Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

This Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a sheet cake. With a soft, tender crumb, gooey cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze, this cake is perfect for brunch, dessert, or whenever you need a cozy treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: No yeast or kneading required—just mix, swirl, and bake.
Perfectly Gooey: The cinnamon swirl melts into the cake, creating a delightful gooey texture.
Delicious Cream Cheese Glaze: Adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Great for Sharing: Ideal for holiday breakfasts, gatherings, or as a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl

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

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

1½ cups powdered sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, mixing until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it into the batter. Swirl gently to create a marbled effect, without overmixing.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk in a mixing bowl.
Whisk until smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency for drizzling.

Step 5: Serve

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of the warm cake.
Slice and serve while the cake is still warm and gooey!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking dish
Knife or toothpick for swirling

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: This cake is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve it as a cozy dessert or as part of a holiday brunch. It’s delicious on its own or paired with coffee or tea.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Recipe Variations

Add Pecans: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl before baking.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-cinnamon combination.
Orange Glaze: Swap the cream cheese glaze for an orange-flavored glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest.

Helpful Notes

Swirling Technique: For a beautiful swirl, avoid overmixing the cinnamon layer into the batter. Just a few figure-eight motions with a knife create the perfect marbling.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add milk a teaspoon at a time to the glaze until it’s easy to drizzle but still thick enough to hold its shape on the cake.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the ingredients combine smoothly, resulting in a softer, more tender cake.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Ree Drummond’s Tip for Quick Breads and Cakes: Slightly underbake the cake to keep it gooey and moist. It will continue to set as it cools.
Ina Garten’s Baking Tip: Always use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor, especially in simple desserts where vanilla shines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead. Just wait to add the glaze until serving, and reheat the cake slightly before drizzling the glaze.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the glaze?
The cream cheese adds a tangy richness, but you can make a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla if preferred.

How do I keep the cake from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and store the cake in an airtight container. Warming individual slices can help restore moisture.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze unglazed slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then add the glaze before serving.

How can I make the cake extra gooey?
Underbaking by just a couple of minutes and serving while warm will create a gooier texture.

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a comforting, cozy dessert that captures the flavor of cinnamon rolls in an easy, crowd-pleasing cake. Enjoy every bite of its gooey cinnamon swirls and luscious cream cheese glaze!