If you adore the comforting swirl of cinnamon and the luscious creaminess of frosting, then you will absolutely fall in love with this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine all the warmth and spice of a classic cinnamon roll, but transformed into a soft, moist cake that’s easy to whip up without the fuss of yeast or waiting for dough to rise. Whether you’re craving a special breakfast treat, a cozy brunch centerpiece, or a delightful dessert, this cake delivers all the flavor and charm in a simple, straightforward way that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the tender crumb of the cake to building that addictive cinnamon swirl and finishing with a dreamy frosting that’s pure bliss. Gathering these essentials means you’re halfway to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake for a tender but sturdy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly, balancing the cinnamon spices.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake a light, airy rise without yeast.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and prevents the sweetness from being flat.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s soft texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and helps create the cinnamon swirl and frosting’s creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Key to the cinnamon swirl’s sweet, caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this cake irresistible.
- Cream cheese: Essential for the rich, tangy frosting that tops the cake.
- Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth consistency needed for luscious frosting.
- Milk (for frosting): Adjusts frosting texture for easy spreading.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—it’s the perfect size for this recipe. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then stir in the wet ingredients—milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract—until the batter is smooth and creamy. This batter forms the tender base that will soak up the cinnamon swirl.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until you get a creamy, spreadable mixture. This will be spooned and swirled on top of the batter, infusing every bite with that iconic cinnamon roll flavor. The flour in the swirl helps it hold together perfectly during baking, so you get distinct ribbons of spice.
Step 3: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it with a spatula. Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface. Then, take a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter, creating beautiful, indulgent patterns that promise cinnamon in every slice without overpowering the cake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be beautifully risen and golden around the edges, while the cinnamon swirl will have melted into sweet ribbons throughout the moist crumb.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is baking, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined and velvety. Then, gradually mix in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency that’s creamy without being runny.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting all over the top. The warmth softens the frosting just enough to melt perfectly into the cake’s surface, creating an irresistible, gooey finish that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly decadent.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cake with a light sprinkle of cinnamon powder or freshly chopped pecans for an added crunch and visual appeal. A few flecks of toasted coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also take your presentation to the next level if you want to impress guests or just treat yourself extra special.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making it an ideal companion for a relaxed morning or afternoon snack. For a fresh twist, serve alongside sliced fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices, which contrast beautifully with the warm, sweet spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider cutting the cake into smaller squares and presenting them on a tiered tray to mimic cinnamon roll buns. You can also pipe extra cream cheese frosting into rosettes atop each piece for a visually stunning effect. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a delicate finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps keep the cake moist without drying out the frosting. For longer storage, refrigeration is best, and the cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen slices keep well for up to 3 months, letting you savor that cinnamon goodness whenever you want.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feeling, warm slices up in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. The cream cheese frosting will soften, and the cake will taste like it just came out of the oven, ready to make your day extra special.
FAQs
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets without compromising the rich flavor and texture.
Is this cake gluten-free friendly?
Not as is, but you can replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help the cake hold together well.
Can I use this recipe to make cinnamon roll muffins?
Yes! Simply portion the batter into greased or lined muffin tins and swirl the cinnamon mixture into each. Bake at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
How long can I keep the frosting out before it spoils?
Cream cheese frosting is best stored in the refrigerator and should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid any food safety issues.
Can I skip the frosting and still enjoy the cake?
Definitely! The cinnamon swirl cake itself is delicious on its own, but the cream cheese frosting adds that signature tangy sweetness that truly elevates the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s easy to prepare and brimming with all the warm flavor of a cinnamon roll, the Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your perfect go-to. From its tender texture to the luxurious frosting, it’s a dessert that feels like a hug on a plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become one of your favorites and a staple for every special occasion or cozy morning at home!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting transforms the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls into a soft, moist cake swirled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this yeast-free cake comes together easily and delivers comforting cinnamon goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add 1 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until creamy and well combined.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl to Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create spiral patterns.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake bakes, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool slightly but remain warm. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cake so it melts slightly and adds extra richness.
- Serve: Slice into 12 pieces and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Best served warm to enjoy the soft texture and melty frosting.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave briefly to restore freshness and warmth.
- This cake requires no yeast or rising time, making it quick and easy to prepare.
