Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake

This classic Cinnamon Roll Cake combines all the flavors you love in homemade cinnamon rolls with a moist and fluffy coffee cake. Easy to make and a family favorite, this easy Cinnabon Cake is perfect for any occasion!

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In my house, we love all things cinnamon! From our Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls, to Cinnamon Roll Quick Bread, and even Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies! When cinnamon and sugar combine, you can’t go wrong, especially if that means cake for breakfast, right?!

What is Cinnamon Roll Cake?

This easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is a moist and flavorful coffee cake that includes all the flavors of cinnamon rolls. Made using simple ingredients, this cake comes together in a fraction of the time it takes to make cinnamon rolls. The cake batter isn’t too sweet, and has a brown sugar topping that may just end up being your favorite part. Drizzling a homemade icing on top is the perfect way to bring this cake to a new level! Of course, if you prefer making a cream cheese frosting instead, that works too and will still taste incredible!

Unlike normal cinnamon rolls, this cake doesn’t require any rise time or rolling out making it perfect for having guests over, special occasions, or as an anytime treat throughout the week. Simply prepare the cake batter, topping, and glaze and combine.

Cinnamon Bun Cake Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions.

CAKE

• Flour– you will want to use all-purpose flour in this recipe. Make sure you measure the flour correctly as you don’t want to add too much and change the texture. Scoop and level using a knife.
• Salt– this enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness. When combined with the baking powder, it helps give this cake its rise and texture.
• Sugar– this brings most of the sweetness to the cake. I haven’t tried experimenting with other sugars, I have only used white granulated sugar.
• Baking Powder– make sure yours is fresh as this helps the cake rise and makes it fluffy and light. I replace mine every six months to be on the safe side.
• Milk– this adds the moisture and richness to the cake, be sure to let your milk get to room temperature so everything combines easily.
• Large Eggs– these bind the ingredients together and add to the structure of the overall cake. Room temperature is best so they combine easier and help with the rise.
• Vanilla Extract– try to use pure vanilla versus imitation as this brings such a flavor depth to the cake.

TOPPING

• Butter– I use softened unsalted butter in this recipe due to the fact we add salt to the cake. If you only have salted butter on hand, that works great too.
• Brown Sugar– light brown sugar packed into the measuring cup is the perfect way to measure this correctly. This creates a caramel like flavoring that makes the ultimate topping.
• Flour– use all-purpose flour in this recipe for best results. I haven’t experimented with other types, so keep me posted if you try something else and how it works.
• Cinnamon– this adds a warm spice to the topping.

ICING

• Powdered Sugar– this adds sweetness to the glaze and gives it a smooth texture.
• Milk– any type works, adjust the amount until desired consistency is reached.
• Vanilla Extract– adds lots of yummy flavor.

How to make Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all cake ingredients together excluding the butter in a large bowl.
3. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into the prepared pan.
4. For the topping, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
5. Drop cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter and swirl with a knife or toothpick to create a cinnamon swirl top.
6. Place pan in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
7. While cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl.
8. Once cake is done, remove from oven and drizzle icing evenly over warm cake.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Even though this is a simple, no-fail recipe, here are some tips and tricks, as well as tasty variations to ensure a perfect cinnamon roll dessert every time!

• If you are a fan of nuts, you can add them into the topping OR the actual cake. About ½ cup is the perfect addition and adds the best crunch to this cinnamon cake!
• Ensure all the ingredients you add are at room temperature. This helps all to combine easily without needing to over-mix, which could change the texture of the cake.
• If you prefer a cream cheese glaze on top of the cake in lieu of the icing, you can use cream cheese frosting.
• Keep a close eye on the cake during the final minutes of baking. Removing it when just done ensures a moist crumb, just like the center of a cinnamon roll, versus a dry, crispy cake.
• Let the cake rest slightly before slicing and serving. This helps the cake set up a bit and the flavors really combine this way.

Storing Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll want to store them correctly so they last longer and are just as delicious as fresh from the oven. Once the cake has fully cooled, wrap the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the fridge. It will last about 4 days. Simply reheat in microwave when ready to serve. To freeze, let the cake to cool completely and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap before sliding it into a Ziploc bag or freezer-safe container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

FAQs

I don’t like powdered sugar icing. What can I use in place of this?

No problem at all! Two options! Simply omit and enjoy the cinnamon cake recipe without icing, OR make a homemade cream cheese frosting top this cake with. My favorite recipe is the one found in my Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll recipe!

Does Cinnamon Roll Cake need to be refrigerated?

If you’re not using a cream cheese frosting, you don’t NEED to refrigerate, however, I have found that the cake lasts longer when stored in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it at room temperature, it should last covered or in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

Are cinnamon rolls considered cake?

Classic cinnamon rolls are more bread like whereas cake is fluffy, tender and a softer consistency. Cinnamon rolls are dough based and cinnamon roll cake is batter based.

More Coffee Cake Recipes to try

Quick Coffee Cake– a delicious, flavor packed cake that is ready for the oven in under 10 minutes! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, sweet treats, or having guests over!

Cinnamon Easy Coffee Cake– combines the flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls with a moist and flavorful cake. Using simple ingredients, this coffee cake comes together using minimal effort. With a delicious, sweet icing on top, this cake is perfect any time of the day.

Applesauce Coffee Cake– perfectly moist, flavorful, and includes a cinnamon streusel that just can’t be beat!

Strawberry Crumb Coffee Cake– moist, packed with juicy strawberries, and an irresistible buttery crumb topping that everyone will love.

Banana Crumb Coffee Cake–  delectable and moist coffee cake infused with luscious banana essence and topped with an unbeatable cinnamon streusel crumb topping.

This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a delicious and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its rich cinnamon flavor, mouthwatering topping, and soft cake texture, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it up as a special breakfast treat or enjoying it as a decadent dessert after dinner, this easy cinnabon cinnamon roll cake recipe is bound to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Give this recipe a try and delight your taste buds with all the flavors of a classic cinnabon cinnamon roll in cake form.

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Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Recipe by: Kristin

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of homemade Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake - the perfect blend of flavors. Easy to make and a favorite with everyone!

4.39 from 52 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 571 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 baking pan
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• CAKE
• 3 cups flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup butter, melted
• TOPPING
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ICING
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix all cake ingredients together excluding the butter in a medium bowl.
• Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into the prepared pan.
• For the topping, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
• Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife.
• Place pan in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
• While cake is baking, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl.
• Once cake is done, remove from oven and drizzle icing evenly on top.
• Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 571kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 403mgPotassium: 137mgFiber: 1gSugar: 56gVitamin A: 810IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 162mgIron: 2mg

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