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Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

Discover the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe that combines the classic cinnamon roll flavors with the simplicity of a soft, moist cake. Featuring gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any celebration. Easy to make with no dough rolling required, it delivers a comforting, flavorful treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (divided, see instructions)
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (divided, see instructions)

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup Butter, melted
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ¾ cup Milk
  • ½ cup Buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup Butter, softened
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon—in a well combined mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to keep your batter light and tender.
  2. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon to make the swirl filling. Pour half the batter into a greased cake pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it. Pour the remaining batter on top and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers, creating signature cinnamon roll ribbons.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and smell wonderfully spiced.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, beat softened cream cheese with softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy. The frosting will be creamy and slightly tangy, perfectly complementing the cinnamon layers.
  5. Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Optionally, sprinkle a little cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for garnish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs, butter, and milk for smooth mixing.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
  • Swirl gently to keep defined cinnamon ribbons without overblending.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
  • Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, cinnamon swirl cake, cream cheese frosting, breakfast cake, dessert cake