Are you ready to indulge in a warm, sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds? Meet the Cinnamon Roll Cake, a delightful fusion of cake and cinnamon rolls. This easy recipe brings together soft, fluffy layers with a gooey cinnamon swirl, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to wow your family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get baking!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 3 tablespoons melted butter
Glaze Ingredients
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh ingredients give the best flavor. For the dry mix, all-purpose flour is key. It helps create the right texture. Next, granulated sugar adds sweetness. Then, baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. Salt brings out all the flavors.
For the wet ingredients, buttermilk makes the cake tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with lemon juice. The melted butter adds moisture and richness. Eggs help bind everything together, and vanilla gives a warm flavor.
Now, for the cinnamon swirl, brown sugar adds a deep sweetness. Ground cinnamon is the star here. It gives that classic cinnamon roll taste. The melted butter helps the swirl mix easily through the batter.
Finally, the glaze ingredients are simple. Powdered sugar will make it sweet and smooth. Milk thins it out just right, and vanilla adds the perfect touch.
This is your foundation for a delicious cinnamon roll cake. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through each step.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine:
– 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembling the Cake
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon swirl ingredients. Mix:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 3 tablespoons melted butter
7. Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Smooth it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
9. Carefully spoon the remaining batter on top. Smooth it out.
10. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top layer.
11. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the mixture through the batter.
Baking Process
12. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
13. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. Whisk together:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
14. Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
15. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
16. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake just before serving.
Using these step-by-step instructions, you can create a delicious cinnamon roll cake. For the full recipe, check the above sections.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Ensuring even baking: Place the cake in the center of the oven. This helps the heat reach all sides. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even results.
– Testing for doneness: Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there are crumbs, bake a bit longer.
– Avoiding overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing makes the cake tough.
Serving Suggestions
– Presentation ideas: Cut the cake into squares. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for a nice touch.
– Pairing options: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These add a creamy contrast to the sweet, warm cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Stir gently and stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears.
– Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). An oven that is too hot can burn the cake’s edges while leaving the center raw.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your cinnamon roll cake easily. Here are some ideas:
– Adding nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
– Using different extracts: Try almond or maple extract for a twist.
– Incorporating fruits: Apples or raisins can bring a sweet burst of flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
You can make this cake fit different diets. Here are some tips:
– Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free flour to make it safe for all.
– Dairy-free alternatives: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk.
Toppings
Toppings can take your cake to a new level:
– Additional glazes: A cream cheese or caramel glaze can add richness.
– Sprinkles or flavored crumbs: They can add color and fun texture.
Feel free to explore these variations to make your cinnamon roll cake unique and delicious! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your cinnamon roll cake fresh, store it at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container for the best results. This way, the cake stays moist and tasty. If you plan to keep it longer, it’s a good idea to refrigerate it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the fridge. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can enjoy it cold or let it warm up to room temperature before serving.
Long-term Storage
If you want to save your cake for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the cake into slices for easy serving later. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices into a freezer bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date.
When you’re ready to enjoy your cake again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you want to warm it up, you can use the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will make it soft and delicious again. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Enjoy your sweet treat!
FAQs
How to make cinnamon roll cake from scratch?
To make cinnamon roll cake from scratch, gather your ingredients first. You need flour, sugar, buttermilk, butter, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. For the swirl, use brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Layer half the batter in a greased pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, add the rest of the batter, and swirl. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. You can find the full recipe above for detailed steps.
Can I make cinnamon roll cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cinnamon roll cake ahead of time. Bake it, let it cool, and wrap it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw and reheat before serving for the best taste.
What should I serve with cinnamon roll cake?
Cinnamon roll cake pairs well with many treats. You can serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit, like berries, adds a nice touch too. A drizzle of extra glaze makes it even better.
Why is my cinnamon roll cake dense?
A dense cake can be due to a few reasons. Overmixing the batter can cause it to lose air. Using too much flour is another common mistake. Make sure to measure flour correctly. Also, check that your baking powder and soda are fresh. They help the cake rise and stay light.
Can I substitute buttermilk in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk easily. Use regular milk and add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes to sour. This creates a similar effect to buttermilk in your recipe, keeping your cake moist and tasty.
In this post, you’ve learned how to make a delicious cinnamon roll cake. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your cake turns out perfect. Remember to mix ingredients carefully and avoid common mistakes. You can even try different flavors or toppings to make it your own. This cake is great for sharing or enjoying solo. Happy baking! Enjoy your cinnamon roll cake and all the warmth it brings.
