Name: Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake with Icing for Simple Desserts at Home
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup white granulated sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups milk; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled; ¾ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature (1 ½ sticks); 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups powdered sugar; 5 Tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is a soft, tender cake with rich cinnamon swirls and a smooth vanilla glaze. It delivers the classic flavor of cinnamon rolls in an easy, no-yeast dessert that comes together in one pan. Perfect for simple desserts at home, gatherings, or make-ahead baking.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled

For the cinnamon filling:

¾ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature (1 ½ sticks)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
5 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until just combined.
Slowly pour in the melted butter while mixing on low speed. Mix only until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until fully combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling evenly over the cake batter.
Use a butter knife to gently swirl the filling through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness if needed.

Pour the glaze over the warm cake. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense or tough cake.
Swirl the cinnamon filling gently to keep visible layers instead of blending it completely.
The cake slices more cleanly once it has cooled for about 20 minutes.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for best texture.