Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

It’s no exaggeration to say that this Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake has become a legend in my household. From casual weekend brunches to celebratory birthday desserts, this cake has graced our table countless times, and every single time it disappears in record time. There’s something undeniably comforting and utterly irresistible about that warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma filling the kitchen as it bakes, and the first bite – oh, the first bite! That soft, tender cake, swirled with rivers of gooey cinnamon filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting… it’s pure bliss. My kids practically do a happy dance when they see it coming out of the oven, and honestly, I’m not far behind them. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, then look no further. This Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert.

Ingredients for Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake and helps with browning and moisture.
• Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises beautifully and becomes light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! It infuses the cake and filling with that classic cinnamon roll warmth.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness, flavor, and tenderness in both the cake and the filling. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the gooey cinnamon filling.
• Cream Cheese: The base for our tangy and decadent frosting, adding a signature cinnamon roll cake finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to the perfect consistency.

Instructions for Making Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking and ensuring easy removal after baking. Using baking spray with flour is a convenient option, or you can grease with butter or shortening and dust with flour manually. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring a consistent rise and flavor in the cake. Make sure there are no clumps of baking powder remaining.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, let it cool slightly. To the melted butter, add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well combined and slightly emulsified. This mixture of wet ingredients will contribute to the moisture and richness of the cake.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cake. Mix until you no longer see streaks of dry flour, but the batter is still slightly lumpy – a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Prepare the Gooey Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and crumbly. This mixture is what will create those delicious, gooey cinnamon swirls throughout the cake. Ensure the butter is softened enough to easily incorporate with the sugar and cinnamon.
6. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. Gently pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon layer, again spreading it as evenly as possible. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top layer of batter.
7. Create Swirls (Optional but Recommended): For a more classic cinnamon roll cake look and even distribution of the filling, use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter. Don’t over-swirl, just a few gentle passes will do. This step helps create those beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the cake.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always best to check for doneness using the skewer test. The top of the cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when gently pressed.
9. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It’s crucial to let the cake cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Cooling also allows the cake to set and become easier to handle.
10. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. It’s important that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
11. Sweeten and Flavor the Frosting: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until incorporated. Once the powdered sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat again to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more powdered sugar.
12. Frost the Cooled Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, generously frost the top with the prepared cream cheese frosting. You can use an offset spatula for a smooth, even layer, or create swirls and peaks for a more rustic look.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake into squares and serve. It’s absolutely delicious served warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of the cake)
• Calories: 350-450 kcal (estimated)
• Fat: 15-20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

How to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

This versatile cake is perfect for a variety of occasions and serving styles. Here are some delightful ways to serve it:

• Warm and Cozy:
  • Serve slices slightly warm for that melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness. A quick 10-15 second microwave zap can revive the warmth if it’s been sitting out.
  • Pair with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or a spiced latte for a comforting treat.
• Brunch Star:
  • Include it as part of a weekend brunch spread. It complements savory brunch dishes beautifully.
  • Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or breakfast meats for a balanced brunch offering.
• Dessert Delight:
  • Enjoy as a classic dessert after dinner. Its comforting flavors are a perfect ending to any meal.
  • Elevate the dessert experience by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Celebration Cake:
  • Perfect for casual birthdays or potlucks. It’s a crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional layer cakes.
  • Decorate with extra cinnamon, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel for a festive touch.
• On-the-Go Treat:
  • Cut into squares and pack individual slices for lunchboxes or picnics.
  • It travels well and is delicious at room temperature, making it a great portable snack.
• Holiday Favorite:
  • Ideal for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its warm cinnamon spice is perfect for fall and winter festivities.
  • Serve as part of a dessert buffet alongside other holiday pies and treats.

Additional Tips for the Best Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and frosting, and contributing to the cake’s tenderness. Softened butter creams together much better, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake and frosting.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, until you no longer see streaks of dry flour. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and will result in a more tender cake.
3. Measure Flour Correctly: Incorrectly measured flour is a common baking mistake. The best way to measure flour is using the “spoon and level” method. Spoon flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then level it off with the back of a knife. Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and you’ll end up with too much.
4. Check for Doneness Accurately: Baking times are estimates and ovens can vary. Use a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
5. Let it Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is key! Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide right off. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before applying the cream cheese frosting. This will ensure a beautiful, stable frosting layer.
6. Customize Your Cinnamon Swirl: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling to your preference. If you love a strong cinnamon flavor, you can add an extra half teaspoon or even a full teaspoon to the filling mixture. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth and complexity.
7. Storage Tips for Freshness: Store leftover Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! The Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake can be baked a day ahead of time. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it at room temperature overnight. Frost it just before serving for the freshest taste. You can also bake the cake layers and make the frosting separately a day in advance and assemble them when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I freeze Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake?

A: Absolutely! This cake freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze the cake unfrosted. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost before serving. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick treat.

Q3: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute with cake flour for an even more tender crumb. If you want to try using whole wheat flour, it’s best to substitute only about half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to maintain a good texture. Using only whole wheat flour may result in a denser and drier cake.

Q4: Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?

A: Making this cake dairy-free is possible with substitutions. Use a plant-based butter alternative for both the cake and frosting, and use a plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk. For a vegan version, you’ll also need to replace the eggs. You can try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer, but the texture might be slightly different. Vegan cream cheese frosting alternatives are also available, but the flavor and texture might vary from traditional cream cheese frosting.

Q5: How do I prevent the cinnamon filling from sinking to the bottom?

A: To minimize the cinnamon filling from sinking, make sure your cake batter is not too thin. Also, gently sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, instead of piling it in clumps. Swirling the filling lightly into the batter also helps distribute it more evenly and prevents it from settling too much. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can also contribute to the filling sinking.

Q6: Can I add nuts or other toppings to this cake?

A: Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be delicious additions to the cinnamon filling or sprinkled on top of the frosting. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting for extra indulgence. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling, or a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting. Get creative and customize it to your liking!

This Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is truly a treat that brings joy with every bite. It’s a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, easy enough for a weeknight dessert and special enough for any celebration. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and the happy smiles of everyone who gets to taste this amazing cake!

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