Cinnamon Roll Sheet Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Sheet Cake brings the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make cake form that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With a soft, moist cake base swirled with cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze, this dessert will fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon—making it the perfect treat for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake combines the best of both worlds: the delicious flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a sheet cake. The cake itself is soft and moist, while the cinnamon swirl and sweet icing take it to the next level of indulgence. It’s the perfect dessert for when you’re craving cinnamon rolls but need a quicker and easier option.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix

• 3.4 oz vanilla instant pudding mix

• 4 eggs

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup Land O Lakes unsalted butter, melted

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 to 2 tbsp milk

• Dash of vanilla extract

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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 13x18x1 baking sheet with non-stick baking spray and set aside.

2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and beat for 1 ½ minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.

3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small dish, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until smooth. Drizzle this cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

4. Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.

5. Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk to thin the icing or more powdered sugar to thicken it, depending on your preference.

6. Drizzle the Icing: Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the warm cake.

7. Serve: Slice the cake into squares and enjoy the delicious cinnamon roll goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 16 servings

Variations

• Add Nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon swirl mixture for an extra crunch.

• Use Cream Cheese Icing: If you prefer a tangier topping, substitute the icing with cream cheese frosting for a more traditional cinnamon roll flavor.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this cake gluten-free.

• Add Spice: For an added kick, try sprinkling a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the cinnamon swirl.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place the entire cake in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: Reheat the cake in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to warm it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cake mix instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, you can use homemade cake batter if you prefer. Just make sure the consistency is similar to that of a typical vanilla cake mix.

2. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla cake mix with a cinnamon or spice cake mix for a more intense cinnamon flavor.

3. Can I make this cake in a 9×13 pan instead of a sheet pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13 baking pan. The baking time might be slightly longer, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day or two in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

6. Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

You can prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Just warm it up slightly before drizzling over the batter.

7. Can I add icing to the cake before baking?

It’s best to drizzle the icing over the cake after it’s baked. The icing will melt into the cake if added before baking.

8. Can I use a different kind of sugar in the cake batter?

You can experiment with different sugars, but the brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor to the cinnamon swirl.

9. Can I add more cinnamon for extra flavor?

You can increase the amount of cinnamon to your liking. Just keep in mind that the flavor is already balanced, so a little extra cinnamon goes a long way.

10. Can I freeze the icing?

While it’s best to use the icing fresh, you can store leftover icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before using.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants something easier to make. The moist, flavorful cake with its cinnamon swirl and sweet icing is a showstopper that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. It’s quick, delicious, and incredibly comforting—what’s not to love?

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