How to Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until thick and smooth.
Step 4: Create the Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a little cinnamon swirl is fine).
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the cake bakes, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Pour the glaze over the warm cake, letting it melt into the top. Slice and serve while warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
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Don’t over-swirl—distinct ribbons of cinnamon create better flavor pockets.
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Glaze while warm so it seeps into the cake.
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Use real butter for the richest taste.
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture if desired.
Fun Variations to Try
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Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add pumpkin puree and spices to the batter.
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Apple Cinnamon Version: Swirl in finely chopped apples with the cinnamon mixture.
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Extra Gooey Cake: Double the cinnamon swirl layer.
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Maple Glaze: Replace vanilla with maple extract for a fall twist.
Storing and Reheating
Cover leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
A Cinnamon Roll Dream Made Simple
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers everything you love about cinnamon rolls in an easy, no-fuss form. Soft, swirled, and smothered in cream cheese glaze, it’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and your table with happy faces—one comforting slice at a time.
