Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake -

Description of this recipe

This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe brings the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make cake form. It’s a delightful twist on a beloved treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a moist, fluffy cake base, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a sweet, creamy glaze, every bite is a taste of pure comfort. This recipe captures the essence of Cinnabon’s iconic rolls in a sliceable, shareable cake.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

Easy to Make: No need to knead dough or wait for it to rise. This cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Incredibly Delicious: The combination of a tender cake, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and a luscious glaze makes this cake an instant hit.
Impressive Yet Simple: Perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. Your family and friends will think you spent hours creating this masterpiece.
Versatile: Enjoy it warm from the oven, at room temperature, or even chilled. It’s great with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls, and this cake delivers that same satisfying flavor in an easy-to-serve format.

Introduction

The aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. That warm, comforting scent, combined with the sweet, gooey taste, evokes feelings of nostalgia and happiness. But let’s face it: making traditional cinnamon rolls can be a labor-intensive process. What if you could capture all that deliciousness in a simpler, more accessible form?

Enter the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake. This recipe reimagines the classic cinnamon roll as a moist, tender cake, complete with a rich cinnamon swirl and a decadent glaze. It’s the perfect compromise for those who crave the taste of cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time or patience for the traditional method.

This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The tender crumb of the cake, infused with the warm spice of cinnamon, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The buttery cinnamon swirl adds a layer of richness and depth, while the sweet, creamy glaze ties it all together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is sure to delight. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Ingredients:

For the cake batter:

3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the cinnamon swirl:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Ensuring the baking dish is properly prepared prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove after baking. Grease every corner and edge to ensure a seamless release.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. This step combines all the dry ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Even distribution is crucial for a consistent texture and rise. Sifting the flour can also help to eliminate lumps.

Step 3: Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, creating a smooth, lump-free batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser cake.

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and rises uniformly. Use a spatula to spread the batter into every corner of the dish, ensuring a level surface.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until creamy. This mixture forms the delicious cinnamon swirl that characterizes the cake. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.

Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter, distributing them evenly. This step creates pockets of cinnamon flavor throughout the cake. Aim for a generous distribution to ensure every slice has a delightful cinnamon swirl.

Step 7: Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently with a knife, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can cause the cinnamon mixture to sink to the bottom of the cake. Gentle swirls will create beautiful patterns and ensure the cinnamon is evenly dispersed.

Step 8: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to check for doneness. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.

Step 9: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a sweet, creamy glaze that complements the cinnamon flavors of the cake.

Step 10: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before glazing.

Step 11: Pour the glaze over the warm cake right after it comes out of the oven. This allows the glaze to melt into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful treat. Spread the glaze evenly over the cake, ensuring every inch is covered in sweet goodness.

Step 12: Let the glaze soak in and cool slightly before slicing. Allowing the glaze to set slightly before slicing will prevent it from running and make it easier to serve neat slices.

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: 4/5 (Simple steps, but requires some mixing)
Taste: 5/5 (Irresistibly delicious and comforting)
Ingredient Accessibility: 5/5 (Common ingredients found in most pantries)
Overall: 4.7/5 (A crowd-pleasing cake that is both easy and delicious)

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Top with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor and texture.
Serve as a dessert for parties, gatherings, or special occasions.
Cut into squares and pack in lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.

Tips:

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for both the cinnamon swirl and the glaze. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
Don’t overmix the cake batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to avoid sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra teaspoon to the swirl mixture.
For an even more decadent cake, add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the glaze.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

40 minutes

Total Time:

55 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Approximate values per serving)

Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 200mg

Conclusion

The Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering all the delicious flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake form. With its moist, tender crumb, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet, creamy glaze, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Happy baking!

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute it with cake flour for an even more tender cake. However, avoid using bread flour, as it will make the cake too dense.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it’s best to glaze the cake just before serving to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before glazing and serving.

Q4: Can I add nuts to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the cinnamon swirl or as a topping for the glaze.

Q5: Can I use a different size baking dish?

A: While a 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended, you can use a different size if needed. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the dish. If using a smaller dish, the cake may take longer to bake; if using a larger dish, it may bake faster.