This Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake takes everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll—soft, sweet dough, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and creamy glaze—and turns it into a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing cake! It’s tender, buttery, packed with cinnamon flavor, and topped with a rich icing that seeps into every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1½ cups milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🔄 Substitutions
Butter: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil
Milk: Swap with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version
Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if needed
Brown sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor
👨🍳 How to Make
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder
Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and pour into prepared dish
In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter until thick and spreadable
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then swirl with a knife or skewer
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean
While cake bakes, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth
Drizzle glaze over warm cake and let it soak in for a few minutes before slicing
🧁 Mix-ins & Toppings
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast
Add a touch of maple syrup to the glaze for a cozy twist
Sprinkle raisins into the batter for a classic Cinnamon Roll vibe
✅ Recipe Tips
Don’t overmix the batter—just until combined for the fluffiest texture
Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing and even baking
Glaze while warm so it melts into the cake and makes it extra gooey
Double the glaze if you love a super-saucy finish
📦 Storage
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days—just warm before serving
Freezer: Freeze cooled slices wrapped individually for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving
Reheat: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes
🌀 Recipe Variations
Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin spice to the batter
CREAM CHEESE Glaze: Mix in 2 oz softened cream cheese for a tangy topping
Chocolate Cinnamon Cake: Add mini chocolate chips to the swirl filling
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Fold diced apples into the batter before baking
❓ FAQs
Can I make this the night before?
Yes! Bake and cover it once cooled. Warm in the oven or microwave before serving for that gooey goodness
Do I have to swirl the filling?
Swirling gives that cinnamon roll look and flavor in every bite, but you can also layer it evenly for a marbled effect
Why is my cake dry?
Be sure not to overbake! Check at 35 minutes and remove once a toothpick has just a few moist crumbs
Can I use a boxed cake mix?
You can shortcut the batter using a vanilla or yellow cake mix and add your cinnamon swirl and glaze on top
Moist, rich, and dripping with cinnamon glaze, this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is an easy showstopper that brings the bakery magic straight to your kitchen. Let me know if you want a printable version or Pinterest-ready graphic! 🌀🍰✨
