Cinnamon Roll Cake

### How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake is as easy to make as it is delicious. Just follow these simple steps:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

#### Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine **2 cups of flour**, **1 tablespoon of baking powder**, **1/2 teaspoon of salt**, and **1/2 cup of granulated sugar**. In a separate bowl, whisk together **1/2 cup of milk**, **2 large eggs**, **1 teaspoon of vanilla extract**, and **1/2 cup of melted butter**. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together **1 cup of brown sugar** and **2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon**. In another bowl, melt **1/2 cup of butter**. This will be used to create the cinnamon swirl and help the sugar mixture stick to the batter.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Next, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the batter, followed by sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the surface. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the cake batter. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to create a beautiful marbled effect.

#### Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about **35-40 minutes**, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few crumbs). The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, tempting you to dive right in!

#### Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing **1 cup of powdered sugar**, **2 tablespoons of milk**, and **1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract** in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, adding more milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

#### Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and create a sweet, creamy topping.

#### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the cake into squares, and enjoy this indulgent treat with a cup of coffee or tea. The soft, sweet layers of cake combined with the cinnamon swirl and creamy glaze make every bite a delicious experience.

### Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake

– **Make It Ahead**: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The cinnamon roll cake also freezes well. Just slice it into pieces, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.

– **Customize Your Filling**: Feel free to get creative with your cinnamon roll cake. Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a little bit of cocoa powder to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra flavor and texture.

– **Serve Warm**: This cake is delicious when served warm, and it reheats wonderfully. For an extra special touch, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and then drizzle with fresh glaze.

– **Make It a Layer Cake**: If you want a showstopper, you can double the recipe and bake it in two 9-inch round cake pans. Layer the cakes with the cinnamon-sugar swirl and glaze in between, stacking them to create a layered cinnamon roll cake masterpiece.

### Variations of Cinnamon Roll Cake

– **Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake**: Add some **pumpkin puree** and **pumpkin spice** to the batter for a fall-inspired twist. This variation is perfect for autumn gatherings and holidays.

– **Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake**: Add finely chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a fruity version of the classic. The apples soften beautifully while baking and pair perfectly with the cinnamon filling.

– **Cream Cheese Frosting**: If you prefer a richer topping, you can swap out the glaze for a creamy **cream cheese frosting**. Simply beat together **cream cheese**, **powdered sugar**, **butter**, and **vanilla extract** for a decadent frosting that’s just as delicious.

### Conclusion: A Sweet and Easy Delight

Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate treat that combines all the best aspects of cinnamon rolls—soft, gooey, and sweet—with the simplicity of a cake. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a sweet dessert, or a crowd-pleasing treat for a party, this cake will undoubtedly steal the show. With its warm cinnamon flavor, moist texture, and decadent glaze, it’s no wonder why this recipe has become a favorite in many kitchens. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re in for a deliciously satisfying experience!