The smell alone will hug your whole kitchenwarm cinnamon, melting butter, a hint of vanilla. When this Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake is in the oven, it smells like every cozy brunch dream you’ve ever had. It’s the kind of cake that turns a slow morning into something special. Lately, it’s been everywhereand for good reason. It’s indulgent, but easier than homemade rolls.
Picture a moist breakfast cake with gooey cinnamon swirls running through every bite. No yeast, no rising timejust pantry basics, stirred and baked in one bowl. You get the satisfaction of a cinnamon roll with the simplicity of a coffee cake. Drizzle that sweet vanilla icing over the top, and it’s like your favorite diner treat got a fluffy little upgrade. It’s comfort food, made fast and fuss-free.
I started making this back in 2018, during one of those never-ending school breaks when everyone was home and hungry. My niece took one bite and said, “It tastes like cinnamon rolls and hugs.” I learned to fold the cinnamon sugar in gentlydon’t overmix or you lose the swirl. After years of sourcing and testing, this has become a reader favorite for good reason. Simple ingredients, unforgettable flavor.
Yesica Andrews
Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake: Delicious And Easy Recipe
This iced cinnamon roll cake is a homemade cinnamon roll cake that’s both delicious and easy to make. Perfect as a sweet breakfast cake or cinnamon coffee cake, it features moist cinnamon cake swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, then topped with a smooth vanilla icing. Whether you’re craving a cinnamon roll dessert or an iced cake recipe, this easy cinnamon roll cake will quickly become a favorite breakfast cake idea.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Slowly stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Drop spoonfuls of this mixture into the batter and use a knife to swirl it through the cake batter.
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the icing by combining the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake is done baking, let it cool slightly before drizzling the icing over the warm cake.
Allow the icing to set, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
For best results, serve the cake warm after icing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake
This Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful fusion of a cozy breakfast and a sweet indulgence, perfect for any time. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your baking rotation:
Easier than cinnamon rolls: No yeast, no waiting, just mix, swirl, and bake.
Cozy nostalgia: It brings the flavor of that favorite bakery cinnamon roll into your kitchen.
Beginner-friendly: Made with common pantry staples and requiring just one bowl, this is a foolproof sweet breakfast cake.
Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a brunch, coffee with friends, or a potluck, this is a crowd-pleaser.
This cake truly embodies the best of a cinnamon roll, coffee cake, and dessert, making it a comfort food masterpiece.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, accessible pantry ingredients. Here’s a look at the key components and their role in creating this delicious cake:
Brown sugar and cinnamon: These create the gooey swirls that make this feel like a true cinnamon roll dessert.
Melted butter: It gives the batter richness and makes the cinnamon swirl extra indulgent.
Powdered sugar and vanilla: Essential for the sweet, glossy icing drizzle that completes any iced cake.
Baking powder: This keeps the cake light and fluffy, almost melt-in-your-mouth.
Beyond these, you’ll use standard baking staples, which collectively transform into a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Guide (with a Cinnamon Swirl Secret!)
This homemade cinnamon roll cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. Even if you’re new to baking, these straightforward steps will guide you to success:
Mix up the batter: Combine your dry and wet ingredients in a bowl. Don’t overmix; just stir until smooth.
Create the cinnamon swirl: Spoon dollops of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl it throughavoid overmixing to preserve distinct ribbons.
Time to bake: Pop your pan in a 350°F oven for 28-32 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the icing: While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a creamy drizzle.
Ice the cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, generously drizzle the prepared icing over the top. Allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Pro Tip: For an elegant touch, create an additional decorative swirl with icing on top just before serving.
Serving, Storage, and Make-Ahead Tips
This iced cinnamon roll cake is perfect fresh, but here’s how to enjoy it later, too:
Serving: Serve slightly warm for that gooey frosted cinnamon roll experience. Pair it with coffee for the ultimate breakfast cake idea!
Storage: Keep covered at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Microwave slices for a “fresh-out-of-the-oven” vibe.
Make-ahead: Bake the cake the night before, cover it, and save the icing for the morning. Drizzle when ready to serve.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Warm-Up Instructions
At room temperature
2 days
Enjoy as is or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Refrigerated
Up to 5 days
Microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften.
Frozen
Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
Troubleshooting & Customizations
Even straightforward recipes can encounter common issues or inspire creative twists. Here’s how to address them:
Cake too dry? Be sure not to overbakego for the minimum time and check with a toothpick.
Thin icing? Add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it thickens to your liking.
Customizations: Swap part of the cinnamon with nutmeg for holiday vibes, or drizzle a caramel sauce on top for a bolder dessert twist.
This recipe provides a versatile base for creativity, allowing for diverse flavor explorations while retaining its core moist, spiced character.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake
The Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the tender crumb of a classic coffee cake with the rich, spiced notes of cinnamon and a sweet glaze that balances warmth and sweetness. This layering technique not only enhances flavor complexity but ensures every bite delivers that iconic cinnamon roll experience in cake form, perfect for any occasion.
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The Story Behind My Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake
This iced cinnamon roll cake took me several afternoons and a few mishaps in the kitchen before it felt just right. I learned the sweetness needed balance and the icing had to be just creamy enough. The result you see here is the product of patience and plenty of taste tests, now ready to bring warmth to your table.
FAQs ( Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake )
How do I keep the cake moist?
To keep this recipe moist, avoid overbaking by checking the cake a few minutes before the timer ends. Use full-fat dairy and don’t skip the sour cream or yogurt, which add moisture. Let the cake cool completely before icing to lock in softness and prevent drying.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
This cake can be baked a day in advance. Store it tightly covered at room temperature. Add the icing just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from soaking into the cake.
What is the best icing for this dessert?
A classic cream cheese frosting complements the cinnamon swirls well, balancing sweetness with tang. Make sure the frosting is smooth and slightly thick so it stays atop the cake without melting. Spread it after the cake cools to avoid sliding.
Can I use substitutes for cinnamon powder?
If you don’t have ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can work as a substitute but will change the flavor profile. For the best results in this cinnamon roll cake recipe, fresh ground cinnamon is recommended for its warm, distinctive taste.
How do I get those cinnamon swirl layers in the cake?
To create cinnamon swirls, spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through before baking. Be careful not to overmix, or the layers will blend together instead of forming ribbons.
Conclusion
The iced cinnamon roll cake bakes up moist and tender in under 40 minutes, with those irresistible cinnamon swirls you’ll want at every breakfast. It’s a simple, fuss-free treat that feels like a warm hug in your kitcheneasy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests.
Feel free to experiment: swap half the cinnamon for nutmeg or add chopped nuts for an extra layer of texture. Store leftovers covered at room temperature, or refrigerate slices for a few daysa gentle warming will revive that delightful fresh-baked quality. These practical tips are gleaned from extensive baking experience, ensuring your success.
We encourage you to try this cinnamon roll cake recipe and share your favorite twists or cherished memories in the comments below. Did this recipe evoke a cozy breakfast memory from your childhood? Consider sharing it with someone who could use a touch of homemade comfortbecause few things are as heartwarming as a baked treat.
