The Ultimate Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled delight that melts in your mouth. If you’ve ever craved the famous Cinnabon cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to spend hours kneading dough and waiting for it to rise, then you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake captures all the flavors of the classic roll—sweet cinnamon filling, fluffy cake, and luscious vanilla glaze—without the hassle of traditional yeast dough.

Let’s dive into this easy, homemade cinnamon roll cake recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery!

Introduction

Personal Anecdote or Emotional Appeal

Nothing beats the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house on a cozy morning. Growing up, a trip to the mall wasn’t complete without stopping by Cinnabon and indulging in their rich, buttery rolls dripping with icing. But let’s be honest—sometimes you just want that cinnamon-sugar goodness without leaving home. That’s where this recipe comes in!

Imagine waking up to a homemade cinnamon roll cake—no kneading, no waiting, just a quick mix and bake. This is the kind of breakfast treat that brings everyone to the table, eagerly waiting for a warm slice.

Purpose of the Article

This guide will show you how to make a Cinnabon-inspired cinnamon roll cake from scratch. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. You’ll also learn tips to perfect the texture, get that signature cinnamon swirl, and avoid common baking mistakes.

Recipe Overview

Description of the Dish

This Cinnabon cinnamon roll cake recipe is a fluffy, buttery cake layered with a rich cinnamon-brown sugar filling and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. Every bite has the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s essentially a cinnamon roll in cake form, making it easier and faster to prepare.

Key Details

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake doesn’t require yeast, proofing, or rolling dough. It’s a simple one-bowl batter that gets baked to perfection, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings.

This is just the beginning—keep reading to discover why this copycat cinnamon roll cake is a must-try!

Why This Recipe?

What Makes This Cake Special?

Everyone loves Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, but making them from scratch? That’s a lot of work! This copycat cinnamon roll cake gives you the same warm, gooey, and sweet flavor—without the hassle. No yeast. No waiting for the dough to rise. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

It’s a perfect quick breakfast, dessert, or snack. The cinnamon sugar swirls melt into the soft cake, creating a rich, buttery flavor in every bite. And that vanilla glaze? It ties everything together, making it taste just like the real thing.

Common Baking Struggles & How This Recipe Fixes Them

Many people avoid baking cinnamon rolls because they:

1. Take too long – Traditional rolls need hours to rise. This cake is done in under an hour.

2. Are tricky to make – No rolling, kneading, or shaping needed. Just swirl and bake!

3. Can be dry or dense – This cake stays soft and moist, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by homemade cinnamon rolls, this easy cinnamon roll cake is for you. It’s foolproof, beginner-friendly, and delicious!

Ingredients & Substitutions

What You Need

This Cinnabon-inspired cinnamon roll cake uses simple pantry staples. Below is everything you’ll need:

Cake Batter

Cinnamon Swirl

Glaze

Ingredient Swaps

Don’t have everything? Try these swaps:

• No all-purpose flour? Use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

• No dairy? Swap milk and butter for almond milk and coconut oil.

• Less sugar? Use honey or maple syrup instead.

This recipe is easy to tweak so you can enjoy it your way!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Ready

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

3. Slowly mix in melted butter. Do not overmix.

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

2. Stir until it forms a thick paste.

Assemble the Cake

1. Pour batter into the greased pan.

2. Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon filling over the batter.

3. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently.

Bake

• Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

• Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done.

Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

2. Mix until smooth and pourable.

Finish & Serve

• Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.

• Let it sit for a few minutes.

• Slice and enjoy!

This cake is best served warm. Every bite is soft, gooey, and full of cinnamon goodness!

Pro Tips & Variations

Pro Tips for the Best Cake

• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until combined. Too much mixing makes the cake dense.

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. Cold eggs or milk can affect texture.

• Swirl gently. Overmixing the cinnamon filling will blend it in too much. You want ribbons of cinnamon!

• Check early. Ovens vary. Start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Fun Variations

• Extra gooey? Add ½ cup heavy cream to the batter for richness.

• Nutty twist? Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl.

• Apple cinnamon? Add ½ cup diced apples for a fruity touch.

• Caramel drizzle? Swap the glaze for warm caramel sauce.

This recipe is easy to tweak. Make it your own and enjoy every bite!

Perfect Pairings

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is sweet, soft, and rich. Pair it with something light to balance the flavors.

• Fresh fruit – Berries, bananas, or apple slices add a fresh touch.

• Greek yogurt – A spoonful of plain yogurt cuts the sweetness.

• Scrambled eggs – A simple, savory side for a complete breakfast.

• Hot coffee or tea – The warmth pairs perfectly with cinnamon spice.

• Cold milk – Classic and comforting!

Want something extra special? Try homemade whipped cream on top!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it the night before and cover it tightly. Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before eating.

Can I use a different flour?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Almond or oat flour will change the texture.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking is the main reason. Check at 25 minutes and remove when a toothpick comes out clean. Also, use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is easy, quick, and full of flavor. It has the gooey cinnamon swirls and sweet vanilla glaze you love—without the extra work. No yeast. No waiting. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Make it for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat. Serve it warm and watch it disappear fast. Try different flavors or toppings to make it your own.

Now it’s your turn! Bake this cake and let us know how it turns out. Happy baking!

The Ultimate Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delicious, easy-to-make alternative to classic cinnamon rolls. It features a soft and fluffy cake with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 4 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 5 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir until combined and pour into the baking dish.

• Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the cake batter, then swirl with a knife.

• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

• Drizzle the Glaze over the warm cake and serve.

Notes

• For extra gooeyness, increase the cinnamon swirl mixture.

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, Cinnabon cake, cinnamon swirl, easy cinnamon roll cake, breakfast cake