Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake

Warm, buttery, and packed with swirls of cinnamon sugar, this Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake brings all the comforting, gooey flavors of a classic cinnamon roll—without all the rolling and waiting. Every bite is soft, fluffy, and drizzled with sweet glaze, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert (or breakfast!) for family gatherings, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Flavor – All the goodness of a cinnamon roll in easy cake form.
No Yeast, No Rising – Quicker and easier than traditional rolls.
Soft and Tender – Moist cake base with rich cinnamon-sugar swirls.
Perfect for Any Time – Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Family Favorite – A true comfort food classic everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Batter:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4-5 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• A pinch of nutmeg in the swirl for extra warmth

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Spatula
9×13 inch baking dish
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Mix until well combined and smooth (don’t overmix).

Step 3: Pour the Batter

1. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 5: Swirl It In

1. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
2. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool slightly before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the cake into squares and serve warm for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps the batter mix smoothly.
Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
Swirl Gently – You want ribbons of cinnamon, not a fully blended batter.
Glaze While Warm – It melts slightly into the cake for extra goodness.
Add Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Add fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch spreads, or potluck gatherings.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.

Freezing:

• Freeze individual slices or the entire cake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.
2. Can I use a different glaze?
   Sure! Cream cheese glaze is a delicious option if you want an even richer finish.
3. Can I make it without eggs?
   You can try using an egg substitute like unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg, but texture may vary slightly.
4. Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
   Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries if you like extra bursts of sweetness.

Final Thoughts
This Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake is everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls but made easy in a soft, buttery cake form. It’s the ultimate comfort bake, perfect for lazy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or whenever you need a little cozy sweetness in your life.

Bake it today and watch it become a new family tradition!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Southern-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 58g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 220mg

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