CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH

If you’re a fan of the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but don’t want to deal with the hassle of rolling and shaping the dough, then this CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH is going to be your new favorite treat! Imagine a soft, buttery cake swirled with a gooey cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s the perfect dessert for brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a delightful breakfast. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself making this cake again and again.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What truly makes this CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH stand out is its unique combination of flavors and textures. The moist and fluffy cake base is infused with hints of vanilla and almond, while the cinnamon swirl adds a delightful burst of flavor. Plus, the cream cheese glaze is a game changer—rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet, it takes this cake to the next level. This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also delivers the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls without the fuss.

Ingredients at a Glance

• For the Cake:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon real almond extract
• 1 teaspoon orange flavoring (or zest of 1 orange if unavailable)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons whole milk
• ½ cup (4 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon real almond extract
• 1 teaspoon orange flavoring

Hardware & Gadgets

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect for baking the cake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: For mixing your cake batter and swirl filling.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading the glaze.

Directions: CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs, whole milk, real vanilla extract, real almond extract, and orange flavoring to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for that classic cinnamon roll effect.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, whole milk, real vanilla extract, real almond extract, and orange flavoring. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.

No-Store Runs Needed

• Unsalted butter: Commonly found in most kitchens.
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Pantry staples that add sweetness.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour: Basic spices and baking ingredients.
• Vegetable oil and eggs: Essential ingredients in many baking recipes.
• Cream cheese: Often used in desserts, it can be found in the fridge.

What I Learned Testing

• Mixing the batter gently helps keep the cake fluffy.
• The cinnamon swirl is best when it is evenly distributed throughout the cake.
• Using room temperature ingredients allows for a smoother batter.
• Letting the cake cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting into the cake.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Allow the CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To rewarm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

Quick Q&A

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute meant for baking.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can either omit the almond extract or replace it with additional vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! This CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How do I make this cake more festive?

Try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle some raisins into the cinnamon swirl for added texture and flavor!

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Ready, Set, Cook

Are you ready to bake this delicious CINNAMON ROLL CAKE FROM SCRATCH? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started! This cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!