Cinnamon Roll Cake

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until you have a crumbly mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Add Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the cinnamon swirl layer and gently spread it out.
4. Create Swirls: Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep the distinct layers.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

1. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
2. Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra flavor.
• Store Properly: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for added crunch.
• Make It Nutty: Add almond extract in place of some vanilla for a delicious nutty flavor.
• Fruity Twist: Fold in some fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries into the batter for a fruity variation.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap out some of the flour for pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon roll cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• Coffee: A hot cup of coffee or a latte is the perfect companion for this sweet treat.
• Tea: Enjoy it with a warm cup of herbal tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Ice Cream: For dessert, serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls into a convenient cake form. With its moist, tender cake, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special gathering. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, and enjoy a slice of this heavenly treat!