Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and decadent dessert that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake. This moist and flavorful cake, topped with a creamy and tangy frosting, is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cup milk
- 8 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 16 tbsp butter, softened
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of milk, 8 tbsp of melted butter, and 2 large eggs. Whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Pour into Baking Dish:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- Mix Topping Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 tbsp of cinnamon, 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 16 tbsp of softened butter. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Swirl Topping into Batter:
- Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Mix Frosting Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 4 tbsp of milk. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes.
- Spread Frosting:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cake.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Cinnamon Roll Cake and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy its sweet, cinnamon-infused goodness!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Swirling the Topping: Be gentle when swirling the topping into the batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth frosting.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations
Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Add Pecans:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the topping mixture before swirling it into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Maple Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Add Maple Flavor:
- Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with 2 tsp of maple syrup for a delightful maple flavor.
Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast or Brunch
- With Coffee or Tea:
- Serve the cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Dessert
- With Ice Cream:
- Serve slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Snacks
- With Fresh Fruit:
- Pair the cake with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a balanced snack.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, Cinnamon Roll Cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter? A: Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese? A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the frosting might be slightly less rich.
Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a sweet and decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist, cinnamon-infused cake and creamy frosting, this dessert is sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Cinnamon Roll Cake with your family and friends!
