Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a moist, tender cake swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make cake brings all the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling dough.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until fully blended to create a uniform base for the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat granulated sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Add Melted Butter: Fold in the melted unsalted butter, stirring until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined, then add the softened butter and stir until it forms a smooth, paste-like consistency.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl to Batter: Dollop the cinnamon swirl mixture in small spoonfuls over the batter in the pan, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- Create Swirls: Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled pattern that will infuse cinnamon flavor throughout the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly.
- Drizzle Glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake to add a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Let the cake cool slightly more before slicing into squares and serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or substitute with buttermilk for a slight tang.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- You can customize the glaze by adding a pinch of cinnamon or using cream cheese glaze for more decadence.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a freshly baked feel.
