and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding and adding extra richness to the cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile, giving a hint of warmth.
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk: This gives the cake a nice tang and helps with the texture.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cake — make sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the cake rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness, enhancing all flavors.
- ¾ cup salted butter at room temperature: Used for the filling and adds a lush consistency to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and richness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Key for thickening the filling, allowing it to hold its shape during baking.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show; it provides that classic flavor reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: For the glaze, giving it that perfect sweet finish.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Ensures the glaze is smooth and drizzle-able.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjust for consistency in the glaze, keeping it pourable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the glaze flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This ensures easy removal of the cake later!
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually whisk in the buttermilk until the mixture is homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together ¾ cup of softened salted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add Filling to Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter using small teaspoons. Avoid swirling or mixing; the filling will create a lovely ripple as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-35 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges are lightly golden.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the thickness to your preference by adding more powdered sugar for a thick glaze or more milk for a thinner consistency.
- Drizzle Glaze: Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in just a bit.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake, keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it remains delicious. A drizzle of fresh glaze just before serving can help refresh the flavors!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your butter is cooled slightly before mixing it with the sugars, as hot butter can cook the eggs in the batter.
- If you want to deepen the flavor, try using dark brown sugar for a more pronounced molasses note.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay for a light cake.
- Adjust your baking time based on your oven, as some may run hotter than others. Keep an eye on the cake as it approaches the 25-minute mark.
- Want to switch it up? Feel free to add pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a delightful crunch.
- If you’re making this ahead of time, keep the glaze separate and add it just before serving.
Your new favorite breakfast or dessert awaits with this warm, cozy, and utterly delicious creation. The perfect balance of soft cake and sweet swirl is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe FAQs
Can I use whole milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely, you can substitute whole milk for buttermilk. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What if I don’t have any brown sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can replace it with granulated sugar; however, the result will be a little less moist. Adding a tablespoon of molasses to your granulated sugar can help replicate the flavor and texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the Cinnamon Roll Cake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store at room temperature. Add the glaze right before serving for the best presentation.
Can I freeze the cinnamon roll cake?
Yes, this cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat for a delightful treat!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
👉 If you make my Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on
Pinterest
for more easy recipes.

Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful treat with its irresistibly sweet flavor and simple prep, making it perfect for any occasion. You’ll love the buttery cake and gooey cinnamon filling that pairs beautifully for a homemade dessert anyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and both sugars until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the mixture and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the buttermilk until the mixture is uniform.
- Gently mix in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, prepare the filling by mixing together butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon until well blended.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the batter without swirling.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract; adjust the consistency with more sugar or milk as needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
Notes
Make sure to cool the melted butter slightly before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
Adjust the thickness of the glaze according to your preference by modifying the sugar and milk amounts.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg




