Description
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake captures the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make sheet cake. Featuring a tender, buttery cake base swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ⅔ cup nuts (optional)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the batter: Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 4 teaspoons baking powder. Add 1½ cups milk, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste and beat until smooth. Gradually stir in 4 tablespoons melted butter to enrich the batter. Pour the completed batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and ⅔ cup nuts if using. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Marble the batter: Using a knife, swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter to create a marbled effect without over mixing.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Make the glaze: While the cake is baking or cooling slightly, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 4-5 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. Serve the cinnamon roll cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can omit the nuts or substitute with pecans or walnuts according to your preference.
- Use vanilla bean paste for a richer vanilla flavor, or substitute with pure vanilla extract.
- Make sure to swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to retain the swirl pattern.
- The cake is best served fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat servings gently in the microwave for a warm, gooey experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
