Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe with Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers the same warm, cinnamon-swirled flavor as a classic cinnamon roll but in a quick, easy cake. A buttery brown sugar and cinnamon filling is swirled into a tender vanilla cake and finished with a simple sweet glaze.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake captures the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easier format. Buttery brown sugar and cinnamon are folded through a moist vanilla batter, and a quick glaze on top adds the finishing touch. If you prefer, cream cheese frosting can be used instead of the glaze for an extra-rich finish.

Recipe Testing

This recipe was refined through multiple tests to ensure the cinnamon swirl stays suspended in the cake and the texture remains light and tender. Some widely shared versions call for mixing everything together at once, which can lead to a dense cake and the cinnamon mixture sinking. To avoid that, this recipe uses a butter-based creamed method and a thicker batter so the filling stays evenly distributed.

The Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

To keep the cake light and moist, the butter and sugar are creamed first, then the wet and dry ingredients are added alternately. This prevents overworking the batter and gives a fine crumb. The cinnamon filling is tested to work best when mixed with melted butter and a bit of flour so it stays pourable but doesn’t completely dissolve into the batter.

The result is a fluffy, moist cake with cinnamon-sugar ribbons in every bite — easy to make and reliably delicious.

For the Cake Batter

This recipe has two components that are combined and swirled together: the cake batter and the cinnamon filling.

NOTE: The full recipe and detailed amounts are in the recipe card below.

• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and set aside.

1. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, vanilla, and sour cream and mix until combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
3. With the mixer on low, add half the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Add all of the milk and mix on low until just incorporated.
5. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix on low just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. The batter should be thick but smooth.

For the Cinnamon Filling

Prepare the cinnamon filling while the batter is ready so it remains pourable for easy swirling.

• Melt the butter and combine it with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a tablespoon of flour.
• Stir until smooth. The mixture should be thin and runny so it can be spooned and swirled through the batter.

NOTE: Work quickly — do not let the filling cool and thicken, or it will be harder to swirl.

Assembling the Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Spread the cake batter evenly in a greased 13×9-inch pan.
• Spoon the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, placing some near the edges and leaving small areas of batter visible.
• Use the tip of a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating ribbon-like swirls.
• Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes.
• Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle or pour the glaze over the warm cake and serve.

This cake is best served warm. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 3–4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes. A boxed white, yellow, or vanilla cake mix works well if you prefer a shortcut. Prepare the mix according to package directions, then add the cinnamon filling and swirl before baking.

Give the recipe a try — it’s a simple way to enjoy cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss of rolling dough.

More Cinnamon Desserts

If you enjoyed this cake, consider trying other cinnamon-forward treats such as cinnamon roll sugar cookies, cinnamon loaf cake, cinnamon twists, or cinnamon swirl bread for more cozy flavors.

If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments below. Thanks!