Cinnabon-Style Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ingredients

• 3 cup all-purpose flour (For the cake)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (For the cake)
• 4 tsp baking powder (For the cake)
• 0.25 tsp salt (For the cake)
• 1.5 cup milk (For the cake)
• 2 large eggs (For the cake)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (For the cake)
• 0.5 cup butter (Melted; for the cake)
• 1 cup butter (Softened; for the cinnamon filling)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (For the cinnamon filling)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (For the cinnamon filling)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (For the cinnamon filling)
• 2 cup powdered sugar (For the glaze)
• 5 tbsp milk (For the glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (For the glaze)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the cake releases easily after baking.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

3. 3

   Add the milk, eggs, and cake vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix just until the batter is smooth; avoid overmixing once no dry streaks remain.

4. 4

   Add the melted butter to the batter and fold until evenly incorporated. Spread the batter in the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, mix the softened filling butter, brown sugar, filling flour, and cinnamon until they form a soft, spreadable paste.

6. 6

   Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling evenly over the cake batter.

7. 7

   Drag a knife through the batter in a few wide, deep swirls. Do not fully mix the filling into the batter; leave distinct ribbons of cinnamon filling throughout the cake.

8. 8

   Bake for 28–32 minutes, until the center is set. A toothpick inserted into a cake-only section should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

9. 9

   While the cake bakes or near the end of baking, whisk the powdered sugar, glaze milk, and glaze vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.

10. 10

    Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake so it melts into the surface.

11. 11

    Let the cake rest for 15 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

Create only a few deep swirls so distinct ribbons of cinnamon filling remain throughout the cake. Yield: one 9×13-inch cake.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• cake
• baked
• American
• cinnamon
• vegetarian
• sweet
• make-ahead-friendly