Name: Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-493343H4M7S
Total time: PT-493343H4M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1½ cups milk; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; ⅔ cup nuts (optional); 2 cups powdered sugar; 4-5 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the iconic, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll but crave a simpler way to serve a crowd, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It captures every bit of that soft, buttery, cinnamony magic and turns it into a luscious sheet cake that’s perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just because. The layers of tender cake swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, topped with a creamy glaze, deliver all the comforting flavors in one easy-to-cut slice. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a go-to whenever you want to impress without the fuss of rolling dough.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is filled with three yellow egg yolks and white flour on one side, white sugar on the other, and milk being poured in from above, all placed on a white marbled surface. The textures show the powdery flour, the granular sugar, the smooth egg yolks, and the flowing liquid milk, creating a mix of whites, yellows, and clear glass reflections in the bowl. Nearby, there is a piece of cinnamon stick and some walnut pieces adding a natural touch to the scene, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—it’s actually a beautiful lineup of simple, pantry-friendly items that come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a starring role: from the silky butter that lends richness, to the cinnamon and brown sugar combo that brings the signature aroma and warmth, and the fluffy cake base that keeps it light and tender.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the batter and the filling.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a soft, fluffy cake.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake base for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
4 teaspoons baking powder: Makes sure the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
1½ cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
2 eggs: Bind the batter, providing structure and richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste: Adds deep vanilla warmth and a hint of luxury.
4 tablespoons butter (melted): Swirled into the batter for buttery swirls throughout.
1 cup brown sugar: Gives that deep caramel sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: The star spice, warming every forkful with its signature flavor.
⅔ cups nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch if you love texture in your cinnamon roll experience.
2 cups powdered sugar: For the glaze that finishes the cake with a sweet, creamy touch.
4-5 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Infuses the glaze with a luscious vanilla flavor.

How to Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Mix the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, grab your mixer and combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. This batter forms the base layer of your cake—soft, lightly sweet, and just waiting for that cinnamon swirl magic. Once combined, slowly stir in the melted butter, which adds richness and those coveted buttery pockets in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

While the batter rests, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts if you’re using them. This mixture is the heart of the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe, creating the gooey, fragrant pockets of cinnamon sweetness that make every forkful a delight. The nuts add a wonderful little crunch, but feel free to skip them if you prefer your cake purely gooey.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Pour your batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and evenly drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture all over the top. Then, take a knife and gently marble through the batter, creating swirls that lock the cinnamon goodness into the cake. This step is a little messy, but the rustic swirls are exactly what makes the cake so irresistible to look at and eat.

Step 4: Bake to Cinnamon Perfection

Bake the cake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it. When baked just right, your kitchen will be filled with that amazing scent that instantly makes you want to dive in, and the texture will be tender yet sturdy enough to scoop generous slices.

Step 5: Glaze It Up!

The final touch is the luscious glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste until silky smooth. Drizzle it generously over the warm cake, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. This glaze is the icing on the cake—literally—providing a sweet, creamy layer that balances the cinnamon swirl and keeps your taste buds dancing.

How to Serve Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

The image shows two square pieces of cinnamon cake with three visible layers: the bottom layer is light yellow with a soft, crumbly texture; the middle layer is dark brown cinnamon swirl with a slightly rough texture; the top layer has a thick white glaze dripping down, covering most of the surface. The cake sits on a white plate with a thin brown edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate your serving game, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze for texture and a pop of color. Fresh whipped cream or a few slices of fresh fruit like strawberries add brightness and complement the rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad for a balanced plate that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into smaller, slider-sized pieces to create playful mini cinnamon roll bites for parties. Or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper and tying with twine makes for a charming homemade gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and the glaze beautifully soft without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake after it’s cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm and fresh again, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes. The glaze will soften and the cinnamon swirls will taste just as dreamy as on day one.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or add a little on your own to maintain the structure and texture of the cake.

Is it necessary to use nuts?

Not at all. Nuts are optional and add a lovely crunch, but leaving them out won’t affect the cake’s signature soft and gooey cinnamon flavor one bit.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can! Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead. The vanilla bean paste and cinnamon remain the stars, so you won’t lose any deliciousness.

How do I store leftover glaze?

If you happen to have extra glaze, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a quick whisk before using again, adding a splash of milk if it thickened too much.

Can I make this cake ahead for a party?

Definitely! Bake it a day in advance, then cover it well and keep at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving to get that fresh drizzle effect everyone will admire.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe enough if you want that perfect blend of cinnamon roll bliss without the time-consuming process. It’s approachable, comforting, and downright addictive. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress friends, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how fast it disappears once you serve it up. Happy baking!