How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake: A Delicious Treat That Will Impress

Cinnamon rolls. The mere mention of them conjures up images of warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treats. But what if I told you there’s a way to take your love for cinnamon rolls to the next level? Enter the cinnamon roll cake – a delightful twist on the classic that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. This isn’t just any ordinary cake; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a soft and fluffy cake base swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich, decadent cream cheese frosting.

Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon? Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need to Make the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Milk or heavy cream, to adjust consistency (optional)

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Serrated knife

Cinnamon Roll Cake Dough

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Cinnamon Roll Cake Masterpiece

Making the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easier removal later, line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
5. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl:

1. Combine cinnamon and sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling.
2. Spread melted butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Pour half the batter: Pour half of the cake batter over the cinnamon sugar mixture in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle remaining filling: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
3. Top with remaining batter: Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Again, use a spatula to spread it as evenly as possible.
4. Create the swirl: Using a knife or a toothpick, swirl the batter gently to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix!

Baking the Cake:

1. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Flavor and adjust: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Frost the cake: Once the cake has cooled, frost it evenly with the cream cheese frosting.
2. Slice and serve: Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature.

Baking Cinnamon Roll Cake

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake:

• Room temperature ingredients: For best results, use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and cream cheese. This will help create a smooth and homogenous batter and frosting.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough and dense cake. Mix until just combined.
• Even cinnamon swirl: For a consistent cinnamon swirl throughout the cake, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly and use a light hand when swirling the batter.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and/or frosting to your liking.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar are all delicious additions.

FAQs About Making Cinnamon Roll Cake:

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Make the frosting and frost the cake right before serving.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

While cream cheese frosting is the classic pairing for cinnamon rolls, you can certainly experiment with other frostings. A brown butter frosting or a simple vanilla glaze would also be delicious.

My cake turned out a bit dry. What happened?

Overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Make sure to check the cake for doneness using a wooden skewer. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, it’s done.

Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake

Conclusion: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!

Congratulations on baking your very own cinnamon roll cake! This crowd-pleasing dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your friends and family. Share a slice with your loved ones and savor the moment. And don’t forget to check out our other cake recipes, like our decadent Pumpkin Roll Cake or our charming Marian Tree Cake, for more baking inspiration!