Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect combination of soft, fluffy cake and the rich, spicy warmth of cinnamon. This cake brings together everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, but in a much easier, bake-and-serve form.

 

Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s delightfully sweet but not overwhelming. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a special holiday treat, this cake brings the comforting aroma of cinnamon into your kitchen. Not a fan of frosting? No worries—this cake is still delicious without it, but the cream cheese topping adds an irresistible layer of indulgence.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven mitts

 

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to thin frosting if needed)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
   • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
   • Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it through the cake, creating a marbled effect.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese frosting.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
   • If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp of milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
6. Frost the Cake:
   • Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. The cinnamon swirl creates a rich, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cook Time:

• 40 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 35g
• Fiber: 1g

This Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on a classic treat. The swirls of cinnamon and the soft texture make every bite feel like the perfect indulgence, and the cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level of decadence. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy a cinnamon craving, this cake is a must-try!