Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe is an indulgent, easy-to-make layered dessert combining canned cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, cake mix and butter. This one-bowl, hands-off bake yields warm pockets of cinnamon, crunchy pecans and a buttery streusel top that browns beautifully. The dish bakes into a pull-apart, saucy cake that serves well for brunch, potlucks and cozy family mornings.
Table of Contents.
Table of Contents
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet, Easy, Cozy Now
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe is sweet, buttery, cozy, and easy. Canned cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, cake mix, pecans, and butter bake into a warm pull-apart dessert with a golden top and gooey cinnamon center.
Ingredients
2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, 17.5 ounces each, icing reserved
1 container cream cheese frosting, 16 ounces
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 package cinnamon swirl or coffee cake mix, 21.5 ounces
3/4 cup butter, sliced thin
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Cut cinnamon rolls into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared pan.
3. Microwave cream cheese frosting for 25 seconds, stir until smooth, then pour it over the cinnamon roll pieces.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the frosting layer.
5. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pecans. Add any cinnamon sugar pouch from the mix on top.
6. Place thin butter slices evenly over the dry cake mix.
7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center sets and the top turns golden brown.
8. Cool for 10 minutes. Microwave reserved cinnamon roll icing for 15 seconds, stir, then drizzle over the warm cake.
9. Serve warm.
Notes
Cut cinnamon rolls evenly so the cake bakes at the same pace.
Toast pecans for extra flavor before adding them.
Check the center at 38 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat single servings for 20 to 40 seconds in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Why You’ll Love This recipe
This recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort and makes mornings feel special without a long bake time. I loved how the ready-made cinnamon rolls melt into soft swirls while the cake mix forms a golden crunchy top, producing a contrast of textures that people keep asking about.
I make this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe when I need a fast dessert that looks homemade and tastes rich. It reheats beautifully, improvises well with mix-ins, and stretches to feed a crowd for casual gatherings and weekend brunches.
Ingredients
All essential ingredients are listed below with quantities and sensible alternatives to keep this recipe flexible.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1x 2x 3x | Adjust quantities to serve more or fewer people |
| Canned cinnamon rolls (17.5-ounce/5 count) | 2 (17.5-ounce/5 count) cans | Use halal-certified or standard brands; reserve the icing |
| Pre-made cream cheese frosting | 1 (16-ounce) container | Vanilla or cream cheese-style frosting works well |
| Pecans, chopped | 3/4 cup | Toast for extra depth; walnuts as substitute |
| Cinnamon swirl or coffee cake mix | 1 (21.5-ounce) package | Spice cake mix adds warmth; keep dry when sprinkling |
| Butter | 3/4 cup, sliced into thin pieces | Unsalted or salted; use stick butter for easy slicing |
Step-by-Step Instructions Include
Follow these steps in order to assemble and bake the Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe for consistent results. The tables below break the process into clear actions and timings so you can follow along easily.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. |
| 2 | Open your cinnamon rolls and reserve the cans of icing in the packages. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut the cinnamon rolls into 1- inch pieces and place in a single layer into the prepared pan. |
| 3 | Remove the foil seal from the frosting and microwave it for 25 seconds to loosen it up. Stir until smooth and pour it all over the cut cinnamon rolls in the pan. |
| 4 | Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the frosting layer. |
| 5 | Sprinkle the dry mix on top of the nut layer evenly. (If your cake mix comes with a separate pouch of cinnamon sugar mix, just sprinkle that on top too. |
| 6 | Place the butter slices evenly on top of the dry cake mix. |
| 7 | Bake for 40 – 45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. |
| 8 | Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes and then microwave the reserved cinnamon roll icing for 15 seconds and stir to make it pourable. Drizzle the icing all over the top of the cake. |
| 9 | Serve warm! |
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 10 minutes for slicing, frosting loosening and layering |
| Bake time | 40-45 minutes at 350°F until center is set and top is golden |
| Rest time | 10 minutes before final icing drizzle and serving |
Lina Tips
These precise tips will improve texture, flavor and ease while making the Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe.
- Cut cinnamon rolls into consistent 1-inch pieces to ensure even baking and uniform pockets of gooey filling.
- Microwave the frosting briefly and stir until glossy, which helps it spread evenly over the raw dough pieces.
- Place butter slices evenly and use thin slices so they melt through the dry cake mix during baking.
- To deepen flavor, toast pecans lightly for three to five minutes at 350°F before chopping and sprinkling.
- Check the center at 38 minutes with a toothpick; remove when it comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are simple swaps that change texture and flavor while keeping the core method intact.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Impact on Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Pecans | Walnuts or sliced almonds | Walnuts add earthy bitterness; almonds add a mild, crunchy bite. |
| Cream cheese frosting | Vanilla glaze or plain buttercream | Vanilla glaze lightens tang; buttercream adds richer sweetness. |
| Cake mix | Spice cake or yellow cake mix | Spice cake boosts warm spices; yellow mix produces a simpler sweet crust. |
| Butter | Margarine or plant-based butter | Plant-based butter yields similar moisture with slightly different flavor. |
| Canned cinnamon rolls | Homemade cinnamon rolls, cut into pieces | Homemade rolls create a fresher, more artisanal texture and flavor. |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe warm and slightly saucy for best results. The following pairings and occasions highlight its strengths.
- Brunch feature with fresh berries, Greek yogurt and coffee for a weekend crowd.
- Holiday morning centerpiece served alongside scrambled eggs and maple sausage alternatives.
- Potluck dessert paired with whipped cream and sliced apples for shareable portions.
- After-school treat warmed and served with milk or a warm chai beverage.
- Try it with one of my savory sides from the site like Creamy Chicken Salad with Herbs for a balanced buffet.
Storage and Reheating
Store and reheat carefully to preserve texture and taste of the Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe.
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 2 hours covered | Cover loosely with foil to retain warmth and prevent drying. |
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days in airtight container | Cool completely, store in airtight container; reheat individual pieces. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month, wrapped | Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating. |
| Reheating | 1-2 minutes per serving | Microwave single slices 20-40 seconds or reheat 10-12 minutes at 325°F covered. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common recipe concerns make the Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe easier to master.
Can I substitute pecans in a cinnamon roll dump cake recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or sliced almonds. Walnuts provide a similar richness while almonds add a cleaner, crisp texture. Choose toasted nuts to preserve crunch when the cake is hot.
How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
Bake until the center is set and the top turns golden brown. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking.
What should I do if my dump cake turns out soggy in the middle?
Remove excess moisture by baking a bit longer at lower heat if the center is underdone. Ensure cinnamon roll pieces are spread evenly and butter slices are thin for even melting. Avoid adding liquid toppings before baking to prevent excess sogginess.
Can I make the cinnamon roll dump cake recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to four hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. Allow the chilled pan to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to promote even heating. Add final icing after reheating for the best presentation.
What is the best way to serve a cinnamon roll dump cake recipe?
Serve warm with a drizzle of the reserved cinnamon roll icing and optional whipped cream. Offer fresh fruit on the side to balance the sweetness. Slice into squares and use a spatula to lift portions for clean servings.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re planning a complete menu to go along with your dessert, these comforting and flavorful chicken recipes from my site will help you create a satisfying and balanced meal. From creamy classics to bold dinner favorites, here are some delicious ideas to explore:
Enjoy a rich and hearty option with this Southern Style Creamy Chicken Salad, perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. For a satisfying texture and classic flavor, try this Thick Chunky Chicken Salad, ideal for sandwiches or meal prep. Keep your meals fresh and balanced with this No-Soggy Creamy Chicken Salad, designed for perfect consistency every time. Add a fresh and flavorful twist with this Creamy Chicken Salad with Herbs, light yet satisfying. Brighten your dinner routine with this Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe, featuring a rich and zesty finish. Turn up the flavor with this bold Creamy Cajun Chicken Recipe, perfect for a comforting and spiced meal. Add a sweet and savory favorite to your table with these Garlic Honey Chicken Breasts, quick and delicious for busy nights. Bring a restaurant-style dish home with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe, known for its creamy sauce and vibrant flavors.For more savory recipes check the site map or try these helpful external resources on baking and food safety: King Arthur Baking and USDA. These authoritative links provide reliable baking techniques and storage guidance.
Final Thoughts
The Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe brings quick comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal hands-on time. Try the recipe as written for a confident first bake, then experiment with nuts or cake mix types to tune sweetness and spice. Subscribe to my social platforms below for more simple, delicious recipes and helpful baking tips that make every meal memorable.
Make this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe for your next brunch and enjoy warm, buttery bites with a signature cinnamon finish. The easy assembly and irresistible topping guarantee repeat requests and satisfied smiles.
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