Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cake Batter; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups milk; 1 cup white sugar; 2 eggs; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup butter, melted; → Cinnamon Layer; 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; → Glaze; 2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 5 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it delivers all the cozy flavor of classic cinnamon rolls without the hassle of yeast or rising time. The swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon melt into the cake, creating gooey ribbons throughout every slice. And the glaze? It adds just the right touch of sweetness to finish it off. It’s also great for sharing—I often bake it when I have guests or need something crowd-pleasing for brunch.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

→ Cake Batter

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter, melted

→ Cinnamon Layer

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

→ Glaze

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, I mix the flour, milk, white sugar, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined. Then I stir in the melted butter and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, I beat the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. I drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter.
Using a knife, I swirl the cinnamon layer into the cake batter to create a marbled effect.
I bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean.
While the cake is still warm, I whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze.
I drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 servings and takes a total of 45 minutes—15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven.

Variations

When I want to switch it up, I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl layer for extra crunch. I’ve also tried using maple extract in the glaze for a richer flavor. For a fall twist, I stir a bit of pumpkin pie spice into the cake batter or add a touch of apple compote on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. This cake also freezes well—just wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to a month.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it the night before and store it covered. I like to reheat it slightly and drizzle a little extra glaze before serving.

Can I use a different size pan?

A 9×13-inch pan works best, but I’ve also made it in two smaller pans. I just adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, I’ve reduced the white sugar in the batter by about ¼ cup and the cake still turns out delicious. Keep in mind the glaze and cinnamon swirl are sweet too.

Can I make it dairy-free?

I’ve used plant-based milk and dairy-free butter substitutes with success. The texture stays nice and the flavor is still rich.

Can I add a cream cheese glaze instead?

Definitely. I mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk for a tangier finish that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon swirl.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake Delight is one of those feel-good recipes I keep coming back to. It has all the warmth and comfort of a cinnamon roll, but it’s quicker to make and easy to share. Whether it’s for brunch, a coffee break, or just because, I always enjoy how this cake brings smiles with every bite.