Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect dessert that combines the delightful flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging on a weekend, this cake is sure to impress. Its soft, fluffy texture and sweet vanilla icing make it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of making cinnamon rolls into a quick and easy cake.
• Flavorful Delight: The warm spices and sweet icing deliver all the flavors you love in a traditional cinnamon roll.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its generous servings, it’s great for sharing with family and friends at gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily add nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor and texture for your cake.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, creating a light and fluffy cake.
• Baking dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish provides enough space for even baking.

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 Vanilla 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.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup white granulated sugar
3. 4 teaspoons baking powder

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. 2 large eggs
2. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3. 1 1/2 cups milk
4. Add in the melted butter

Whisk until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are some lumps.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix:
1. 3/4 cup softened salted butter
2. 1 cup packed light brown sugar
3. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Stir until it forms a thick paste.

Step 7: Layer in Baking Dish

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over this layer.

Step 8: Add Remaining Batter

Pour the remaining cake batter over the swirl layer in dollops to keep some of it exposed to create swirls when baked.

Step 9: Bake

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

Step 10: Prepare Vanilla Icing

While your cake bakes, whisk together:
1. 2 cups powdered sugar
2. 5 tablespoons milk
3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth; adjust consistency as needed by adding more milk or powdered sugar.

Step 11: Drizzle Icing Over Cake

Once baked and cooled slightly, drizzle your prepared vanilla icing over the top of your Cinnamon Roll Cake before serving.

Now you have a delightful Cinnamon Roll Cake ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice at home, here are some tasty suggestions.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy a slice of Cinnamon Roll Cake with your morning coffee for a perfect start to the day. The flavors of cinnamon and vanilla complement the rich taste of coffee beautifully.

Top with Fresh Fruit

• Add a layer of fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, on top of the cake. This not only enhances its appearance but also adds a burst of freshness to each bite.

Serve Warm

• Warm up individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This will enhance the flavors and make the icing slightly melt into the cake, creating a gooey texture.

Ice Cream Delight

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates this dessert to another level. The cold ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cake, creating a delightful contrast.

Drizzle Extra Icing

• For those who love sweetness, consider drizzling some additional vanilla icing over each slice just before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor that cinnamon roll fans will adore.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake

To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much flour, which can lead to a dry cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy. Overmixing can create a dense texture.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready.
• Cool Before Icing: Let the cake cool completely before adding icing. This prevents it from melting away and ensures a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake pairs well with several sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider when serving:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layered yogurt with granola and fruit complements the sweetness while adding protein.
3. Nutty Granola
   Crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with both the cake and yogurt if served together.
4. Smoothie Bowl
   A creamy smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers a nutritious balance alongside dessert.
5. Breakfast Quiche
   A savory quiche can provide an interesting flavor contrast, making for a balanced brunch spread.
6. Herbed Scrambled Eggs
   Fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs bring protein into your meal, making it more satisfying overall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cinnamon Roll Cake, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for a light and fluffy cake.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
• Skipping the cooling period: Cutting into your cake too soon will cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
• Under- or overbaking: Baking time can vary by oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
• Ignoring icing consistency: If your icing is too thick, it won’t drizzle. Adjust with more milk until you achieve the desired pourable consistency.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for a softer texture, or refrigerate if you prefer it chilled.

Freezing Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you know when to use it by.

Reheating Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds or until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make cake topped with sweet icing.

Can I customize my Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

How do I get my Cinnamon Roll Cake fluffy?

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, and avoid overmixing after adding flour. This keeps the batter light and airy.

What can I serve with Cinnamon Roll Cake?

This cake pairs well with coffee or tea. It also makes a great brunch treat when served alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.

Conclusion

This Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on classic flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert! Experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to make it your own.

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