Cake Batter Cinnamon Rolls

These cake batter cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy swirls of sweet dough infused with the nostalgic flavor of yellow cake mix and a pop of colorful sprinkles. Finished with a creamy vanilla glaze, they’re the perfect celebration treat for brunches, birthdays, or anytime you crave a little fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two classics: cinnamon rolls and birthday cake flavor

• Soft and tender with a golden, gooey swirl

• Funfetti-style sprinkles add color and joy

• Made from scratch with real, simple ingredients

• Perfect for special occasions, yet easy enough for weekends

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup cream

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Filling:

• 1/3 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 3/4 cup yellow cake mix (dry)

• 1/3 cup sprinkles, divided

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

1. In a large pot, combine milk, cream, sugar, and olive oil. Heat over high until just beginning to boil. Remove from heat and let cool for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until warm but not hot.

2. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

3. Mix in 4 cups of flour until a sticky dough forms. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.

4. After rising, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until fully combined.

5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll into a large rectangle.

6. Spread the softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, cinnamon, dry cake mix, and half of the sprinkles.

7. Roll tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 14 even rolls.

8. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.

9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.

10. While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the glaze.

11. Drizzle icing over warm rolls and top with the remaining sprinkles. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 14 cinnamon rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 515 kcal per roll

Variations

• Use rainbow sprinkles for classic funfetti or change colors to match holidays

• Add a splash of almond extract to the icing for a bakery-style twist

• Use buttermilk instead of cream for a tangier dough

• Fold in mini white chocolate chips with the filling for extra indulgence

• Turn them into mini rolls by slicing thinner and baking in muffin tins

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days

• Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to enjoy warm again

• Freeze baked (unglazed) rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw and warm before adding icing

• Glazed rolls can be frozen too, but may lose a bit of texture when thawed

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes. You can mix it directly with the flour; no need to activate in liquid first.

Do I have to use olive oil?

You can substitute with melted butter or a neutral oil like canola.

Can I make these the night before?

Yes. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the final rise. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Are these overly sweet?

They’re sweet but balanced — the cake mix adds a subtle birthday cake flavor without overpowering the cinnamon.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yellow cake mix gives the best nostalgic flavor, but vanilla or funfetti mix also works well.

What kind of sprinkles are best?

Use classic jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles). Avoid nonpareils, which tend to bleed color.

Can I make these without the cake mix?

You can skip it, but it won’t have the cake batter twist — it will still be a delicious cinnamon roll.

What’s the texture like?

Soft, fluffy, and slightly gooey in the center with a tender crumb — exactly what a cinnamon roll should be.

Can I freeze unbaked rolls?

Yes. Freeze after shaping and before the final rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How do I know they’re done baking?

The tops will be golden and the centers should feel firm but soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.

Conclusion

Cake batter cinnamon rolls are a festive and flavorful twist on a classic breakfast treat. With their soft texture, swirl of cinnamon and cake mix, and a generous vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for birthdays, brunches, or anytime you want a little extra joy baked in.

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