Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, offering a moist, tender cake swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make cake combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of cake baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined to ensure even rising.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat the granulated sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and a tough texture.
- Add Melted Butter: Fold in the melted unsalted butter until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated, adding moisture and richness.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out to the edges with a spatula.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined, then stir in softened butter to form a smooth paste.
- Create Swirl Pattern: Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture: Using a butter knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect throughout the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cool the Cake Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly but remain warm for glazing.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Evenly drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the swirls and add sweetness.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool a bit more to ensure the glaze sets before slicing and serving your delicious cinnamon roll cake.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- The cinnamon swirl can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less cinnamon and brown sugar.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- This cake is best served warm but can be reheated briefly before serving.
