Name: Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups milk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted; 1 cup brown sugar packed; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2/3 cup unsalted butter softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 5 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ounces cream cheese softened (optional)

Imagine everything you love about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll—the sweet brown sugar swirls, the rich vanilla glaze, and the ultra-soft, buttery texture—all transformed into an easy-to-make cake. This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers the indulgent flavor of a bakery-style cinnamon roll with the simplicity of a single-pan bake.

Perfect for weekend brunch, cozy holiday mornings, or whenever you’re craving a nostalgic treat, this cake is layered with cinnamon-sugar ribbons and finished with a drizzle of velvety cream cheese glaze. It smells like heaven while baking and tastes even better.

What Kind of Cinnamon Should I Use?

While any ground cinnamon will work in this recipe, using Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon will give your cake a stronger and more aromatic flavor. Saigon cinnamon is bold and sweet, while Ceylon has a more delicate, citrusy profile. Choose your favorite depending on how deep or light you want the spice to be.

Ingredients for the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

For the Cake:

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

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2/3 cup (1 1/3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for a tangy finish)

How To Make the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then slowly mix in the melted butter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife to swirl it gently into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp around the edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. For an extra decadent glaze, blend in softened cream cheese until smooth.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. Slice and serve while still slightly warm for the best experience.

How to Serve and Store Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Serve the cake warm for maximum gooey satisfaction. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. For brunch, cut into large squares and stack them slightly for a cozy presentation. If you want to make it extra indulgent, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To store leftovers, wrap tightly with foil or place in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds to revive that warm, just-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter and swirl the cinnamon filling into it, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning, adding 5 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven or microwave.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the cinnamon swirl. Raisins can be added to the batter or the swirl for extra texture.

Is cream cheese glaze necessary?

Not at all. You can leave out the cream cheese and make a simple powdered sugar glaze, or even use a maple glaze for a twist.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. Stir until well combined.

Can I use a cake mix instead?

Yes—use a basic yellow cake mix for the base and follow the same cinnamon swirl and glaze process. It’s a great shortcut for busy mornings.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving the flavors of this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake, you’ll want to explore these cozy and creative cakes too:

Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for a creamy, silky classic.
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with a rich, caramel-soaked finish.
Bonnie’s Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake if you’re all about chocolate overload.
Amish Applesauce Cake for a moist, spiced fall-inspired bite.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with fruity layers and creamy topping.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the glaze or keep it simple? Try adding nuts or raisins? I love seeing how others put their own spin on it.

Looking for more sweet ideas? Visit my Pinterest page where I share daily recipe inspiration from Life with Jam.