If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that tastes like your favorite bakery cinnamon roll but is much easier to make, this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, buttery cake pockets swirled with rich brown sugar and fragrant cinnamon, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. It’s the perfect dessert or breakfast indulgence that brings all the cozy, nostalgic flavors in one simple, delightful dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but absolutely essential to achieve that perfect moist texture, rich flavor, and beautiful cinnamon swirl that defines this cake. From the soft butter to the warm cinnamon spice, each component plays a special role in making this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe shine.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender, fluffy cake base.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light texture.
- Baking soda: Adds extra lift and balances acidity.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, key for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a light crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Buttermilk (or whole milk): Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tang.
- Melted butter (for filling): Provides a rich base for the cinnamon swirl.
- Brown sugar (packed): Gives that deep molasses flavor essential for cinnamon rolls.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that creates the signature flavor twist.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth.
- Powdered sugar: Used to make the smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze with a sweet scent.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a welcoming 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so your cake will come out cleanly and keep its beautiful shape. Setting this foundation ensures even baking and easy release.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Meanwhile, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes—this step is crucial for that perfect texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then add vanilla extract for warmth. Finally, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined to keep the batter tender.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, luscious mixture. If you’re feeling nutty, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to add a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake and Fillings
Pour your cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then, using a spoon or offset spatula, dollop and swirl the cinnamon sugar filling over the surface of the batter. Don’t worry if it sinks a little—that beautiful swirl effect is what gives this cake its distinct, cinnamon roll character.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. During baking, the cake will puff up and the cinnamon swirl will become visible on top, tempting your senses with its cozy aroma.
Step 6: Whisk Together the Glaze
While the cake is in the oven, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or extra milk if you prefer a thinner drizzle that seeps into every nook and cranny of the cake.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Let your cake cool for 10-15 minutes once it’s out of the oven, then generously drizzle the vanilla glaze on top. The glaze adds a perfect sweet finish that ties the whole Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe together in a deliciously satisfying way. Cut into squares and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance each slice with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few whole pecans for texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty touch that makes the cake feel even more special and irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, both complementing the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors perfectly. For a more indulgent brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering pieces of the cake on a pretty serving tray alongside whipped cream for dipping or warming single slices and serving them topped with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat. You can even crumble some cake over bowls of fruit or pudding for a delicious textural twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, the refrigerator is a good option, but bring the cake to room temperature or warm gently before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm lightly before glazing, if you prefer the glaze fresh.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm larger portions in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes to recapture the freshly baked warmth. Adding glaze after reheating keeps the topping nice and glossy.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! Buttermilk adds a tangy richness that enhances texture, but whole milk or even milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works perfectly fine in this recipe.
What nuts work best in the cinnamon filling?
Pecans and walnuts are classic choices because of their buttery flavor and texture, but toasted almonds or hazelnuts can be delicious alternatives if you want to mix things up.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans, but keep the baking time similar and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.
How thick should the glaze be?
That depends on your preference! For a more pronounced drizzle that sets quickly, keep it thick. If you like it to soak into the cake, thin it with a bit more milk until it pours easily.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a little slice of heaven that effortlessly brings the joy of cinnamon rolls to your table without the fuss. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a quiet moment at home, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead—bake it, savor it, and spread that sweet cinnamon love!
Print
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake captures the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make cake form. Featuring a tender, moist vanilla cake base swirled with a rich and buttery brown sugar cinnamon filling, and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The addition of pecans or walnuts adds a pleasant crunch, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Using a spoon or offset spatula, swirl the cinnamon sugar filling over the top—it will sink slightly creating the signature cinnamon roll swirl effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake will puff up and the cinnamon swirl will be visible on top.
- Make the glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before drizzling with glaze. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk for buttermilk if needed.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts are optional but add extra texture and flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter for a tender crumb.
- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add more milk.
- Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
