Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake – Easy Gooey Cinnamon Swirl Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake brings all the delicious flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy homemade cake. It features a soft, fluffy cake base topped with buttery brown sugar cinnamon swirls and finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, there’s no yeast, kneading, or rolling required. Simply prepare the cake batter, swirl the cinnamon mixture over the top, and bake until golden. The warm glaze melts into the cinnamon swirls, creating a rich, gooey dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or an afternoon sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Classic cinnamon roll flavor: Brown sugar, butter, and ground cinnamon create the familiar sweet and warmly spiced flavor of traditional cinnamon rolls.
• No yeast required: This recipe uses baking powder instead of yeast, so you don’t need to wait for dough to rise.
• Easy cinnamon swirl: The buttery cinnamon mixture is dropped over the cake batter and gently swirled with a knife.
• Creamy cream cheese glaze: A smooth glaze made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla adds a delicious finishing touch.
• Perfect for sharing: The 9×13-inch baking dish makes 24 servings, making this cake a convenient option for family gatherings and brunch tables.
• Delicious warm: Pouring the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm allows it to melt slightly into the cinnamon swirls.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Ingredients

This cinnamon roll cake uses simple baking ingredients divided into three parts: the cake batter, cinnamon swirl, and cream cheese glaze.

For the Cake

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake and helps create its soft, fluffy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter without overpowering the cinnamon swirl.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and gives it a lighter texture without needing yeast.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk adds moisture to the batter and helps create a tender cake.
• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the cinnamon.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a creamy base for the cinnamon mixture and helps give the cake its rich, buttery flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a deeper caramel-like flavor to the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides the classic warm spice flavor associated with cinnamon rolls.
• All-purpose flour: Helps give the cinnamon mixture a thicker, spreadable consistency.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• Cream cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze while helping it achieve a smooth consistency.
• Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency so it can be poured or drizzled over the cake.
• Vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor and complements the cinnamon and cream cheese.
• Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness of the glaze.

Helpful Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Cake

A few simple details can help you get a soft cake with beautiful cinnamon swirls and a smooth glaze.

• Use softened butter for the cinnamon swirl: The butter should be soft enough to mix easily with the brown sugar and cinnamon. This makes the mixture easier to spread over the cake batter.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can affect the cake’s final texture.
• Prepare the baking dish properly: Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make serving easier.
• Keep the cinnamon swirl near the top: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a butter knife. Avoid mixing it completely into the cake.
• Check the cake before removing it from the oven: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Adjust the glaze gradually: Start with the 3 tablespoons of milk listed in the recipe. Add a little more only if you prefer a thinner drizzle.
• Glaze while warm: Pour the cream cheese glaze over the cake while it is still warm so it melts slightly into the cinnamon swirls.

How to Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

This recipe comes together in a few simple stages. Prepare the cake batter, make the cinnamon filling, assemble everything in the baking dish, and finish with homemade cream cheese glaze.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Set aside while you prepare the ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Add 1½ cups milk, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ cup melted unsalted butter.

Stir until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can affect the cake’s texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

Mix everything together until the mixture becomes creamy and spreadable.

The cinnamon mixture should be soft enough to drop over the cake batter and swirl easily.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the surface of the batter.

Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the top of the cake. Avoid mixing it all the way through so you can maintain distinct cinnamon swirls.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Roll Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. A few moist crumbs are fine.

Allow the cake to remain warm while you prepare the cream cheese glaze.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Continue mixing until the glaze is smooth and creamy.

If you prefer a thinner consistency for drizzling, add a little more milk until you reach your desired texture.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

While the cake is still warm, pour the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top.

Allow it to melt slightly into the cinnamon swirls before slicing.

Serve warm to enjoy the soft cake, buttery cinnamon topping, and creamy glaze together.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Variations and Substitutions

The original recipe has a classic combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and cream cheese glaze. If you want to make small adjustments, consider these options:

• Adjust the glaze consistency: Use the suggested 3 tablespoons of milk for a thicker glaze or add a little more for a thinner drizzle.
• Use whole milk or 2% milk: Both options are included in the original cake recipe.
• Adjust the serving temperature: Enjoy the cake warm for a softer, freshly glazed texture or allow it to cool before slicing for neater portions.

Keep the original ingredient quantities and baking method for the intended recipe.

How to Serve Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cinnamon roll cake is versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

• Breakfast: Serve a warm slice with fresh fruit for a sweet breakfast option.
• Weekend brunch: Add it to a brunch table alongside other homemade breakfast favorites.
• Holiday mornings: Its cinnamon aroma and cream cheese glaze make it a lovely addition to Christmas or holiday breakfasts.
• Dessert: Serve it after dinner when you want something sweet and comforting.
• Family gatherings: Cut the cake into 24 servings to make sharing easier.

The cream cheese glaze makes each slice delicious on its own, so additional toppings aren’t necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake made with yeast?

No. This recipe uses baking powder as its leavening agent instead of yeast. That means you can prepare the batter without kneading dough or waiting for it to rise.

Can I use 2% milk instead of whole milk?

Yes. The recipe specifically allows either whole milk or 2% milk for the cake batter.

How do I know when the cinnamon roll cake is done?

Bake the cake for 35–40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

Can I make the cream cheese glaze thinner?

Yes. The recipe starts with 3 tablespoons of milk. Add a little more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze that drizzles more easily over the cake.

Should I glaze the cake while it is warm?

Yes. The recipe recommends pouring the cream cheese glaze over the cake while it is still warm. This allows the glaze to melt slightly into the cinnamon swirls.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Because this cinnamon roll cake contains a cream cheese glaze, proper storage is important.

Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese glaze.

Serving leftovers: Allow refrigerated portions to lose some of their chill before serving if you prefer a softer cake texture.

Make-ahead preparation: You can prepare the dry cake ingredients and cinnamon swirl mixture separately ahead of time. For the best texture, mix the cake batter shortly before baking.

Freezing: The supplied recipe does not specify freezing instructions, so freezing times and results are not included here.

Make This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you love the flavor of cinnamon rolls but want something easier to prepare, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delicious choice. With its fluffy cake base, buttery brown sugar cinnamon swirls, and creamy cream cheese glaze, every slice delivers the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll. Make it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert whenever you’re craving a sweet homemade treat.

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