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Cozy Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

cozy cinnamon roll cake - featured image

A tender and satisfying cinnamon roll cake swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 12 tbsp milk (for frosting, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly and combined.
  7. Pour half the batter into the greased pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter.
  8. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon topping. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon topping gently through the batter for a marbled effect.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  11. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Add milk if needed to reach spreading consistency.
  12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Use room temperature eggs and butter for best results. For easy slicing and serving, lightly grease and line the pan with parchment paper. Swirl the cinnamon topping gently to create distinct ribbons without blending.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cinnamon cake, cozy dessert, homemade cake, cinnamon swirl cake