Introduction
The Cinnamon Roll Cake is a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the soft, sweet, and spiced layers of a traditional cinnamon roll into a single, moist, and gooey cake. It’s the perfect dessert for breakfast lovers and cinnamon enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch gathering, as a midday snack, or even as a dessert option, this cake brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and creamy frosting in a more convenient, cake-like format. It’s rich, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious — a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants something a little easier to prepare.
The History
Cinnamon rolls have a long and rich history that dates back centuries, with origins in Northern Europe, particularly Sweden and Norway. The traditional Swedish “kanelbulle” is one of the most famous variations, known for its soft dough, generous swirl of cinnamon, and a signature spiral shape. In the United States, cinnamon rolls became popular thanks to German and Scandinavian immigrants who brought their baking traditions with them. Over time, American bakers began experimenting with the format, leading to variations like the cinnamon roll cake — a simplified version that retains all the flavor without the complexity of rolling individual buns. This cake version is a modern adaptation that caters to home bakers looking for a quick and satisfying way to enjoy the same flavors in a more convenient form.
Ingredients Breakdown
This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the essential components of a classic cinnamon roll — dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and cream cheese frosting — into a single-layer cake. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
- Flour: Provides the cake’s structure.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises properly and stays light.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and the filling.
- Brown Sugar: Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness for the cinnamon swirl.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cake its signature flavor.
- Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the frosting rich and tangy, balancing the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency.
These ingredients come together to create a cake that is soft, moist, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and milk.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then swirl with a knife.
- Drop the remaining batter in spoonfuls over the top and swirl again gently.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the warm cake.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Tips
- To ensure a moist cake, do not overbake. Check the cake at 30 minutes and remove it as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (with maybe a few crumbs).
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling or add a pinch to the cake batter.
- If you want a gooier cinnamon swirl, you can add a few tablespoons of melted butter to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before layering it on the batter.
- To make it easier to spread the frosting, wait until the cake is slightly cooled but still warm — this allows the frosting to melt slightly into the surface for a more integrated flavor.
- Use room temperature ingredients for both the cake and frosting to ensure a smooth texture and even mixing.
Variations and Customizations
- Glazed Version: Skip the cream cheese frosting and drizzle a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze over the top instead.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cinnamon swirl or swirl melted chocolate over the frosting.
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Fold in diced apples into the cake batter or layer thin apple slices over the cinnamon-sugar layer before adding the top batter.
- Mini Cinnamon Roll Cakes: Make individual versions using a muffin tin for single servings.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While the Cinnamon Roll Cake is undeniably indulgent, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A typical slice can contain around 350–450 calories, depending on portion size and frosting amount. The cake contains a significant amount of sugar and fat due to the brown sugar, butter, and cream cheese frosting, so it’s not the healthiest option for everyday snacking. However, you can make healthier substitutions to reduce the calorie and sugar content:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
- Opt for a low-fat cream cheese and reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Keep in mind that while these changes can make the recipe healthier, they may also affect the texture and flavor slightly.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry