Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If there’s one recipe that brings people together, it’s Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake. Imagine the rich, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll baked into an easy-to-make, shareable cake. It’s sweet, spiced, and packed with love—just like something Big Mama would whip up on a Saturday morning for the family. Whether you’re planning a brunch with friends or just want to treat yourself, this cinnamon roll cake hits all the right notes.

Let’s get cozy, roll up our sleeves, and dive into the step-by-step process of making this irresistible cake. And don’t worry—you don’t need fancy tools or advanced baking skills. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll be slicing into your own cinnamon-swirled masterpiece in no time.

These mini banana muffins pair perfectly with a morning cup of coffee and a side of blueberry yogurt muffins

Why You’ll Love Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake

You might be wondering: why a cinnamon roll cake? Why not just make cinnamon rolls? Well, let me tell you:

No yeast, no problem: This cake skips the yeast and rising time that cinnamon rolls require. That means less waiting and more eating.
It’s a crowd-pleaser: This cake is designed for sharing. Instead of individual rolls, you’ve got a whole pan of cinnamon goodness to serve up.
Warm and gooey perfection: The cinnamon swirls bake right into the cake, and the cream cheese glaze takes it over the top.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Most of the ingredients are probably sitting in your kitchen right now.

Cake Batter Ingredients

Let’s start with the basics:

Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, giving the cake structure without being too heavy.
Sugar: Just the right amount to make the cake sweet but not overpowering.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Milk: Whole milk is great, but if you only have 2% or even almond milk, it’ll work too.
Eggs: These add richness and help bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract: The secret to that classic, comforting cake flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the batter a luxurious texture.

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients

This is where the magic happens:

Brown Sugar: Sweet, rich, and caramel-like.
Cinnamon: The star of the show. Go for a good-quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
Butter: Melted and mixed with the sugar and cinnamon to create the signature swirl.

Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients

You’ll drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm cake:

Cream Cheese: Softened to make it easy to mix.
Powdered Sugar: For a smooth, sweet finish.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the glaze.
Milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.

Let’s Bake!

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s get baking. I’ll guide you every step of the way, so you can bake with confidence.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If you’ve got parchment paper handy, you can line the pan for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Batter

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Don’t skip this step—it helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly.

In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Finally, add the softened butter and keep mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.

You’ll notice the batter is on the thicker side. That’s exactly what you want!

3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a smaller bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a thick, sugary paste. This is the good stuff—it’s what turns a simple cake into a cinnamon roll cake.

4. Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Now, grab your cinnamon mixture and drop spoonfuls over the batter.

Here’s the fun part: use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Don’t overthink it! Just drag the knife through the dollops to create pretty patterns.

5. Bake the Cake

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).

6. Make the Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, whip up the glaze. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Thin it out with milk until it’s pourable but not too runny.

7. Glaze and Enjoy

Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, letting it seep into the swirls. Slice into squares and serve while it’s still warm for the ultimate treat.

Tips for Success

Let me share a few tips to make sure your cake turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t skip the swirl: The cinnamon mixture isn’t just for looks—it’s what gives the cake its signature flavor.
Room temperature ingredients are key: Cold ingredients don’t mix well, so let your butter, eggs, and cream cheese sit out for a bit before you start.
Let the cake cool slightly before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting completely into the cake.

Variations: Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you love the idea of a cinnamon roll cake but want to try a few variations, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re craving the classic homemade touch or looking for a convenient shortcut, there’s a version of this cake to suit your needs.

Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

While Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake uses a luscious cream cheese glaze, you can take it up a notch by turning it into a full-fledged cream cheese frosting. A thicker frosting creates a layer of creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon swirls.

Here’s how you can modify the glaze into frosting:

Use the same ingredients as the glaze but reduce the milk or omit it altogether.
Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s fluffy and spreadable.
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top instead of drizzling it.

This variation is perfect for those who love an extra layer of indulgence with each bite. The thick frosting makes the cake feel more decadent and dessert-like, ideal for celebrations or special occasions.

Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Cake

Looking for a quick and easy option? A Pillsbury cinnamon roll cake is a fantastic alternative when you’re short on time but still want that classic flavor. Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are pre-made, so they’re perfect for creating a semi-homemade version of this dessert.

To make it:

Grab a can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (or two, depending on the size of your pan).
Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, leaving some space between them for the dough to expand as it bakes.
Press the rolls down slightly to flatten them and create a base.
Bake according to the package instructions.
Once baked, use the included frosting packet or whip up a quick cream cheese glaze to drizzle over the rolls while they’re warm.

This shortcut doesn’t compromise on flavor but saves you the steps of mixing batter and swirling cinnamon. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute cravings or when you want something fun and easy to make with kids.

Whether you go with the homemade cake topped with cream cheese frosting or the simplified Pillsbury version, the comforting taste of cinnamon and sugar will always shine through. Both options promise to deliver a delightful treat that’s just as satisfying as the original recipe.

The best part about this cake? Sharing it with the people you care about. Picture this: you, your family, or your friends gathered around the kitchen table, each with a slice of warm cinnamon roll cake. It’s the kind of dessert that sparks conversation and creates memories.

This cake is also a great option for potlucks, bake sales, or even as a holiday dessert. It’s simple enough for casual get-togethers but special enough to bring out for celebrations.

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

At room temperature: Cover the cake tightly and store it for up to two days.
In the fridge: This cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: Want to save some for later? Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the microwave before serving.

Can You Make It Your Own?

Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are a few ideas:

Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for a bit of crunch.
Try different glazes: A maple glaze or a simple powdered sugar glaze works beautifully too.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a unique twist.

FAQs: Cinnamon Roll Cake and Baking Tips

What does pouring heavy cream on cinnamon rolls do?

Pouring heavy cream over cinnamon rolls before baking is a popular trick for keeping them extra moist and tender. The cream seeps into the dough as it bakes, making the rolls richer and softer while enhancing the overall flavor. This technique works wonderfully for cinnamon roll cake as well. You can drizzle a small amount of heavy cream over the cinnamon swirls before baking to achieve a similar effect—just don’t overdo it, as too much liquid could affect the cake’s texture.

What is the secret to super moist cake?

The secret to a super moist cake lies in the balance of ingredients and careful baking. Here are a few tips:

Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and prevents overworking the batter.
Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Bake at the right temperature: An oven that’s too hot can dry out your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Incorporate moisture-boosting ingredients: Ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk can make a big difference. While this cinnamon roll cake uses milk and butter for richness, you could experiment with these additions for an even moister result.

What is the difference between a cinnamon bun and a cinnamon roll?

The terms “cinnamon bun” and “cinnamon roll” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a slight difference:

Cinnamon Roll: Typically includes a spiral of cinnamon-sugar filling and is baked as individual pieces. It’s often served with a glaze or frosting.
Cinnamon Bun: Similar to a cinnamon roll but often includes nuts (like pecans) or a sticky caramel topping. They’re also baked together in a single dish, forming a pull-apart style pastry.

Cinnamon roll cake takes inspiration from these classics, combining the best parts—cinnamon swirls, a tender texture, and sweet glaze—into one easy-to-make dessert.

How much cinnamon should you add to a cake?

The amount of cinnamon you add to a cake depends on the recipe and your personal preference. For most cinnamon-flavored cakes, 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon is ideal to give it a noticeable but not overwhelming spiced flavor. In this cinnamon roll cake, the cinnamon swirl contains 2 tablespoons, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the batter. If you’re a big fan of cinnamon, feel free to add a pinch more!

Your Turn to Bake

Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to grab your apron and get baking. You don’t need a special occasion to make Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake. Sometimes, the best reason to bake is just because.

So, go ahead—gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. When you take your first bite, I promise you’ll understand why this cake is a classic.

Happy baking!

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Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe: A Delicious Treat to Share