Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a soft sheet cake that layers rich cinnamon-sugar filling into a tender, moist crumb for an easy weekend bake. This version mirrors the warm spices and gooey swirl of a classic cinnamon roll topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze that melts into the top as it cools.
Table of Contents.
Table of Contents
Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Bliss Recipe
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 16 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft sheet cake with cinnamon-sugar swirls and a tangy cream cheese glaze, capturing the essence of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy, sliceable cake. Perfect for weekend baking with bakery-style results.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (batter)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (filling)
1 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
2 Tbsp. flour (filling)
1 cup powdered sugar (glaze)
1/3 cup milk (glaze)
1 tsp. vanilla extract (glaze)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper
In a bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, salt, and 3 tsp. baking powder
Combine milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter; mix into dry ingredients until smooth
Spread half the batter into prepared pan
In a separate bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, remaining 1/2 cup flour, and 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
Spread filling over batter, then top with remaining batter
Sprinkle reserved 1 Tbsp. baking powder mixed with 1 tsp. flour to prevent browning
Bake for 30 minutes
Cool slightly while preparing glaze
Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup milk, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, and remaining 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Drizzle glaze over warm cake
Cool completely before slicing
Notes
For gluten-free option, substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Cake keeps better wrapped in plastic to maintain moisture
Glaze can be omitted from edges to prevent over-sweetness
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze because it delivers the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls in a simple, sliceable cake that requires less hands-on time. The batter is forgiving, the filling creates beautiful swirls, and the glaze brings a tangy, silky finish that contrasts the caramelized brown sugar perfectly.
From my experience, this cake is an ideal weekend project for bakers who want bakery-style results without complicated dough or multiple rises. It reliably produces a tender interior and a sticky, cinnamon-swirled top that keeps well for several days when stored properly.
Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
All ingredients listed below are required to make this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze and its filling and glaze components. Quantities match the tested recipe so the cake bakes evenly and the glaze sets properly.
|
Ingredient |
Quantity |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
All-purpose flour |
3 cups |
Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free; may change crumb slightly |
|
Granulated sugar |
1 cup |
Use caster sugar for finer texture |
|
Salt |
1/4 tsp. |
Balances sweetness; reduce for low-sodium diets |
|
Baking powder |
4 tsp. |
Leavening; ensure freshness for proper rise |
|
Milk |
1 1/2 cups |
Whole milk recommended; use 2% or plant-based milk as alternative |
|
Eggs |
2 |
Large eggs at room temperature blend more evenly |
|
Vanilla extract |
2 tsp. |
Pure vanilla enhances aroma; imitation acceptable |
|
Unsalted butter (batter) |
1/2 cup, melted |
Cool slightly before adding to avoid cooking eggs |
|
Unsalted butter (filling) |
3/4 cup, softened |
Room temperature for easy mixing |
|
Brown sugar |
1 cup |
Light or dark brown for more molasses flavor |
|
Cinnamon |
1 Tbsp. |
Freshly ground cassia or Ceylon for best aroma |
|
Flour (filling) |
2 Tbsp. |
Helps stabilize the filling swirl |
|
Cream cheese |
4 oz., softened |
Use full-fat for best texture in glaze |
|
Powdered sugar |
1 cup |
Sift for lump-free glaze |
|
Milk (glaze) |
3 Tbsp. |
Adjust for glaze consistency |
|
Vanilla (glaze) |
1/2 tsp. |
Complements cream cheese tang |
Step-by-Step Instructions Include
This section provides clear, numbered steps and tables to guide preparation of the Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze from batter to glaze. Follow the directions exactly for consistent texture and swirl definition.
Step | Action | Notes / Timing |
|---|---|---|
1 | Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9×13 inch cake pan. | Use nonstick spray or butter and a light dusting of flour. |
2 | In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, white granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. | Whisk until evenly combined and aerated. |
3 |
Add milk, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture. Using a hand or stand mixer, mix until just combined. |
Mix briefly to avoid overdeveloping gluten. |
4 | Slowly stir in melted butter and mix until just combined. | Be careful not to over mix batter or your cake will become dense. |
5 | Pour batter into prepared baking pan and set aside. | Tap pan gently to level batter. |
6 | In a medium size mixing bowl combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until well combined. | Filling should be spreadable but not runny. |
7 | Drop spoonful’s of filling evenly over cake batter. Using the end of a knife, marble the filling into the batter. | Be sure to keep the filling from getting too close to the edge of the pan, or the brown sugar will crystalize too much. |
8 | Place cake into a preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. | Oven temperatures vary; begin checking at 35 minutes. |
9 | While cake is baking make the glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until it becomes smooth and creamy. | Adjust milk for pourable or spreadable glaze. |
10 | Remove cake from oven and drizzle glaze evenly over warm cake. | Warm cake allows glaze to sink slightly into the swirls. |
11 | Serve cake warm or at room temperature. Enjoy! | Store as instructed below for best freshness. |
Notes: Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.
Lina Tips for Perfect Results
These precise tips help you achieve the best texture and swirl contrast for the Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze every time. Small adjustments deliver cleaner swirls and a soft, tender crumb.
Room-temperature eggs and butter incorporate faster and reduce the risk of overmixing, which keeps the crumb light.
Drop filling spoonfuls in an even grid and marble with a knife tip, using gentle figure-eight motions for balanced swirls.
Keep the filling at least 1/2 inch from the pan edge to prevent brown sugar caramelization and excessive crystallization.
Check doneness with a toothpick in the center; a clean toothpick indicates proper baking without overbaking, keeping the cake moist.
For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a pourable glaze, add milk one teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Variations and Substitutions
This table lists common ingredient swaps and how each change affects the Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze flavor and texture. Use substitutions to accommodate preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredient | Substitution | Impact on Flavor |
|---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 1:1 gluten-free blend | Texture may become slightly crumbly; keep batter slightly wetter for cohesion. |
Milke | Almond milk or oat milk | Mildly changes flavor; oat milk adds a subtle sweetness to the batter. |
Butter | Unsalted dairy-free spread | Flavor is less rich; glaze texture can remain creamy with full-fat alternatives |
Cream cheese (glaze) | Mascarpone or dairy-free cream cheese | Mascarpone is milder and creamier; dairy-free changes tang slightly. |
|
Brown sugar |
Coconut sugar |
Provides deeper caramel notes, slightly less moisture retention. |
Serving Suggestions
This cake serves as a comforting dessert or a special breakfast treat when served warm with complementary flavors. Pairing suggestions and occasions below highlight how to present the cake for different moments.
Sunday brunch centerpiece served with fresh berries and hot coffee for relaxed mornings. Holiday breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and spiced orange cider for festive gatherings. Office potluck contribution cut into squares and plated on parchment for easy serving.
Afternoon tea is accompanied by herbal or black tea to balance the cake’s sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
Store and reheat the Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze properly to preserve the moist crumb, swirl definition, and glaze texture. Use the table below for quick reference.
|
Method |
Duration |
Instructions |
|---|---|---|
Room temperature | Up to 48 hours | Cover loosely with plastic wrap to protect glaze and prevent drying |
Refrigerator | 3–5 days | Store in an airtight container; allow to come to room temperature before serving. |
Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap slices individually and store in a freezer-safe bag; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. |
Reheating (single slice) | 15–20 seconds | Warm in microwave at 50% power to soften glaze and refresh warmth without drying. |
Reheating (whole cake) | 10–15 minutes | Warm in a 300F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are direct, practical answers to common baking questions about this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze. Each answer is concise and focused to help troubleshoot or plan ahead.
Can I substitute oil for butter in cinnamon roll cake with cream cheese glaze?
Yes, you can substitute oil for butter in the cake batter with predictable results. Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola at 80% of the butter weight to maintain moistness while slightly reducing richness. The filling and glaze depend on butter and cream cheese for texture, so keep butter in the filling for the best swirl and flavor.
How do I know when the cinnamon roll cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Visual cues include a light golden top and slightly pulled edges from the pan. Avoid overbaking, which dries the cake and reduces the tender crumb expected in this recipe.
Why did my cake have a gooey center or sink after baking?
Undercooking at the center or overly heavy filling placement can cause a gooey center or sinking. Ensure oven temperature is accurate and place filling spoonfuls slightly away from the pan edge to prevent excess moisture concentration. If the top browns too quickly, tent foil over the pan and finish baking until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I make the cinnamon roll cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead and store it refrigerated for up to three days. For best presentation, apply the cream cheese glaze just before serving if you prefer a glossy finish; otherwise, glaze while warm for a soaked swirl effect. If freezing, wrap slices tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before warming gently.
Should I serve the cinnamon roll cake warm or at room temperature?
Serve this Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze warm or at room temperature, depending on preference; both are excellent. Warm servings highlight gooey swirls and give the glaze a soft, melty finish, while room-temperature slices hold shape better for clean presentation. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat anytime.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for savory recipes to balance out your sweet dessert table, these comforting chicken dishes from my kitchen are perfect additions to your weekly menu. From creamy classics to cozy baked favorites, here are some delicious recipes worth trying:
Enjoy a rich and satisfying lunch with this Southern Style Creamy Chicken Salad, packed with bold flavor and hearty texture. Add extra texture and bite to your meal prep with this Thick Chunky Chicken Salad, perfect for sandwiches and wraps. Keep your chicken salad fresh and balanced with this No-Soggy Creamy Chicken Salad, designed for ideal consistency every time. Brighten your plate with this flavorful Creamy Chicken Salad with Herbs, filled with fresh herb flavor and creamy texture. Warm up dinner time with this comforting Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe, featuring a smooth and zesty sauce. Spice up your weeknight meals using this bold Creamy Cajun Chicken Recipe, loaded with rich Southern-inspired flavor. Add sweet and savory flavor to your dinner rotation with these Garlic Honey Chicken Breasts, quick enough for busy evenings. Bring restaurant-style comfort food to your table with this creamy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe, packed with rich sauce and vibrant flavor.For technique references and ingredient science related to baking, consult the authoritative sources listed below for additional guidance and tips. The following external links provide reliable information about baking chemistry and flour behavior.
Internal links to complementary recipes are included above to encourage exploration of the site’s savory and salad sections. Use these links to cross-promote brunch and dessert content when building menus or planning meal prep.
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The warmth of cinnamon and the silky tang of cream cheese define the signature flavor of this bake and make it a reliable favorite for family breakfasts and festive gatherings.