Cinnamon Roll Cake Treat

A cozy twist on a classic favorite, baked with love and dripping with cinnamon glaze.

🧡 Introduction

If there’s one dessert that makes my kitchen smell like pure happiness, it’s this Cinnamon Roll Cake Treat. I’m not kidding—every time I bake it, my whole house fills with that warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar aroma that instantly makes me feel like I’m wrapped in a cozy blanket. The best part? You get all the gooey, spiced joy of cinnamon rolls without the rolling, cutting, or waiting for dough to rise.

This recipe is my go-to when I’m craving comfort but don’t want to fuss with yeast or complicated steps. It’s a cake that tastes like a cinnamon roll, swirled with buttery cinnamon filling and topped with a simple glaze that melts right into the tender crumb. Basically, it’s dessert and breakfast—depending on how patient you are in the morning.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special

There are cinnamon rolls, and then there’s this cake. What makes it special is how easy it is to capture the essence of a homemade roll—the gooey filling, the sweet glaze, the soft crumb—without all the kneading or rising. It’s one of those magical bakes that feels indulgent but approachable.

You just whisk, swirl, bake, and drizzle. No yeast, no fancy equipment, no stress. Yet when you take that first bite, it feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the cinnamon roll flavor, none of the effort. No kneading, no rising, no yeast—just mix and bake.
• Incredible aroma. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery—warm butter, cinnamon, and sugar in the air.
• Perfect texture. Soft, tender cake with gooey swirls of cinnamon and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze.
• Crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s brunch, dessert, or a cozy weekend treat, everyone loves it.
• Make-ahead friendly. You can bake it the night before and warm it up for breakfast the next day.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gear—just a few basics:

• 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan – I like glass or ceramic because it bakes evenly and looks nice for serving.
• Mixing bowls (2–3 sizes) – One for the batter, one for the cinnamon swirl, and one for the glaze.
• Whisk & spatula – The whisk helps you get a smooth batter; the spatula makes swirling fun (and satisfying).
• Measuring cups & spoons – Precision matters with baking, so measure carefully.
• Toothpick or skewer – For checking doneness.
• Cooling rack – Optional, but it helps prevent the bottom from getting soggy.

📝 Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk (any kind—whole milk gives the best flavor)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup (135 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray. I sometimes line mine with parchment for easy cleanup—less scrubbing later!

2. Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking just until combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s slightly lumpy.

(If your batter looks too thick, a splash more milk will loosen it up.)

3. Mix the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. This is your golden swirl of happiness.

4. Swirl It Up

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Dollop half of the cinnamon mixture in spoonfuls over the top, then swirl gently with a knife. Pour the rest of the batter on top, then add the remaining cinnamon mix and swirl again.

(Don’t overdo the swirling—you want those pretty ribbons to stay visible once baked!)

5. Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few sticky crumbs are okay—that’s the gooey magic).

6. Make the Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency—thicker for a creamy drizzle, thinner for a glaze that soaks in.

7. Glaze and Enjoy

When the cake is warm (not hot), drizzle the glaze all over. Watch it melt slightly into the swirls—it’s mesmerizing. Slice, serve, and prepare for happy faces.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• Serve it warm from the oven for that classic cinnamon roll feel.
• Pair it with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy combo.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.

🌈 Variations & Customizations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for texture.
• Fruity twist: Add diced apples, pears, or raisins to the filling for a fall vibe.
• Cream cheese glaze: Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk for a richer topping.
• Mini versions: Bake in muffin tins for single-serve treats.

🧁 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days—just reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then warm before serving.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the batter and filling ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.

🔍 Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

My little secrets:

• Don’t skip the softened butter in the swirl—it melts beautifully and gives those gooey pockets.
• Use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or milk can make the batter dense.
• Don’t overbake. The magic is in that slightly underdone center—it stays soft and roll-like.
• Swirl lightly. Overmixing the layers turns it into a uniform cake instead of a marbled delight.
• Add glaze while warm. It seeps in perfectly, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

📋 Recipe Summary

• Yield: 9 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbs: 44 g
• Sugar: 28 g
• Protein: 4 g

💬 A Warm Closing

There’s something so comforting about this Cinnamon Roll Cake—it’s simple, nostalgic, and full of love. When you pull it out of the oven, all golden and fragrant, you’ll feel that same little spark of joy that I do every time.