Name: Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake Batter:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup melted butter; For the Cinnamon Swirl:; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup melted butter; For the Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk or cream; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is a warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled dessert that tastes just like a cinnamon roll but takes a fraction of the effort. It’s soft, buttery, and topped with a sweet glaze that melts into every bite. I love making this when I want that fresh-from-the-bakery taste without waiting for dough to rise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings all the best parts of a cinnamon roll — the swirls, the spice, the glaze — and turns it into a quick, no-fuss cake. There’s no kneading, rolling, or proofing. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and the house smells incredible while it bakes. Whether I serve it warm with coffee or take it to a potluck, it always disappears fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake Batter:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Milk
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Melted butter

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
I add the milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter, then mix until smooth.
I pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
For the swirl, I mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then drop spoonfuls over the batter.
I use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter gently.
I bake the cake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, I whisk together the glaze ingredients.
I drizzle the glaze over the warm cake right after baking, letting it soak into all the cracks and swirls.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings and takes 15 minutes to prep and 30 to 35 minutes to bake. It’s great for a weekend treat, brunch table, or easy holiday morning breakfast.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for crunch. I’ve also used cream cheese in the glaze for a tangier twist. When I want something extra indulgent, I add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the batter and the cinnamon swirl.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. I reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to bring back the gooey goodness. It also freezes well — I wrap slices individually and thaw as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it the night before and warm it up just before serving. It tastes just as good the next day.

What type of milk works best?

I’ve used whole milk, 2%, and even non-dairy milk like almond or oat. They all work — whole milk gives the richest texture.

Can I skip the glaze?

I wouldn’t — the glaze adds that classic cinnamon roll flavor and moisture. But if I want it less sweet, I just use less.

Can I make it in a smaller pan?

Yes, I’ve made it in an 8×8-inch pan by halving the recipe. I just reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on it.

Is it okay to use a cake mix?

I’ve used a yellow or vanilla cake mix as a shortcut — I prepare it according to the box and then swirl in the cinnamon mixture. It still turns out great.

Conclusion

Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is one of my favorite simple bakes — soft, swirled, sweet, and completely satisfying. It’s perfect when I’m craving something cozy but don’t want to deal with yeast or rolling dough. Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast or a cozy dessert, this cake always delivers that irresistible cinnamon roll magic.