Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake

Warm, gooey, and dripping with sweet cinnamon glaze, Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. All the flavors of your favorite homemade cinnamon rolls, baked into a soft, buttery cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime your sweet tooth kicks in. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and just like Big Mama used to make—full of love and flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Cinnamon Roll Goodness – Sweet swirls of cinnamon and sugar in every bite.
No Yeast or Rising Time – Just mix, swirl, and bake.
Perfectly Moist – Tender vanilla cake with gooey cinnamon ribbons.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic – Ideal for holidays, brunches, or potlucks.
Easy to Glaze – A simple icing drizzled over the warm cake makes it irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Batter:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Spatula or spoon
Toothpick or knife (for swirling)
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add in milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix. The batter will be slightly thick.

Step 3: Pour the Batter Into the Pan
Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Add the softened butter and stir until fully combined and spreadable.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter.
Use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl it gently through the batter.
Don’t overdo it—just enough to create lovely cinnamon ribbons.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly crispy.

Step 7: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and pourable.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
Serve warm for maximum gooey goodness.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps the batter mix more evenly.
Don’t Skip the Swirl – The cinnamon mixture is the star of the show.
Glaze While Warm – It soaks into the cake and gives it that signature stickiness.
Store Properly – Keep leftovers moist by covering tightly.
Make it Your Own – Add chopped pecans or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Brunch Centerpiece – Serve with eggs, fruit, and coffee for a complete spread.
Dessert Delight – Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Holiday Treat – Perfect for Christmas morning or Easter brunch.
After-Dinner Indulgence – Reheat a slice and enjoy with a warm drink.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze individual slices or the whole cake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20–30 seconds.
Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes! Bake the cake, cover tightly, and glaze just before serving.
2. Can I use a cake mix?
   You can, but the homemade batter has a richer texture and flavor that’s worth the extra effort.
3. Can I add nuts or raisins?
   Definitely! Stir them into the cinnamon swirl layer before adding to the batter.
4. Is this like a coffee cake?
   Yes, but gooier and more like an actual cinnamon roll in cake form.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes—just use two pans and adjust baking time as needed.

Final Thoughts
Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake is pure homemade comfort—rich, gooey, and drenched in sweet cinnamon glaze. Whether you’re starting your morning on a sweet note or ending your day with a cozy dessert, this cake is sure to be a family favorite. Simple, soulful, and made with love—it’s everything you want in a cinnamon roll, in half the time.

Try it for your next gathering or weekend treat and prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe! Leave a review and share your creation—I can’t wait to hear how it turned out.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – yields 12):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 58g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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