Craving the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but looking for a quicker baking fix? Look no further than these irresistible cinnamon roll cake recipes! As a seasoned food blogger, I’ve perfected the art of combining the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a cake.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite cinnamon roll cake recipes that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a sweet treat. From the warm aroma of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen to the decadent cream cheese glaze drizzled on top, these cakes are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the world of cinnamon-spiced bliss with these easy and delicious recipes.
Ingredients
Let’s gather all the delicious ingredients we need to create the perfect cinnamon roll cake.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
To create the scrumptious cinnamon roll cake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will make the baking process a breeze. Here’s a list of the equipment you will need:
Cake Preparation:
- Mixing bowls (various sizes for batter and toppings)
- Whisk or electric mixer (for blending the cake batter)
- Round cake pan (to bake the cake in)
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray (to prep the pan)
Cinnamon Filling:
- Small bowl (for mixing the cinnamon filling ingredients)
- Spoon or spatula (for spreading the filling on the cake batter)
- Medium-sized bowl (for combining the glaze ingredients)
- Whisk or spoon (for blending the glaze until smooth)
Having these tools at your disposal will streamline the baking process and ensure your cinnamon roll cake turns out perfectly decadent.
Prep Work
To begin making your delectable cinnamon roll cake, it’s essential to undertake some prep work to ensure a smooth baking experience. Here are the key steps to prepare before diving into the recipe:
1. Preheat the Oven
I preheat my oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the cake to perfection. This step is crucial as it sets the right temperature for even baking and ensures a well-risen and moist cake.
2. Prepare the Pan
Next, I prepare a round cake pan by greasing it with either parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove and serve later.
3. Gather Your Ingredients
Before I start mixing my batter, I gather all the necessary ingredients in one place. This includes the ingredients for the cake, the cinnamon filling, and the cream cheese glaze. Having everything ready at hand streamlines the baking process.
4. Set Up Your Workstation
I like to set up my workstation with all the essential tools I’ll need for the recipe. This includes mixing bowls, a whisk or electric mixer for blending the batter, a small bowl and spoon for the cinnamon filling, and a medium-sized bowl and whisk for the luscious cream cheese glaze.
By completing these prep work steps diligently, I ensure that my cinnamon roll cake making process flows seamlessly, resulting in a heavenly treat that’s bound to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Directions
Now it’s time to bring this delicious cinnamon roll cake to life by following these straightforward steps.
Making the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring continuously to achieve a smooth cake batter consistency.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Add melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles a thick paste.
- Pour half of the cake batter into a greased round cake pan.
- Spread an even layer of the prepared cinnamon filling over the batter.
- Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it evenly to cover the cinnamon filling.
- Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Baking the Cake
To bake the cinnamon roll cake, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature as per the recipe to ensure the cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a round baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan during baking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
- Pour the batter: Carefully pour the prepared cake batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a uniform layer for the cinnamon roll cake.
- Add the cinnamon filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling mixture over the cake batter in the pan. Use a knife to swirl the filling into the batter gently, creating a marbled effect throughout the cake.
- Bake the cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. The aroma of cinnamon will soon fill your kitchen as the cake bakes to golden perfection.
- Check for doneness: To ensure the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter sticking to it, the cake is ready to be removed from the oven.
- Cool and glaze: Once baked, allow the cinnamon roll cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle the luscious cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for the perfect finishing touch.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake into generous portions and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat that captures the essence of a classic cinnamon roll in cake form.
Preparing the Glaze
To complement the delectable taste of your cinnamon roll cake, a luscious cream cheese glaze is a must. Follow these simple steps to prepare the perfect glaze that will elevate your cake to irresistible levels:
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and continue to blend until fully incorporated.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Adjust the amount of milk based on the desired consistency of your glaze.
- Keep stirring until you achieve a silky and pourable consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to generously coat the back of a spoon.
- Once your cinnamon roll cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the prepared cream cheese glaze over the top.
- Use a spatula to spread the glaze evenly, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake for an irresistible finishing touch.
Prepare and pour the glaze with care to ensure every bite of your cinnamon roll cake is adorned with the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
Assembling the Final Cake
To assemble the final cinnamon roll cake, follow these steps:
1. Layering the Cinnamon Filling:
- After pouring half of the batter into the greased pan, sprinkle a generous layer of the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the batter.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling gently to ensure it covers the batter completely.
2. Creating Cinnamon Swirls:
- Add the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon filling layer.
- To create the signature cinnamon swirls, use a knife to make gentle swirl motions through the batter and filling, blending them slightly.
3. Baking to Perfection:
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe’s instructions until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- The heavenly aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen as the cake bakes to perfection.
- Once the cake is baked and cooled, prepare the luxurious cream cheese glaze by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the creamy glaze over the cooled cake, covering it entirely for an irresistible finishing touch.
Storage Tips
I always like to make extra cinnamon roll cake to enjoy later. Here are some helpful storage tips to keep your cake fresh and delicious.
Refrigeration
After the cake has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before serving, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked taste.
Freezing
To freeze your cinnamon roll cake for later enjoyment, ensure it is completely cooled after baking. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Creating delicious cinnamon roll cake recipes is a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll in cake form. By following the detailed steps outlined in this article, you can easily bake a mouthwatering treat that will impress your family and friends. From preparing the batter to swirling in the cinnamon filling and finishing with a decadent cream cheese glaze, each step is essential for achieving a perfect cinnamon roll cake. Remember to store any leftovers properly to preserve the cake’s freshness for later enjoyment. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this cinnamon roll cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of cinnamon goodness with every bite of this delectable dessert.