Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert—this cinnamon roll layer cake! It’s like my two favorite treats, cinnamon rolls and cake, decided to have a delicious baby. Every time I bake this beauty, it fills my kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma that just makes you want to dive right in. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. My grandma took one bite and said, “This is a game changer!” And she was right! The layers are so fluffy, and the creamy frosting just ties it all together. Trust me, once you’ve had a slice, you’ll be dreaming about it for days. This cake is perfect for celebrations or just a sweet little indulgence on a cozy weekend. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up too!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this amazing cinnamon roll layer cake! Here’s the full list of ingredients, and trust me, you’ll want to have them all on hand to make this masterpiece:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much cinnamon!)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk (to achieve the perfect frosting consistency)
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened before you start mixing. It really makes a difference in the texture of the cake and frosting. Happy baking!
How to Prepare a Cinnamon Roll Layer Cake
Alright, friends, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this scrumptious cinnamon roll layer cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.
Preparing the Cake Batter
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Whisk it all together to make sure those dry ingredients are evenly mixed. Now, add in the softened butter, milk, and eggs. I like to use an electric mixer for this part; it makes everything so much smoother! Beat until you achieve a nice, creamy batter—don’t worry if it’s a bit thick; that’s just perfect!
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and an extra tablespoon of cinnamon. This will be your delightful cinnamon swirl! Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared cake pans. Now, here’s the fun part: sprinkle that cinnamon mixture right on top of the batter. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter, but don’t overdo it! You want to see swirls, not a fully mixed mess.
Baking and Cooling
Now it’s time to pop those pans in the oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is key here; it helps the cake set and makes it easier to frost later!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Mix it up until it’s smooth and creamy—this is where you want to take your time to make sure there are no lumps. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you get that perfect spreadable consistency.
Assembling the Cake
Once your cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to layer! Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Stack the second layer on top and repeat the frosting process. Don’t forget to frost the sides of the cake too! For that extra touch, you can swirl the frosting on the top and sprinkle a little cinnamon for decoration. It’s your masterpiece—make it as beautiful as you like!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cinnamon roll layer cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’re going to adore making it:
- Quick preparation—whip it up in no time!
- Delightful flavor that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the fluffiness of cake.
- Perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because!
- An impressive dessert to serve guests that will have them raving.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves a slice (or two!).
Trust me, once you bake this, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cinnamon roll layer cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs. This helps create a smooth batter that rises beautifully. When mixing your frosting, don’t rush it! Take your time to beat it until it’s fluffy and creamy; this will elevate your cake to a whole new level. If your frosting is too thick, just add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up. And here’s a little secret—if you want that perfect swirl in your cake, be gentle when mixing in the cinnamon sugar. Too much mixing will lose those lovely swirls! Lastly, remember to let your cakes cool completely before frosting; it prevents the frosting from sliding off. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each slice of this delicious cinnamon roll layer cake packs a flavorful punch, and here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But hey, when it tastes this good, it’s totally worth every calorie!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cinnamon roll layer cake can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge to keep it fresh.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay delicious for about 3-4 days!
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use buttercream frosting instead! Just whip up some butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk.
Can I add nuts or other flavors?
Of course! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. Get creative with your toppings too!
Learn more about cinnamon rolls and their delightful variations!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Layer Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful cinnamon roll layer cake with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Add butter, milk, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
- Pour batter into greased cake pans.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle cinnamon mixture on top of the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- Let the cakes cool.
- Prepare the frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.
- Layer the cakes with frosting in between.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Adjust cinnamon to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll layer cake, dessert, cake, baking
