CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH

Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, the kind of scent that makes you feel cozy and at home. Now, picture a cake that captures all the delightful flavors of classic cinnamon rolls but in a simpler, easier-to-make form. This CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH is just that! With a fluffy cake base swirled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this cake is perfect for brunch, dessert, or whenever you want a little sweet treat.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it combines the best elements of cinnamon rolls and cake into one moist, flavorful dessert. The cake is fluffy and tender, while the cinnamon filling creates that signature gooeyness we all love about cinnamon rolls. Plus, the cream cheese glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spices.

This recipe also offers the convenience of being made from scratch with pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes. It’s a showstopper that can impress guests but is simple enough for a weekday treat.

The Essentials

To create this wonderful CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon real almond extract
• 1 teaspoon orange flavoring (or use zest of an orange if flavoring unavailable)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons whole milk
• 8 oz block cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon real almond extract
• ½ teaspoon orange flavoring

Tools of the Trade

Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes will help you combine the ingredients easily.
• Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer will save you time and effort when creaming the butter and sugar.
• Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for this cake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
• Spatula: A rubber spatula will help you scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix in the ingredients thoroughly.

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH, Made Easy

Let’s dive into the steps to create this scrumptious CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange flavoring.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk and vegetable oil. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter, then dollop the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the batter gently, creating a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange flavoring. Mix until the glaze is creamy and pourable.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy your homemade CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH!

Smart Substitutions

If you find yourself short on some ingredients, here are some smart substitutions:

• Unsalted Butter: You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Whole Milk: Substitute with almond milk or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative.
• Cream Cheese: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a non-dairy glaze.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Baking can be tricky, and even seasoned bakers can fall into common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when making your CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so precision is key.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool properly before glazing helps the glaze set better.
• Not swirling enough: Make sure to create a good swirl of cinnamon filling for that classic cinnamon roll look and flavor.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH is great for meal prep and can be stored easily. Here are some tips:

• Store in the Fridge: Keep the cooled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before glazing.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a freshly-baked taste.

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking for the best results.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If almond extract is unavailable, you can simply omit it or use an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.

Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely! A simple vanilla glaze or a chocolate ganache would also be delicious on this cake.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

You Might Also Like

If you enjoyed this CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH, you might also love:

• Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• Vanilla Bean Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
• Classic Banana Bread

Serve & Enjoy

Now that your delicious CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to please. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk for the perfect indulgence. Happy baking!