Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat, cherished for their warm, gooey sweetness and comforting spiciness. Now imagine all the flavors of those iconic cinnamon rolls wrapped up in an easy-to-make cake that requires less time and effort but delivers the same indulgent experience. Enter the Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing – a dessert that’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up.

This cake is a delightful fusion of cinnamon sugar and creamy sweetness, with the soft, fluffy texture of cake and the indulgent glaze that cinnamon rolls are known for. Whether you’re treating yourself, hosting a brunch gathering, or looking for an easy dessert, this cake will steal the show. It combines all the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a cake, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing 🍰✨

What makes this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. You get the signature cinnamon-sugar filling that we all love, but in a fluffy cake form. The cake is rich, soft, and slightly sweet, and the cream cheese glaze takes it over the top. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which require kneading and rising time, this cake is quick and easy to put together. It’s a fuss-free dessert that tastes like a cinnamon roll, minus the work.
• Marbled Cinnamon Swirl: The cinnamon swirl in the middle of the cake gives each slice a beautiful and delicious marble effect, creating a flavor-packed bite every time.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Topping this cake with a sweet and tangy cream cheese glaze is the finishing touch that takes the cake from delicious to extraordinary.
• Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having a casual get-together, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this cake fits any occasion.

It’s the best of both worlds: warm, comforting cinnamon flavor, paired with a creamy glaze. Perfectly suited for any time of the day, this cake is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

What You’ll Need 🛒

To make this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour gives the cake structure and fluffiness.
• 1 cup sugar – For sweetness in the batter.
• 4 teaspoons baking powder – This gives the cake its rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – To balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup milk – To keep the cake moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs – For binding the ingredients together and giving structure.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – To add a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Provides the rich, caramel-like sweetness in the cinnamon swirl.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – The star ingredient that gives the cake that delicious cinnamon roll flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This gives the glaze its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – To sweeten the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions 🍰

Making this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is simple, and the results are absolutely divine. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a dessert that’s ready to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This cake needs a hot oven to bake evenly and get that golden top!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. This is your dry mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This will give your cake a light and fluffy texture.

Step 5: Layer the Batter

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This forms the first layer of the cake.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the first layer of batter. The cinnamon will create that signature swirl inside the cake.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Batter

Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Spread it evenly to cover the cinnamon layer completely.

Step 8: Swirl the Cinnamon

Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect. Don’t overdo it; just a few swirls will give you that beautiful cinnamon roll-like texture.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have risen and formed a soft, fluffy texture.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cake is baking, it’s time to make the cream cheese glaze. In a small mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 11: Drizzle the Icing

Once the cake has finished baking, allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm cake. The icing will melt slightly into the cake, creating a sweet, creamy topping.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!

Cut the cake into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the sweet, cinnamon goodness with the creamy glaze that brings everything together.

Tips for Success 🍰

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the cake light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth batter and glaze, make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
3. Check for Doneness: Oven times can vary, so make sure to check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when the cake is done.
4. Swirl Gently: When creating the cinnamon swirl, be gentle. A few swirls are all you need to get that marbled effect.
5. Serve Warm: This cake is best served warm, allowing the glaze to melt into the cake. It’s the perfect cozy dessert for any occasion.

Variations to Try ✨

While the Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is already irresistible on its own, here are some variations you can try to make it even more exciting:

• Add Nuts: For some extra crunch and flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Fruit Filling: Incorporate a bit of fruit, such as fresh apples or raisins, into the batter or cinnamon swirl for a fruity twist.
• Add Spices: If you love spices, consider adding nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a deeper flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating 🍰

If you have leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store and reheat your Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing:

• Storing: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm again, simply microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or heat the entire cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

Can I make this cake in advance? Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container and drizzle the cream cheese icing on top before serving.

Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake. Once it’s cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Can I use a different glaze? If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute the glaze with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

The Final Word ✨

The Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a truly irresistible treat that combines the best aspects of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion. The cinnamon swirl, fluffy cake texture, and creamy icing create a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on a cozy day at home, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and prepare to indulge in cinnamon roll heaven!

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