Moist & Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Cake

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 11, 2025

If you love the warm, buttery, and spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend hours rolling and proofing dough, this Cinnamon Swirl Delight Cake is the perfect solution. This cake captures everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls—the sweet cinnamon filling, soft texture, and luscious glaze—but in an easy-to-make cake format.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or a showstopping dessert for a brunch or holiday gathering, this cake delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Why This Cinnamon Swirl Cake Stands Out

1. All the Flavors of a Cinnamon Roll, Without the Work

Making traditional cinnamon rolls involves kneading, proofing, rolling, and cutting, but this cake skips all the hassle while still delivering the same sweet, spiced flavor.

2. A Perfect Balance of Soft, Moist, and Gooey

The cake itself is light and fluffy, the cinnamon swirl adds a warm spice and a buttery richness, and the glaze creates a sweet finishing touch that soaks into every bite.

3. Great for Any Occasion

✔ A cozy breakfast for chilly mornings
✔ A brunch centerpiece that pairs perfectly with coffee
✔ A quick dessert that satisfies a cinnamon craving
✔ A holiday favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter

4. No Special Equipment Needed

This cake requires no yeast, no stand mixer, and no fancy tools—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and an oven.

5. Stays Moist and Delicious for Days

Unlike some cakes that dry out quickly, this one stays soft and tender for several days, making it a great make-ahead option.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Milk
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
All-purpose flour

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract

Directions:

Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, large eggs, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour into Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and pour the batter into it, spreading it evenly.
Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour until well combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
Add the Swirl to the Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: Approximately 350
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 220mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g

Secrets to Making the Best Cinnamon Swirl Cake

1. Use Quality Cinnamon for Maximum Flavor

The cinnamon is the star ingredient, so using high-quality ground cinnamon makes a big difference. Ceylon cinnamon is milder and more aromatic, while cassia cinnamon is bolder and spicier.

2. Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture Gently

When adding the cinnamon layer, use a knife or skewer to create soft, swirling patterns. Avoid overmixing so that the cake still has distinct ribbons of cinnamon filling.

3. Don’t Overbake

To keep the cake moist and soft, remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

4. Pour the Glaze While the Cake is Warm

Drizzling the glaze over the cake right after baking allows it to seep into the cake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

5. Serve It Warm for the Best Texture

While this cake is delicious at room temperature, warming it up for a few seconds in the microwave makes it taste just like a fresh cinnamon roll.

Fun Variations to Try

1. Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake

Add chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a nutty crunch that complements the sweet and spiced flavors.

2. Apple Cinnamon Cake

Fold diced apples into the batter to add a fresh, fruity twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

3. Cream Cheese Glazed Cinnamon Cake

Replace the regular glaze with a cream cheese frosting for a richer, tangier finish.

4. Maple Cinnamon Cake

Swap vanilla extract for maple extract and use a maple glaze instead of the traditional one.

5. Chocolate Cinnamon Cake

Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a cinnamon roll meets chocolate chip cookie experience.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Cake

1. With a Hot Beverage

This cake pairs perfectly with:
✔ Freshly brewed coffee
✔ A chai latte for extra warmth
✔ A glass of cold milk
✔ A hot chocolate for a dessert-like experience

2. With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Turn it into a decadent dessert by serving a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.

3. As a Holiday Brunch Centerpiece

This cake makes a great alternative to traditional coffee cake for a Thanksgiving or Christmas brunch.

4. Drizzled with Extra Glaze or Caramel

For an extra indulgent touch, add an extra drizzle of glaze or warm caramel sauce before serving.

How to Store & Keep Fresh

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If storing longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, and warm slices before serving.

Freezing:

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Reheating:

Microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back the fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?

Yes! You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, or use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser but heartier texture.

2. What’s the Best Way to Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?

Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Avoid overmixing to keep distinct layers of cinnamon goodness.

3. Can I Make This Cake in Advance?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge and warm it up before serving.

4. Can I Use a Different Glaze?

Yes! Instead of a vanilla glaze, try a:

Maple glaze for a fall-inspired touch
Cream cheese glaze for a tangy contrast
Caramel drizzle for extra richness

5. Can I Make This Cake in Muffin Form?

Yes! Pour the batter into muffin tins and adjust the baking time to 18–22 minutes for individual cinnamon roll muffins.

6. Why Did My Cake Turn Out Dry?

Overbaking is the most common reason for a dry cake. Check for doneness at the minimum baking time, and remove the cake when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Cake for Any Occasion

Cinnamon Swirl Delight Cake is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and texture, giving you the indulgence of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a coffee cake, or as an after-dinner dessert, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

With its warm cinnamon aroma, soft and fluffy texture, and sweet glaze, this cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure cinnamon-spiced bliss!