A Cinnamon Roll in Cake Form

If you love the rich, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll but want a faster and easier way to enjoy them, this “Cinnamon Roll in Cake Form” is the perfect solution. This cake captures everything you adore about the classic cinnamon roll – from the warm, spiced cinnamon filling to the creamy, sweet glaze – but in a fluffy, moist cake form. It’s the best of both worlds, giving you all the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls without the complicated rolling and rising process. This cake is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

The cake itself is soft and tender, with a slight sweetness that perfectly complements the swirl of cinnamon sugar inside. Topped with a smooth glaze, this dessert is not only comforting but visually appealing, making it an excellent option for family gatherings or special occasions. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it a perfect treat when you want something indulgent without all the effort. Whether you’re a cinnamon roll lover or just someone who enjoys simple yet delicious desserts, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon roll cake combines the irresistible flavors of a cinnamon roll with the convenience of a cake. The result is a dessert that’s incredibly easy to make but still impresses with its rich flavor and indulgent texture. You get the same sweet, spiced cinnamon filling that you love in a cinnamon roll, swirled throughout the soft, moist cake, and finished off with a creamy glaze. It’s a perfect way to enjoy cinnamon rolls without the need to deal with yeast, dough rising, or rolling out the dough. Plus, the cake is so versatile—it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted (slightly cooled)

For the cinnamon filling:

• ¾ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature (1 ½ sticks)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cinnamon filling before adding the glaze.
• Add Cream Cheese: For a richer, tangier glaze, substitute half of the powdered sugar with softened cream cheese in the glaze recipe.
• Use Different Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Fruit Add-ins: Add raisins or chopped apples to the cinnamon swirl for a fruity variation of this cake.
• Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling for a chocolate-cinnamon combination.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth, thick paste.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon the cinnamon filling in dollops over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Do Not Overmix: Be sure to mix the cake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Swirl Carefully: When adding the cinnamon filling, don’t over-swirl it into the batter. You want the filling to remain in swirls, not fully mixed into the batter.
• Check for Doneness: Since baking times can vary depending on your oven, check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
• Make It Extra Sweet: If you love extra sweetness, drizzle a bit more glaze over individual slices just before serving.
• Allow Cooling: Let the cake cool slightly before cutting into it to avoid the glaze from running too much.

How to Serve

This cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it for breakfast or brunch with a hot cup of coffee, or enjoy it as a sweet dessert after dinner. It’s also a great option for a potluck, family gathering, or holiday meal. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake if you want to make it ahead of time. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. If reheating the whole cake, cover it with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. It keeps well at room temperature for a few days, and you can freeze it for longer storage.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar for the white granulated sugar in the cake batter, but it will give the cake a slightly different texture and flavor.

3. Can I add cream cheese to the filling?

You can add softened cream cheese to the cinnamon filling to make it extra creamy and rich.

4. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the proportions for the best results.

5. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling for added texture and flavor.

6. What can I use instead of milk?

If you don’t have milk, you can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

7. Can I use a different type of glaze?

Yes, you can use a simple vanilla glaze or even a cream cheese frosting in place of the powdered sugar glaze.

8. Is this cake good for breakfast?

Absolutely! It’s a perfect breakfast treat or brunch dessert, especially when paired with coffee or tea.

9. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, you can make this cake in a smaller or larger pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan may bake faster, and a larger pan may take a bit longer.

10. Can I freeze the glaze?

While it’s best to make the glaze fresh, you can store leftover glaze in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before using.

Conclusion

A Cinnamon Roll in Cake Form is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll but wants something easier and quicker to make. With a fluffy, sweet cake base, swirls of cinnamon goodness, and a creamy glaze, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a simple yet indulgent treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a leftover treat—either way, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cinnamon roll cravings!

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