Recipe Ideas

Cinnamon Cake Roll Recipe

Okay, friends, let me tell you a little slice of heaven. What is your favorite cinnamon cake roll recipe? What is it like if a cinnamon roll and sour cream had ‘a baby’ and that baby was then drizzled with sugar? What is the most perfect glaze in the world? Think of it as a leveled-up cinnamon roll, less doughy and *way* more addictive. I swear, every time I make this, it disappears in a flash. Isn’t it a family tradition? Is it ready for a warm slice on the counter?

Cinnamon Cake Roll Recipe final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is cinnamon cake roll?

What is the best way to break it down.? What is Cinnamon Cake Roll? What is the recipe for cinnamon-sugar jelly roll? What is a Swiss roll? What is the cinnamon flavor What is a cinnamon roll cake? The beauty is in the texture – the cake is light and spongy, which makes it incredibly easy to eat. (maybe *too* easy! The cinnamon filling creates these gorgeous swirls that are just begging to be devoured. What’s a good cup of coffee to serve in the morning? I promise, once you try it, you’ll understand the hype.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways! What I love most about this Cinnamon Cake Roll Recipe is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and that buttery glaze is just irresistible. It’s got that warm, comforting spice that makes you feel all cozy inside. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make! Don’t let the rolling part intimidate you – it’s much easier than it looks, and I’ll walk you through every step. And let’s talk cost-effectiveness – the ingredients are all pantry staples, so you won’t need to break the bank. Think flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and cinnamon – you probably have most of these on hand already! But more than that, it’s versatile! You can serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a cozy snack. It’s also wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream. This recipe is a winner, I promise!

How do I make cinnamon cake roll?

Quick Overview

Making this Cinnamon Cake Roll is easier than you might think! You’ll start by whipping up a simple cake batter, then spreading it thinly on a baking sheet. Next, you’ll make a quick cinnamon-sugar mixture and generously sprinkle it over the cake. Roll it up, bake it until golden brown, and then drizzle with a luscious glaze. That’s it! It sounds like a lot of steps, but I promise it’s totally manageable, even for beginner bakers. And the best part? The whole process takes less than an hour. Seriously, this is a lifesaver when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 1 cup all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached for a slightly nutty flavor, but bleached works just as well.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh! Stale baking powder can result in a flat cake.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 3 large eggs: Bring them to room temperature for a smoother batter.
* 1 cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce it to 3/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet cake.
* 1/3 cup milk: Whole milk works best, but you can use 2% or even almond milk in a pinch. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

For the Filling:
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: It needs to be soft, but not melted! * 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Brown sugar can also be used for a richer, molasses-like flavor. * 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Use good-quality cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor.

For the Glaze:
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This makes the glaze extra smooth and rich. * 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it for an extra-smooth glaze. * 1/4 cup milk: * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency. Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.

Cinnamon Cake Roll Recipe ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the top. Do not overfill. How do I lift a cake out of the oven? I always do this when I’m baking cakes in sheet pans – it’s really a lifesaver.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the cake to rise?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? Then, beat in the milk and vanilla extract until just combined. I like to use room-temperature eggs because they incorporate more easily and create a smoother texture. I use boiled eggs for this purpose.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing can cause gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Is the batter smooth and lump free?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a small bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste. I like to use a fork to mash everything together – it’s quick and easy.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I spread the cake batter in a pan? Then, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter and gently swirl it in using a spoon. What is a toothpick? Don’t overdo it with the swirling, or you’ll end up with a muddy-looking cake. You just want to create some nice swirls and pockets of cinnamon goodness.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary. I usually start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out. Is it safe to preheat the oven to 350°C? While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the melted butter, powdered sugar, and salt. I used milk, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle it generously with the glaze. I like to wait until the cake is completely cool before glazing it, otherwise the glaze will melt.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the cake into rolls and serve immediately. What is the best way to eat a cake at 10pm but don’t want to bake it all yourself? I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream.

What should I serve it with?

What are some ideas for making Cinnamon Cake Rolls?

For Breakfast:Serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee or latte. It pairs especially well with dark roast coffees. I also like to sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a little crunch.

For Brunch:What is a Cinnamon Cake Roll? Add some fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and a pitcher of mimosas to your favorite spread. If you are feeling fancy some edible flowers really make it look special.

As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. Can you serve it with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce? When I served it after dinner, it disappeared in minutes.

For Cozy Snacks:What is the best comfort food for a cold evening? My kids ask for this all the time when it’s raining outside.

How do I make a cinnamon cake roll?

I’ve made this Cinnamon Cake Roll countless times and it never fails. What are some of the tricks that I have learned over the years? What have I learned in my life?

Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the cake! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. I like to mix a few small lumps together. Don’t worry about them.

Swirl CustomizationUse a toothpick or knife to create interesting patterns. Is it safe to overmix cinnamon-sugar mixture into cake batter? Is it dense and rubbery?

Ingredient Swaps:Feel free to experiment with different extracts in the glaze. Almond extract, maple extract or even a little bit of citrus zest can add an unique twist.

Baking Tips:Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. Do you check for doneness at the end of a cooking time? If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Glaze Variations:If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk. If you want a thinner glaze, add more milk. Is it fun to experiment with glazes?

What is rolling technique?How do I make a cake that is still slightly warm when you roll it up? Use parchment paper to help you lift and roll the cake. I learned this trick after years of making it and having it crack.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make this ahead of time? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Cinnamon Cake Roll:

Room Temperature: Store the cake roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out. I always do this when I’m bringing it to a potluck the next day.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the cake roll in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any funky fridge smells. It will dry out a little more in the fridge though, so I prefer room temperature when possible

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The glaze does get a little weird after freezing, so I recommend glazing it after thawing for the best result.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake roll for more than a day, it’s best to wait to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend a blend that contains xanthan gum. You may need to add a little extra liquid to the batter, as gluten-free flours tend to be drier. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini! The peel is very thin and adds a nice bit of color and nutrients to the cake. Just be sure to wash the zucchini thoroughly before grating it. If you really don’t like the peel, you can peel it, but I honestly don’t think it’s necessary.
Can I make this as muffins instead?
Yes, you can definitely make this as muffins! Fill muffin liners about 2/3 full and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to adjust the baking time depending on your oven.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
You can easily adjust the sweetness level by reducing the amount of sugar in the batter or the filling. You can also substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that this may affect the texture of the cake.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cake with powdered sugar. You can also top it with a cream cheese frosting, a chocolate ganache, or a simple streusel topping. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Cake Roll Recipe slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my go-to Cinnamon Cake Roll Recipe that always brings joy to my kitchen (and my belly!). It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. What makes this recipe special is the light, airy cake combined with the warm cinnamon filling and sweet glaze. It’s a total crowd-pleaser! If you’re looking for other cake recipes, you might enjoy my carrot cake or chocolate cake recipes. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!

I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!

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