Description
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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Ingredients
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
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American