Imagine the irresistible flavor of cinnamon rolls transformed into a soft, moist cake and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate dessert (or indulgent breakfast!) that’s easy to make yet tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that combines all the cinnamon-sugar goodness you love with a luscious creamy topping.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Slowly stir in the melted butter until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
2️⃣ Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until a thick paste forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
3️⃣ Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
4️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is slightly cooled (but still warm), spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve warm for a gooey texture or let it cool completely for a firmer frosting.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
- Don’t skip the swirling step: This creates that signature cinnamon roll appearance and ensures every bite is filled with cinnamon flavor.
- Serve warm: The frosting melts slightly on the warm cake, creating an ooey-gooey experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake and frost it the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
4. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work well for this recipe.
5. What other toppings can I add?
Try sprinkling chopped pecans or drizzling caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra layer of decadence.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you love about cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake format. It’s soft, sweet, and loaded with cinnamon-sugar goodness, finished with a rich cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try, and indulge in every warm, gooey bite!