Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Cream Glaze

If you are craving the warm, comforting flavors of a fresh bakery treat without the hassle of yeast dough, this Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Cream Glaze is the perfect solution. This delightful dessert combines a tender, buttery cake base with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl and a decadent vanilla glaze that melts into every bite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Cream Glaze is a crowd-pleaser that simplifies the complex process of making traditional cinnamon rolls. You get all the classic spice and sweetness in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal choice for busy weekend mornings or afternoon tea. Because it is baked in a single pan, it is incredibly easy to slice and serve to large groups, ensuring everyone gets a perfect piece of the cinnamon-infused goodness.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (for the filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for the glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the swirl mixture.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it throughout the cake.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
9. Drizzle the vanilla cream glaze over the warm cake before serving.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

For the best texture, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps the batter emulsify properly. When creating the cinnamon swirl, do not over-mix; you want distinct ribbons of cinnamon sugar rather than a fully incorporated batter. To get a professional-looking drizzle, place your glaze in a small plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe it back and forth over the cooled cake.

Variations & Substitutions

If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake before adding the glaze. For those who want a deeper flavor, substitute the vanilla extract with maple extract in the glaze. If you need a dairy-free version, simply swap the butter for a plant-based stick margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served warm, making it the perfect companion for a fresh cup of coffee or hot tea. For a decadent dessert experience, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to balance the sweetness of the cinnamon swirl.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to soften the glaze and warm the cinnamon filling.

Nutrition Information

FAQ

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

If you use self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe to ensure the cake rises correctly.

How do I know when the cake is fully cooked?

The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make this in a round pan?

Yes, you can use a 9-inch round cake pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time by adding 5 to 10 minutes, as the cake will be thicker.

Save

Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Cream Glaze

A moist, buttery cake swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a decadent vanilla cream glaze, capturing all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-slice cake format.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Batter

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 cups milk room temperature
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

Cinnamon Swirl

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the milk, melted butter, vanilla, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a paste forms.
4. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it through the cake.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Whisk the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake before serving.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing the batter to prevent the butter from solidifying.