Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, butter, and sugar all rolled into one delightful cake with this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cake combines the best of both worlds—the rich, sweet layers of cinnamon rolls with the ease and fluffiness of a cake. Topped with a drizzle of creamy icing, it’s a decadent treat that will make any morning (or evening) extra special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, then this cake is your new best friend. The cinnamon swirl running through the cake makes every bite feel like you’re enjoying a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon roll—without the fuss of rolling dough. The buttery cinnamon flavor, combined with a smooth icing drizzle, creates the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort. This cake is quick to prepare, bakes beautifully, and is ideal for sharing with family and friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, this cake will be sure to impress!
Ingredients
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For the cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup melted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the cinnamon swirl:
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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1/4 cup melted butter
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For the icing:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 baking pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
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Pour half of the batter into the greased pan. Drizzle with half of the melted butter and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Add the remaining batter over the swirl and use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and set.
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Let the cake cool slightly before preparing the icing.
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For the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Drizzle the icing over the warm cake before serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 8 servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for added crunch and flavor.
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Fruit addition: For a fruity variation, mix in some diced apples or berries into the batter for a sweet, juicy surprise with every bite.
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Vegan version: To make this cake vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
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Cream cheese icing: For a tangier, richer topping, make a simple cream cheese icing by blending together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla extract.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
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Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but the cake might turn out denser. You can also experiment with gluten-free flour if needed.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I add extra cinnamon to the swirl?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the swirl to suit your taste.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also prepare it a day before and refrigerate it, then drizzle the icing right before serving.
How can I make this cake richer?
For a more decadent cake, you can add more butter to the batter or top it with a layer of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.
Can I make a larger cake?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes.
How do I make sure the icing is smooth?
To avoid lumps in the icing, sift the powdered sugar before mixing, and gradually add the milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I substitute the brown sugar for white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute white sugar for brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl, but it will slightly change the flavor, giving it less of that deep, molasses-like sweetness.
Can I skip the icing?
Absolutely! The cake is sweet and flavorful on its own, but the icing adds an extra layer of decadence if you’re craving something extra indulgent.
Can I make this cake without the swirl?
Yes, you can skip the cinnamon swirl if you prefer a simpler cake. Just pour the batter into the pan and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate sweet treat, combining the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease and fluffiness of a cake. With its gooey cinnamon swirl and indulgent icing, it’s the perfect breakfast, dessert, or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or baking for a crowd, this cake is sure to impress with every soft, cinnamon-filled bite. Enjoy!
Print
Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake
This Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make, soft, and fluffy cake. Swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon and topped with a sweet vanilla icing, this irresistible dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy evening treat. Quick to prepare and totally indulgent!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter
For the Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
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Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined.
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In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Pour half the batter into the pan. Drizzle with half the melted butter and sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar.
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Pour remaining batter on top, then swirl in the rest of the cinnamon mixture with a knife.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
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Cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the icing.
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Drizzle over warm cake before serving.
Notes
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl for crunch.
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Fruit Addition: Stir in diced apples or berries for a fruity version.
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Vegan Option: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
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Cream Cheese Icing: Substitute vanilla icing with cream cheese for a tangy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
