Save Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze brings all the cozy flavor of classic cinnamon rolls into a simple fussfree cake. This recipe is for anyone craving a buttery cinnamonswirled treat without the wait for dough to rise. It delivers bakerystyle comfort in under an hour and is perfect for breakfast brunch or dessert.
The first time I made this cake was on a chilly weekend when I wanted cinnamon rolls but not the work. My family finished it before it even cooled and now it is our snow day ritual.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: provides the main structure for the cake so use a fresh bag for the lightest crumb
- Granulated sugar: brings just the right sweetness to the batter and helps with browning
- Whole milk: creates a rich tender texture and I recommend using full fat for the best crumb
- Large eggs: help bind everything together and add a bit of lift
- Unsalted butter: in both cake and swirl ensures buttery flavor without being too salty
- Baking powder: makes the cake rise evenly and keeps it fluffy
- Vanilla extract: enhances the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar so choose a good quality pure vanilla
- Salt: balances all the sweet flavors and sharpens the cinnamon
- Brown sugar: in the swirl gives a deep molasses taste essential for cinnamon roll flavor
- Ground cinnamon: infuses every bite with warm spice so grab the freshest you can find
- Powdered sugar: in the glaze melts easily for a silky topping
- Cream cheese: delivers tang to the glaze making it the perfect finishing touch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Greasing thoroughly makes the cake easy to remove.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the flour granulated sugar baking powder and salt. Whisk together until uniform this ensures even lift and sweetness.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs whole milk melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir well so everything is smooth and combined.
- Make Batter:
- Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix together just until there are no visible dry streaks. Do not overmix or the cake can become dense.
- Fill Pan and Smooth:
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. This helps the swirl sit just right.
- Create Cinnamon Swirl:
- For the cinnamon filling in a small bowl mash together the softened butter brown sugar flour and ground cinnamon until completely smooth. Drop small spoonfuls over the batter in random spots for pockets of cinnamon.
- Swirl the Batter:
- Using a knife or skewer gently drag through the batter and swirl the cinnamon mixture for a marbled look. Avoid swirling too much or the layers will blend.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Test with a toothpick in the center it should come out with just a few moist crumbs when done.
- Make Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the cake bakes beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar milk and vanilla then beat again. You want a silky pourable glaze.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the top while the cake is still a little warm to let the glaze melt into the swirls. Slice and serve warm or enjoy at room temperature.
Save My favorite part is the swirl because every time you cut into the cake you get a new ribbon of cinnamon and brown sugar. Once I made this cake for a snow day breakfast and my parents still mention the smell filling the house.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days. If you live somewhere warm refrigerate to keep the glaze fresh. For longer storage freeze slices wrapped tightly and thaw at room temp for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in plantbased butter and dairyfree milk for a dairyfree version. Gluten free flour blends work well though the crumb may be slightly different. If you are out of cream cheese try a simple powdered sugar vanilla glaze instead.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a warm slice with hot coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon treat. Serve at brunch alongside savory dishes to balance out the meal. Top slices with toasted nuts fresh strawberries or an extra dusting of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
Cultural Context
American cinnamon rolls have roots in Swedish kanelbullar but this cake version skips yeast and kneading for a quick weekday treat. Cream cheese glaze is a typical American upgrade and makes every bite extra luxurious.
Seasonal Adaptations
Fold in diced apples or pears in the fall for a fruitfilled twist. Top with candied pecans and dried cranberries for a winter holiday brunch. Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to bring out fall flavors.
Success Stories
A friend once surprised her kids with this on the first day of school and it disappeared before the bus arrived. I have also made it as a potluck dessert and everyone wants the recipe by the end.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze make the cake and cool completely before glazing. Wrap pieces tightly in parchment then foil and store in a zip bag in the freezer. Glaze once thawed for a just baked taste.
Save Savor every bite of this cake warm or at room temperature for maximum comfort. Share it with friends and family and enjoy the nostalgic swirl in every slice.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a proper swirl in the cake?
Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture onto the batter and gently swirl with a knife or skewer for beautiful marbling.
- → Can I prepare this cake in advance?
This dessert tastes best fresh but leftovers store well covered at room temperature for two days.
- → Which nuts work best for added crunch?
Chopped pecans or walnuts blend well with cinnamon flavors and offer a satisfying texture.
- → How do I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to adapt for dietary needs.
- → Should the glaze be poured while the cake is warm?
Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes, then drizzle the glaze for the best texture and flavor.
- → Is the cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dessert contains no meat or gelatin-based ingredients and fits a vegetarian diet.