Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you adore the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave something a bit easier and more shareable, then this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine a tender, buttery cake layered with sweet cinnamon sugar swirls that melt into every bite, crowned with a luscious glaze that makes your taste buds dance. It’s a delightful twist on a classic treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert. This recipe brings all the gooey, cinnamony goodness you love from a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-slice cake form that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every successful Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe starts with humble ingredients that come together to create magic. These pantry staples deliver the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and that irresistible cinnamon aroma that fills your home.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness for the cake’s soft crumb.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the batter without overpowering the cinnamon.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a fluffy perfection.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and intensifies sweetness.
• 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and a subtle richness that keeps each bite soft.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the cake structure.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Incorporates buttery flavor and keeps the cake tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes that beautifully complement cinnamon.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: For that classic, caramel-like sweetness in the cinnamon swirl.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: The star spice, filling the cake with cozy warmth.
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for swirl): Melted butter drizzled in layers intensifies the ooey gooey texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Creates a silky-smooth sweet glaze to finish the cake.
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing): Thins the powdered sugar for perfect drizzling consistency.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Lifts the glaze’s flavor with a subtle vanilla hint.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan thoroughly so your cinnamon roll cake won’t stick and will come out with beautiful edges.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leaveners and seasonings are evenly distributed for an even rise and perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, blend the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisking these together creates a smooth, rich base that will make your cake delightfully moist.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the cake could turn dense. This step is crucial for tender cake layers.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Simply mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This aromatic duo is what makes this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe sing with flavor, ready to be swirled into the batter.

Step 6: Construct Your Cake Layers

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan for an even base. Drizzle half the melted butter over the batter, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. This layering guarantees pockets of gooey cinnamon surprise in every bite.

Step 7: Add Remaining Batter and Swirl

Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, smoothing it gently. Drizzle the remaining melted butter, then scatter the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the top batter, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake your cake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the top to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color and the cake to be set but still soft. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs—signals of perfect ooey gooeyness.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While your cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth icing. This glaze ties all the flavors together with a silky, sweet finish.

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve Warm

Pour the glaze generously over the warm cake. This ensures it melts slightly into the top, making your Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe truly irresistible right out of the oven.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a welcome crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s soft layers. A light dusting of cinnamon powder on top of the glaze can also elevate the visual appeal and intensify the spice aroma for an inviting touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to enhance the warm cinnamon notes. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries, balances out the sweetness and adds refreshing brightness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut this cake into squares and serve it on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch vibe, or layer chunks in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and caramel sauce for an elegant twist that’s sure to impress guests effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness and prevent drying. If your home is warm or humid, refrigeration is a good option but may slightly firm up the texture.

Freezing

This Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. The glaze may soften further, infusing the cake with that irresistible ooey gooey feeling once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole milk works best for richness, but you can substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk to suit dietary preferences. Just keep it unsweetened to control the overall sweetness.

Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not as written, since it calls for all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Expect slight differences in texture but delicious cinnamon goodness will remain.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk alternatives. You’ll still get that wonderful moist cake with all the cinnamon flavor intact.

How can I tell when the cinnamon roll cake is done baking?

The cake should be golden on top and spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, never wet batter.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Definitely! Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins with the batter before layering for extra texture and bursts of flavor. Toasting nuts beforehand amplifies their nuttiness and adds depth.

Final Thoughts

This Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, combining ease and deliciousness in one slice. Whether you’re making breakfast special or craving a simple dessert, this cake delivers the cozy cinnamon roll vibe without the fuss. Give it a try and share the joy with friends and family—you might just find it becoming your new favorite sweet treat!

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