Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Nothing quite hits the mark like the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, promising a scrumptious treat on the horizon. Enter the delightful Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—a decadent dessert that captures the cozy goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls, all in a simple cake form. Imagine soft, fluffy layers swirled with a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that adds a heavenly burst of flavor. This cake is not just about taste; it’s the perfect bake for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a joyful gathering or indulging in a quiet afternoon snack.
Did you know that some say cinnamon as a spice has been around for over 4,000 years? It has a rich history tied to ancient trade routes, yet today, it finds its way into our modern kitchens in comfort desserts like this one. In just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that is loved by kids and adults alike. If you enjoy other popular recipes, like our Gooey Chocolate Brownies, you’ll want to add this Cinnamon Roll Cake to your baking repertoire!
What is Cinnamon Roll Cake?
So, you may be wondering, what exactly is a Cinnamon Roll Cake? Imagine taking the classic cinnamon roll, which usually requires some heavy-duty rolling and twisting, and transforming it into a fluffy cake that’s as easy as pie to make (or should we say cake?). This recipe takes all the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls—cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness—and turns it into a beautiful, moist cake topped with a creamy frosting. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust us, this cake will have everyone falling in love. Why not give it a try and prepare for compliments to roll in?
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake
There are three standout reasons to get excited about Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. First, the cake’s mouthwatering blend of fluffy, cinnamon-infused layers will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Second, this dish is budget-friendly and offers big flavor without breaking the bank. Lastly, the creamy frosting not only elevates the cake to new heights but adds a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cake below.
If you’ve enjoyed making our Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will appreciate the ease yet impressive results of this cake as well! It’s perfect for brunch with friends, a cozy family dessert, or even a special occasion treat. Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the delightful details.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake
Quick Overview
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is both delicious and easy to whip up any day of the week. With just a few simple ingredients and charming flavors, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that takes only about 60 minutes to prepare and bake. Imagine serving a warm, comforting slice of this cake, with its tempting aroma filling your home. Let’s get into the specifics!
Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Take a moment to visualize these sweet offerings—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, and whisk them together until well blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until there are no dry pockets.
- Create Cinnamon Filling: In a smaller bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until it forms a paste.
- Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Then spread half of the cinnamon filling over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by spooning dollops of the remaining cinnamon filling and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake is cooling, make the frosting by mixing softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until smooth. Adjust with milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top!
What to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake With
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also serve it with fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, to add a refreshing touch to your dessert table. Consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a heavenly combination that will elevate dessert to a new level!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cinnamon Roll Cake
To perfect your Cinnamon Roll Cake, remember these handy tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened for a creamy frosting that spreads easily.
- Adjust Cinnamon: If you love an extra punch, feel free to increase the cinnamon in both the filling and frosting.
- Storage: If you have leftover cake, don’t pile it high; store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Let the delightful, warm flavors of this Cinnamon Roll Cake fill your kitchen and your hearts. It’s a bake worth sharing, so gather your loved ones and savor every delicious bite! Happy baking!
