Cinnamon Roll Cake with Glaze: A Soft, Swirled Dessert Bursting with Cinnamon Flavor
If you love warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but want an easier way to enjoy those classic flavors, this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Glaze is the perfect recipe. It combines a soft, buttery vanilla cake with rich cinnamon-sugar swirls and a sweet vanilla glaze that melts into every bite. The result is a moist, bakery-style dessert that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
This easy cake delivers all the comforting flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls without the time-consuming process of making yeast dough.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake
This cake is incredibly soft, moist, and packed with layers of cinnamon goodness. The buttery cinnamon swirl creates a beautiful marbled effect, while the sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Best of all, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and is ready in just over an hour.
This recipe is:
- Soft and buttery
- Easy to prepare
- Filled with cinnamon-sugar swirls
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or brunch
- Great for holidays and family gatherings
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake with Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter.
Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the cinnamon swirls.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is delicious served:
- Warm with coffee
- Alongside hot tea
- With fresh berries
- Topped with whipped cream
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
It’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or cozy family gatherings.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
Swirl Gently
Avoid over-swirling the cinnamon mixture so the cake maintains beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout.
Glaze While Warm
Pouring the glaze over a slightly warm cake allows it to soak into the top layer, adding extra moisture and flavor.
Delicious Variations
Cream Cheese Glaze
Replace the vanilla glaze with a cream cheese frosting for an authentic cinnamon roll flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake
Fold 1 cup of diced apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
Pecan Cinnamon Cake
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon swirl before baking for added crunch.
Maple Glaze
Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple extract for a rich autumn-inspired flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds before serving.
The cake also freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Cake with Glaze is the perfect combination of a soft vanilla cake and the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. With its buttery cinnamon swirl, sweet glaze, and tender crumb, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite for breakfast, brunch, and dessert. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this homemade cake is guaranteed to impress family and friends with every delicious slice.