If you adore the warm, swirling flavors of cinnamon rolls but want to enjoy them in a new, shareable way, the Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe is your dream come true. This cake takes everything wonderful about cinnamon rolls—the buttery dough, the cinnamon-sugar filling, and the luscious cream cheese icing—and transforms it into a moist, tender, and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Rich, flavorful, and downright addictive, this recipe hits all the right notes from the first bite to the last crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe plays a pivotal role, combining simplicity with just the right touch to create a deeply flavorful and beautifully textured dessert. From the tangy buttermilk to the aromatic cinnamon filling, these components bring the cake to life.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overwhelming the cinnamon’s warmth.
- 2 large eggs: Add structure and richness to the batter for that delightful cake crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, essential for the soft yet sturdy texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the other flavors.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a fluffy finish.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk: Gives the cake a subtle tang and moist crumb that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling): Creates the luscious cinnamon filling that swirls inside the cake.
- 1 cup brown sugar (for filling): Adds deep molasses sweetness to the cinnamon layer.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the cinnamon mixture for gooey swirls.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling): The star spice that delivers that classic cinnamon roll taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing): Makes the cream cheese icing rich and spreadable.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for icing): Sweetens the frosting to perfect decadence.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for icing): Adds tang and creaminess to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing): Enhances the frosting’s flavor and rounds out the icing’s richness.
- Pinch of salt (for icing): Keeps the icing flavors balanced and vibrant.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a tender crumb and ensure the cake feels indulgent with every bite. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract for that perfect aromatic undertone.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution and gives your cake the structure it needs to bake evenly.
Step 3: Alternately Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Begin by adding a third of the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, then follow with half of the buttermilk. Continue alternating, gently folding as you go along to maintain the batter’s lightness. The buttermilk adds moistness and a subtle tang that enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. This filling will swirl through the cake and give it that unmistakable cinnamon roll character that makes this cake truly decadent.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into a greased baking pan, then spoon half of the cinnamon filling on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the filling into the batter, creating beautiful streaks of cinnamon goodness. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling for layers of flavor in every slice.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden on top, with those swirls of cinnamon bubbling with sweetness beneath the surface.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the cake cools, beat softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This luscious icing is the finishing touch that makes the Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top. This sweet and tangy frosting melts slightly into the warm cake for a dreamy finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on the frosting. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add delightful contrasts that make each serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making it the perfect centerpiece for leisurely breakfasts or cozy afternoon treats. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a beautiful dessert buffet or layering slices between spread layers of cream cheese frosting for an elegant cinnamon roll cake trifle. Wrapping slices individually in parchment paper makes for charming gifts or grab-and-go snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon roll cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and the cream cheese icing soft without losing that fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices gently in the microwave or oven to revive that fresh-baked feel. Whether you prefer it just slightly heated or warm and gooey, reheating brings those cinnamon swirls back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Regular milk can be used but to mimic the tangy richness of buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This adjustment helps preserve the cake’s tender crumb and flavor balance.
Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
This specific Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a high-quality gluten-free flour blend made for baking, but the texture and rise might differ slightly.
Can I make the cinnamon filling spicier?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or even ginger to the cinnamon filling to give it a warm, spiced kick. Just be careful not to overpower the classic cinnamon flavor that makes this recipe so loved.
How thick should I spread the cream cheese icing?
Spreading a generous but even layer is ideal. About 1/4 inch thick allows the frosting to complement every bite without overwhelming the cake’s texture or making it too sweet.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, doubling the ingredients and baking in a larger pan or multiple pans works well. Just monitor the baking time closely, as larger or deeper cakes may require more time to cook through evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe balances familiar comfort with a fresh twist, making it a must-try for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls or cake. Yes, it’s indulgent, but it’s also joyous, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So go ahead, bake this beautiful cake and let every slice fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a decadent take on the classic cinnamon roll, combining a moist, tender cake with a rich cinnamon sugar filling and topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cake brings all the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make layered cake that serves 12.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 1/2 cups buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter with 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and sticky.
- Assemble the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan. Spoon half the cake batter into the pan, smoothing the top gently. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter layer, then spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, spreading it to cover. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Ice the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top and sides of the cake. Slice and serve to enjoy the rich, cinnamon-filled decadence.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
- For best texture, do not overmix the batter once the flour is added.
- The cinnamon filling swirl can be adjusted for more or less cinnamon flavor depending on preference.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best taste.
- The cream cheese icing pairs well with a dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
