Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake – Gooey, Sweet & Comforting

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who loves discovering the comfort foods that connect us across cultures. If there’s one recipe that brings pure joy to both mornings and special gatherings, it’s the Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake. Imagine the irresistible swirl of a cinnamon roll, transformed into a soft, moist cake topped with sweet icing that melts into every bite. It’s indulgent yet approachable, perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee. This cake captures the nostalgic warmth of homemade cinnamon rolls without the fuss of yeast dough, making it a favorite in any kitchen.

Overview of Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake

The Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake is a hybrid dessert that combines the gooey filling and icing of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of baking a sheet cake. Layers of buttery batter are swirled with cinnamon-sugar paste, then baked until golden and finished with a luscious glaze. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require rolling and proofing, this cake streamlines the process, giving you all the flavor with far less effort. The result is a crowd-pleasing treat with ribbons of cinnamon goodness running through every slice. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent, rustic, and celebratory all at once.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simplified Method: No yeast or rolling dough—just a quick batter.
• Authentic Flavor: Gooey cinnamon swirl replicates the taste of homemade rolls.
• Perfect Texture: Moist cake base with a soft, tender crumb.
• Icing Magic: Sweet glaze seeps into the cake, creating gooey pockets.
• Versatility: Works for breakfast, dessert, or coffee breaks.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake

Start by preparing the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

For the cinnamon swirl, cream together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the batter and swirl through with a knife to create ribbons.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While warm, drizzle with icing and allow to set before slicing.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring the sides and corners are coated.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.
3. Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Stir until it forms a paste-like consistency. Drop spoonful’s of this mixture evenly across the cake batter.
5. Swirl It In: Using a butter knife, gently drag through the cinnamon mixture in a swirling motion to create ribbons throughout the cake. Don’t overmix—distinct swirls will give you that cinnamon-roll effect.
6. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Make the Icing: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency—it should be pourable but not too thin.
8. Glaze the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. While still warm, drizzle the icing evenly across the surface. The warmth will allow it to seep into the cake, adding extra gooeyness.
9. Cool Slightly & Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm for maximum flavor.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information (per slice, 12 servings)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fiber: 1g

Serving with Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake is best served warm, allowing the icing to melt slightly into the cinnamon swirls. Perfect as a breakfast treat, holiday brunch centerpiece, or sweet afternoon indulgence, it pairs beautifully with hot coffee or chai tea. For gatherings, cut into squares and arrange on a platter dusted with powdered sugar. For a dessert twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Every slice delivers the nostalgic joy of cinnamon rolls in a cake form.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a crunchy layer.
• Extra Gooey: Double the cinnamon swirl for richer ribbons.
• Spiced Twist: Add cardamom or nutmeg for warmth.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap standard icing with a tangy cream cheese version.
• Mini Portions: Bake in muffin tins for grab-and-go cinnamon roll bites.
• Make-Ahead: Stays moist for up to 3 days at room temperature.

The Bottom Line

The Iced Cinnamon Roll Cake takes everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—the gooey filling, warm spices, and sweet icing—and makes it easier to enjoy in cake form. With no yeast or rolling required, it’s beginner-friendly yet bakery-worthy. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a cozy coffee break, this cake guarantees smiles and second helpings. For me, it embodies what food blogging is all about—transforming timeless flavors into approachable, shareable recipes that anyone can make at home. Bake it once, and this will become your go-to comfort bake year after year.