If you’re a fan of the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls but want something a little quicker and easier, this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Glaze is exactly what you need! It has all the sweet, cinnamon flavor of classic cinnamon rolls, but in the form of a fluffy, tender cake. Plus, it’s topped with a delicious glaze that sinks into every swirl of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Flavors Without the Fuss: No need to knead dough or wait for it to rise. This cake gives you that cinnamon roll flavor without all the extra steps.
Perfect for Sharing: It’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan, making it the ideal dessert or breakfast treat to share with family and friends.
Swirled Cinnamon Sugar: Every bite of this cake is infused with cinnamon-sugar swirls that melt into the cake as it bakes—irresistible!
Warm Glaze: Pouring the glaze over the warm cake makes it soak in, creating a beautiful, slightly crisp, sugary topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

½ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
2 eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it brown beautifully.
3 cups flour: Provides structure and a soft, tender crumb.
2 tsp vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
4 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the cake rise and become light.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1½ cups milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

For the Topping:

1 cup butter, melted: Makes the topping rich and buttery.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and that classic caramel-like flavor.
2 Tbsp flour: Helps thicken the topping slightly as it bakes.
1 Tbsp cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cake its signature cinnamon roll flavor.

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it that perfect smooth texture.
5 Tbsp milk: Thins out the powdered sugar into a pourable glaze consistency.
1 tsp vanilla: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients: ½ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, 2 tsp vanilla, 4 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, and 1½ cups milk. Stir until everything is well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix—you want the batter to stay light and fluffy.

3. Pour the Batter

Once your batter is ready, pour it into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Topping

In a smaller bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: 1 cup melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp flour, and 1 Tbsp cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well combined.

5. Swirl the Topping Into the Cake

Spoon the cinnamon topping over the cake batter. Then, using a knife, swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will ensure that the cinnamon mixture is evenly distributed without mixing into the batter completely.

6. 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 cake should be golden brown on top, and the cinnamon topping should be bubbly and fragrant.

7. Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, mix together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl: 2 cups powdered sugar, 5 Tbsp milk, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir until smooth and slightly thick, resembling the consistency of pancake syrup.

8. Drizzle the Glaze

Once the cake comes out of the oven and is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. The warmth of the cake will help the glaze melt and seep into all those beautiful cinnamon swirls. Let the cake cool for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.

9. Serve

You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature either way, it’s delicious. Cut into squares and enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or as an indulgent dessert after dinner.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

Swirl Gently: When swirling the cinnamon topping into the batter, don’t overdo it! You want those beautiful cinnamon streaks running through the cake, not blended into the batter.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake as it nears the end of the baking time. You want it to be just set in the middle and golden on top. Overbaking can make the cake dry.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: Using full-fat butter and milk will give the cake a richer, more tender texture.
Let the Glaze Soak In: Drizzling the glaze while the cake is warm allows it to seep into every nook and cranny, giving the cake that signature cinnamon roll glaze effect.

Customization Ideas

Add Nuts: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl before baking.
Raisins or Currants: If you love a little extra sweetness, try adding raisins or currants to the cinnamon topping.
Extra Spices: Enhance the cinnamon flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead, and it will still taste amazing. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re making it more than a day ahead, store it in the fridge.

Can I Freeze This Cake?

Absolutely. This cake freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature and enjoy.

How Do I Reheat the Cake?

If you want to serve the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will bring back that fresh-baked, gooey cinnamon roll vibe!