Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving a warm Cinnabon but don’t feel like heading to the mall, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is your dream come true. It brings all the swirled, gooey, buttery cinnamon goodness of a classic cinnamon roll and bakes it into a soft, moist cake that’s perfect for sharing. The rich brown sugar and cinnamon ribbons melt into the tender crumb, and the luscious glaze drizzled on top is nothing short of addictive.

Whether you’re making brunch extra special or ending dinner on a cozy note, this cake is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. It’s a crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, or lazy weekend mornings, and it tastes just as incredible served warm or at room temperature. Plus, it’s way easier than making traditional rolls but still delivers that bakery-fresh taste.

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What Kind of Cinnamon Should I Use?

For a bold and warm cinnamon flavor, use Saigon cinnamon if you can get your hands on it. It has a more intense, slightly sweet punch than typical ground cinnamon. However, any ground cinnamon will still give you that comforting, cozy swirl you’re after.

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Ingredients for the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and a soft crumb, making it perfect for a cake that mimics the fluffiness of cinnamon rolls.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the base of the cake and balances the warmth of the spices.

Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and achieve a fluffy, tender texture.

Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Milk – Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pourable batter.

Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake.

Vanilla Extract – Brings a cozy, bakery-style aroma and rounds out the flavor.

Butter (Melted) – Adds buttery richness and helps keep the cake tender.

Brown Sugar – Used in the cinnamon swirl topping for that signature caramelized, gooey center.

Ground Cinnamon – The heart of the cinnamon roll flavor; it gives the cake its signature warmth.

Powdered Sugar – Used in the glaze to sweeten and thicken.

Milk or Cream (for glaze) – Helps create a silky, pourable glaze.

Vanilla Extract (for glaze) – Adds depth to the sweetness in the topping.

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How To Make the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Swirl in the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Drop spoonfuls over the cake batter and use a knife to swirl it into the batter, creating ribbons of cinnamon throughout.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden and the center set but still soft.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let it soak in slightly before slicing and serving warm.

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Serving and Storing Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is best served warm when the glaze is slightly melted into those cinnamon swirls, but it’s just as delightful at room temperature. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort treat.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the swirl from sinking?

Make sure your batter isn’t too thin and avoid overmixing the swirl. Gently swirl it on top rather than mixing it deep into the batter.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cake a day ahead and simply warm it before serving. Add the glaze right before serving for best results.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works well in this recipe. The texture will vary slightly but still be delicious.

What kind of milk should I use?

Whole milk adds the richest flavor, but you can also use 2%, almond milk, or even oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave directly from frozen.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If this cinnamon roll cake made your day sweeter, you’ll want to check out these other irresistible bakes:

• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites for a fruity and creamy delight.
• Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts when you’re feeling playful.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a Southern-style treat.
• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls to double down on gooey goodness.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes if you’re craving something bite-sized and rich.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the cinnamon swirl? Try a cream cheese glaze instead? I’d love to hear your twist on this cozy favorite.

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