Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake - All the flavor of a cinnamon roll, baked into an easy, crowd-pleasing cake!
If the words “cinnamon roll” make you weak in the knees, you’re going to love this easy Cinnamon Roll Cake. It’s soft, buttery, perfectly swirled with gooey brown sugar and cinnamon, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts right into every bite. Imagine the taste of a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll… but without all the kneading, rising, or waiting around.
This is the kind of cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible smell — and comes together in one bowl (plus a swirl). Whether you're serving it warm for brunch or slicing it up for dessert, this cake is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Tastes just like a cinnamon roll — but way easier!
- Uses boxed cake mix for a fast and foolproof base.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Feeds a crowd — perfect for potlucks and holidays.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need :
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons milk
👩🍳 How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake :
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. No lumps = happy cake.
3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
4. Layer & Swirl
Pour the cake batter into the greased baking dish. Spoon the cinnamon mixture on top and use a butter knife to swirl it gently through the batter.
Don’t overmix the swirl — you want gorgeous ribbons of cinnamon sugar in every slice!
5. Bake
Bake the cake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
6. Make the Icing
While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
7. Glaze It
Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the icing generously over the top. Let it soak in a little, then slice and serve!
🍴 Tips & Variations :
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon layer for extra crunch.
- Love raisins or apples? Fold them into the batter before baking.
- Glaze while warm so the icing melts into every swirl.
🧊 Storing & Reheating :
- Room Temp: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- To Reheat: Pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that just-baked feel.
📖 Recipe
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Ingredients
- Cake Batter:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Set this bowl aside.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until everything is well blended. Set this mixture aside as well.
- Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the cinnamon butter mixture over the top of the cake batter, spreading it out evenly.
- Use a butter knife to create swirling patterns in the batter, integrating the cinnamon mixture throughout.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the cake is done baking, take it out of the oven and drizzle the icing evenly over the top.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake!
Notes
Want stronger cinnamon flavor? Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or a splash of maple extract.
Microwave leftovers for 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something bakery-worthy. It’s rich, cozy, and just plain irresistible — perfect for feeding a hungry brunch crowd or treating yourself to something sweet after dinner.
If you make it, I’d love to know — do you swirl it tight for more layers, or go for big, dramatic ribbons? Let me know in the comments below
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