Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

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Warm, gooey, and bursting with swirls of cinnamon sugar, this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake is everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll—but in effortless cake form. Imagine a soft vanilla cake marbled with ribbons of cinnamon filling, topped with crunchy pecans and finished with a rich, buttery cream cheese glaze that melts right into every bite.

This cake is perfect for brunches, cozy holiday mornings, or simply as a sweet treat to share with family and friends. It captures all the flavors of a bakery-style cinnamon roll, without the need to knead or wait for dough to rise. One bowl, one pan, and one unforgettable dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is a dream for both beginner bakers and experienced dessert lovers. It bakes in under an hour, can be prepped ahead of time, and tastes like it came straight from a Cinnabon bakery. It has that signature swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar, but skips the hassle of rolling out dough. Plus, the cream cheese icing brings that same indulgent finish you’d expect from a mall-style cinnamon roll.

You’ll also love how versatile it is—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve it warm for the ultimate experience.

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What Kind of Cinnamon Should I Use?

While any ground cinnamon works for this recipe, Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon offers a deeper, more aromatic flavor that really elevates the cake. If you’re a fan of that signature Cinnabon taste, Saigon cinnamon gets you closest. It’s rich, bold, and complements the sugary swirls and glaze beautifully.

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Ingredients for the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose to deliver that rich, cinnamon roll flavor and soft, tender crumb:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake batter.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cake.
• Butter: Used in both the batter and cinnamon swirl for richness.
• Brown sugar: Key for the cinnamon filling—adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.
• Cream cheese: Base of the glaze; adds tanginess and creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth texture.
• Heavy cream or milk: Thins the glaze to the right drizzling consistency.

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How To Make the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon into a thick paste. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the batter and swirl it in with a knife or skewer for that signature marbled effect.

Step 3: Add Pecans and Bake

Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Glaze the Cake

While the cake bakes, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of heavy cream or milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake once it’s out of the oven, letting it melt slightly into the surface.

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How to Serve and Store This Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is best served warm when the glaze is still slightly melty, and the cinnamon swirls are soft and aromatic. Slice it directly from the baking dish and serve it as-is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

It feeds about 12 people, making it ideal for potlucks, brunches, or family gatherings.

To store, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for 2 days, or up to 5 days in the fridge. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

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What to Serve With Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of a dark roast balances the cake’s sweetness beautifully.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Adds a refreshing, tart contrast to the richness of the cake.

Whipped Cream

A light dollop adds a creamy finish without overpowering the flavor.

Vanilla Yogurt

Perfect for turning this into a semi-healthy breakfast treat.

Scrambled Eggs or Egg Casserole

Provides a savory protein boost alongside your sweet bite.

Bacon or Sausage Links

Salty, crispy, and savory—they balance out the sugar rush deliciously.

Iced Chai or Spiced Tea

Warm spices in the tea echo the cinnamon notes in the cake.

Maple-Glazed Ham

For a hearty brunch pairing with complementary sweet-savory flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Simply reheat it in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving to revive its soft texture and melty glaze.

Can I freeze Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven before serving.

What if I don’t like pecans?
You can leave them out entirely or substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.

Can I use boxed cake mix?
You can! Use a yellow or vanilla boxed mix as the base and follow the same cinnamon swirl and glaze steps. It’s a great time-saver.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more sweet treats and everyday baking inspiration, follow me on Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake brings all the comfort and flavor of a classic cinnamon roll into a simple, crowd-pleasing cake. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch, a weekend breakfast, or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake will hit the spot every time. With easy ingredients and no yeast required, it’s a no-fuss way to enjoy something that tastes like it took hours.

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