Open the oven door, and it hits youwarm vanilla, a whisper of cinnamon, and that sweet, bready smell dancing in the kitchen. This iced cinnamon roll cake takes everything we love about the bakery classic and turns it into a soft, buttery sheet cake with glossy icing, no rolling or rising needed. It’s been making the rounds lately, and for good reason: it tastes like a hug in cake form.
This cozy dish starts with a tender, quick-mix baseflour, yogurt, eggsand a thick cinnamon brown sugar swirl you spoon right in. It bakes up golden and gooey, just like the middle bite of a cinnamon roll. Best part? You mix everything in bowls, no yeast or fancy equipment required. It’s got all the homemade charm, minus the early wake-up call. A perfect treat when you’re craving warm spices but short on time.
First made this back in fall 2019 after a marathon weekend of testing cinnamon recipes for the blog. My niece walked in as it cooled and said, “Wait, is that a candle or a cake?” The trick I figured out? Dollop the swirl instead of spreadingit creates those gooey pockets. Four years and six photo shoots later, this one still makes the holiday lineup every time.
Thomas Baker
Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake: Delicious And Easy Recipe
This iced cinnamon roll cake is a homemade cinnamon roll cake that’s both delicious and easy to make. Perfect as a sweet breakfast cake or cinnamon coffee cake, it features moist cinnamon cake swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, then topped with a smooth vanilla icing. Whether you’re craving a cinnamon roll dessert or an iced cake recipe, this easy cinnamon roll cake will quickly become a favorite breakfast cake idea.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Slowly stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Drop spoonfuls of this mixture into the batter and use a knife to swirl it through the cake batter.
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the icing by combining the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake is done baking, let it cool slightly before drizzling the icing over the warm cake.
Allow the icing to set, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
For best results, serve the cake warm after icing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake
This iced cinnamon roll cake is basically comfort food heaven in an everyday baking dish. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen:
Easy to make: No yeast, no rising, no fussjust mix, swirl, and bake.
Nostalgic flavors: Warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla take you right back to cozy weekend mornings.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a potluck, brunch with friends, or just treating the family on a lazy Sunday, this soft and gooey treat is always a hit.
Beginner-friendly: This recipe is forgiving. Swirls don’t need to be perfect, and the icing hides everything!
Key Ingredients and Tips for Success
Your pantry probably has most of these already, but let’s spotlight the stars of the show:
Flour and baking powder: These are your cake’s foundation. Stick to all-purpose flour for a soft texture, and make sure your baking powder is fresh for the right lift.
Butter: You’ll need both melted butter for the batter and room-temperature butter for the cinnamon swirl. The melted butter adds rich moisture, while the softened butter makes the swirl creamy and easy to mix.
Brown sugar and cinnamon: This duo is where the magic happensdeep, caramel-like sweetness with warm spice swirling through every bite.
Powdered sugar icing: A simple but essential finishing touch that soaks into the cake just enough to make it heavenly.
Pro Tip: Room temperature butter is key, especially for the cinnamon swirl. Cold butter won’t mix properly, and overly melted butter might sink into the batter instead of swirling beautifully.
For precise measurements and a complete list of all ingredients, please refer to the full recipe card typically found within this post.
Step-By-Step: How to Make Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake
Get baking with this straightforward step-by-step breakdown:
Prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake releases easily after baking.
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring gently until smooth. Finally, fold in the melted butter. Pour into your prepared pan.
Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture across the top of the batter, and use a knife to swirl it through (don’t over-mixit’s meant to look messy).
Bake: Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the icing: While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and glossy.
Finish strong: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm cake, letting it seep into all those cinnamon-swirled pockets.
Serving and Storage Tips
Here’s how to serve and save your iced cinnamon roll cake:
Serving: This cake is perfect warm, slightly cooled but still gooey, with a cup of coffee or tea. Slice into squares for easy sharing.
Storage: Keep leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Reheating: To bring leftover slices back to life, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave makes them soft and warm again.
Pro Tip: For long-term storage, freeze cake slices (without icing) tightly wrapped. Defrost at room temperature, then drizzle fresh icing before serving.
Storage Method
Duration
Best Practice
Room Temperature
2 days
Keep covered tightly to avoid drying out.
Refrigerated
Up to 1 week
Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Frozen
Up to 3 months
Wrap slices individually for grab-and-go convenience.
Troubleshooting Tips
Having issues? Don’t worryhere’s how to fix common hiccups:
Dry edges: If your edges are over-drying, your oven is likely running hot. Try reducing the temp to 325°F and bake a bit longer.
Swirls sinking to the bottom: Your swirl mixture might be too runny. Use room-temperature butternot meltedto give it structure.
Icing too thick or thin: If the icing feels too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Sift in a tiny bit more powdered sugar.
Remember: Imperfection is part of the charmthose messy swirls and drips make it homemade and irresistible.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake
What truly makes the Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake a standout? It’s that perfect harmony of comforting textures and flavors. Imagine the tender, moist crumb of your favorite cake, infused with the warm, aromatic embrace of cinnamon, all crowned by a luscious, sweet icing. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic experience, blending the best of a classic cake with the beloved layered indulgence of a cinnamon roll. Each bite offers a delightful balance of softness, rich spice, and a glossy, sweet finish that keeps you coming back for more.
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Perfecting the Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake at Home
Crafting the ultimate Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake truly was a labor of love for me. It didn’t happen overnight; there were sticky attempts and more than a few runny frostings! But through dedicated testing, I finally discovered the precise balance for that incredibly tender crumb and the perfectly sweet, pourable glaze. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tested-and-true cozy treat you can confidently make to delight your entire family, knowing it will turn out beautifully every time.
FAQs ( Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake )
How do I keep the cake moist?
To keep this recipe moist, avoid overbaking by checking the cake a few minutes before the timer ends. Use full-fat dairy and don’t skip the sour cream or yogurt, which add moisture. Let the cake cool completely before icing to lock in softness and prevent drying.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
This cake can be baked a day in advance. Store it tightly covered at room temperature. Add the icing just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from soaking into the cake.
What is the best icing for this dessert?
A classic cream cheese frosting complements the cinnamon swirls well, balancing sweetness with tang. Make sure the frosting is smooth and slightly thick so it stays atop the cake without melting. Spread it after the cake cools to avoid sliding.
Can I use substitutes for cinnamon powder?
If you don’t have ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can work as a substitute but will change the flavor profile. For the best results in this cinnamon roll cake recipe, fresh ground cinnamon is recommended for its warm, distinctive taste.
How do I get those cinnamon swirl layers in the cake?
To create cinnamon swirls, spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through before baking. Be careful not to overmix, or the layers will blend together instead of forming ribbons.
Conclusion
You’re going to adore how quickly this iced cinnamon roll cake comes together, baking up beautifully moist and golden in just under 35 minutes. It’s truly an easy, no-fuss recipe that promises to fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma of cozy warmth and sweet spicea homemade delight that’s even more satisfying than your favorite bakery treat.
Looking for a fun twist? Consider folding in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for added crunch, or elevate your icing with a hint of cream cheese. Any delicious leftovers store beautifully, tightly covered at room temperature, or simply pop a slice in the microwave for that irresistible fresh-baked warmth. And here’s a little secret from my kitchen: avoid over-swirling to preserve those glorious, gooey cinnamon pockets!
I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl and make it your own! Don’t hesitate to share your photos or favorite variationsI’m always so curious to see how you personalize it. Did a cinnamon roll classic like this sweeten your childhood memories? Pass on the joy, savor every comforting bite, and let the cozy family moments truly begin.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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