Description

If you love the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls, you’re going to fall head over heels for Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake! This cake captures all the gooey, buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional rolls but is so much easier to make. It’s tender, fluffy, and topped with a sweet glaze that soaks into every delicious bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Batter:

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

For the Cinnamon Filling:

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
5 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well blended.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter.
Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cinnamon filling through the batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking—the cake should be lightly golden and soft.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the glaze evenly over the hot cake.
Let it soak in and cool slightly before slicing into generous squares.
Serve warm for that ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Notes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps everything mix more smoothly and evenly.
Don’t Overmix – Stir the batter until just combined to keep the cake tender.
Create Big Swirls – Drag your knife deep through the batter for bold cinnamon swirls.
Serve Warm – For that fresh-from-the-bakery taste, enjoy the cake while it’s still a little warm.
Customize the Glaze – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra spice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American