Love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something even easier to make? This Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has all the gooey cinnamon goodness of a classic roll in a simple, sliceable cake form. With swirls of cinnamon sugar and a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for brunch, holidays, or anytime you want a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 cup butter, softened 🧈
- 1 ½ cups sour cream 🍶
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌼
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🧁
- ½ teaspoon baking soda 🥄
- ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar 🍂
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 🌰
- ⅓ cup butter, melted 🧈
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🍰
- ½ cup butter, softened 🧈
- 4 cups powdered sugar 🍥
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 🥵
2️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. 🍚🧈
- Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. 🍶🌼
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. 🥚
3️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 🌾🧁🥄🧂
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 🌾
4️⃣ Assemble the Cake Layers:
- Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. 🥄
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl. 🍂🌰
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan. 🍰
- Drizzle half of the melted butter over the cinnamon sugar layer. 🧈
- Pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it evenly. 🍰
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, followed by the rest of the melted butter. 🍂🧈
5️⃣ Swirl the Cake:
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect. 🔪
6️⃣ Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 🕰️
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. 🍰
7️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. 🍰🧈
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy. 🍥
- Mix in vanilla extract until well combined. 🌼
8️⃣ Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. 🍰
9️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! 🍽️
Tips & Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs for smoother batter and frosting.
- Cinnamon Swirl Tip: For a bolder cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the swirl to 3 tablespoons.
- Storage: Cover the cake and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day ahead. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then frost before serving.
Q: Can I use low-fat sour cream?
A: Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but low-fat can be used in a pinch. Avoid fat-free sour cream as it may affect the cake’s moisture.
Q: What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
A: You can use two 8-inch square pans instead, but adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a cake. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or as a sweet surprise for family and friends.
With its tender crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and luscious cream cheese frosting, each bite is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Bake this cake and watch it disappear—everyone will be asking for seconds! 🍰🍂