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Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions for Cinnamon Roll Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until well-combined. The mixture should be smooth and spreadable.
4. Layer the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top of the batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it—you want distinct swirls, not completely mixed-in cinnamon.
5. Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
6. Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
7. Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the swirls and cracks. Slice and serve while the cake is still slightly warm for the ultimate gooey cinnamon roll experience.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for cinnamon swirl
- Whisk
- Knife for swirling
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for spreading batter
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a denser cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Soft Butter for the Swirl: Make sure the butter for the cinnamon swirl is soft and spreadable. If it’s too firm, it won’t swirl well.
- Add Extra Cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the swirl for a more intense flavor.
- Glaze the Cake While Warm: Drizzling the glaze over the warm cake helps it soak into the layers, creating that ooey-gooey texture we love in cinnamon rolls.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh for longer, up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy it warm again.
If you’d like to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave when ready to eat.
Variations and Recipe Swaps
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: For a more indulgent twist, swap the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese glaze by whisking together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check your other ingredients for gluten as well.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy warm spices, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Suggested Pairings
While this Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect on its own, here are a few pairing suggestions:
- Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea pairs wonderfully with this sweet, cinnamon-packed cake.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit like berries or apple slices provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
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