Imagine pulling a warm, cinnamon-sugar swirl cake out of the oven that’s soft, gooey, and totally irresistible. That’s exactly what this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake brings to the table. It’s like a cinnamon roll, but in cake form—no complicated rolling or shaping, just all the flavor and comfort you crave. It’s perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or any time you want something that feels like a hug in cake form. Trust me, this cake is going to become your new go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a moment. Whether you’re enjoying it alone with a cup of coffee or sharing it with friends, here’s why you’re going to love it:

Super Easy to Make: No need for yeast, no complicated rolling or proofing—just a simple batter that turns into a cinnamon-sugar masterpiece. The whole thing comes together in one bowl and bakes up beautifully.
Warm, Cozy Flavors: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon gives it that cozy, comforting vibe that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
No Need to Wait for Rising: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake doesn’t require any waiting around for the dough to rise. You get all the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls, minus the time investment.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake will fit right in. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that will impress at any gathering, but it’s simple enough for an afternoon snack.
Customizable: Want to add a little twist? You can throw in some chopped nuts, drizzle some icing over the top, or even add a few chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for this cozy cake that’s bursting with flavor:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cake. It gives it that perfect, soft texture while holding all the cinnamon and sugar together.
Brown Sugar: The star of the show. This gives the cake that warm, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and ensures it’s light and fluffy—no dense cakes here!
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors in the cinnamon and sugar.
Eggs: These provide structure and moisture to the cake, helping it stay tender.
Milk: The liquid that brings everything together. It helps create a soft, moist crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor of the cake, rounding out the cinnamon and sugar.
Butter: For richness and flavor, butter makes this cake irresistibly moist and delicious.
Ground Cinnamon: A must-have for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. It creates those warm, spiced layers in every bite.
Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Butter for Topping: This is what turns the cake into a decadent, gooey, cinnamon-sugar treat.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this easy, flavorful cake:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and everything is fully combined.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This will help the cake come out nice and easy when it’s done.
Add Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Swirl the cinnamon-sugar through the batter using a knife or skewer.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and firm to the touch.
Add the Butter Topping: While the cake is baking, melt the remaining butter. When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the melted butter over the top, letting it soak into the cake for extra flavor and moisture.
Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving, though it’s also fantastic served warm. The cinnamon-sugar topping will get even gooier as it cools.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve with a cup of coffee or tea. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is already delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:

Drizzle with Icing: If you’re craving that classic cinnamon roll touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla over the top.
Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea: There’s nothing like a warm slice of cake with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a latte. It’s a match made in heaven!
Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Feeling indulgent? A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this cake extra decadent.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: This cake is great for make-ahead breakfasts. You can bake it the night before, then reheat it in the morning for a warm, comforting treat.
Store Leftovers Properly: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Spice It Up: If you want to experiment, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for an extra layer of flavor.
Add Nuts: If you like a little crunch, chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition to the cinnamon swirl.
Reheat for Best Results: To get that fresh-baked warmth back, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it up in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or even white sugar if you prefer. Brown sugar is crucial for that caramelized flavor, though.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and the cake will turn out just as delicious.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Yes, this cake freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.

Q4: Can I add nuts to the cinnamon swirl?
A4: Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition. Just sprinkle them in with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra crunch.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Q6: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A6: Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead. Bake it the night before, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go the next morning.

Q7: Can I use a different pan size?
A7: If you use a smaller or larger pan, you may need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through.

Q8: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A8: Yes, you can use non-dairy milk and dairy-free butter to make this cake dairy-free. The flavor and texture will still be amazing!

Q9: How can I make the cake extra moist?
A9: Make sure not to overmix the batter, and be sure to use the melted butter in the recipe. The butter adds moisture and richness to the cake.

Q10: Can I add a glaze to this cake?
A10: Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk would add a sweet finish to the cake. Drizzle it over the top for a beautiful touch.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. It’s the cake you’ll want to bake again and again—whether for a family gathering, a brunch with friends, or just a cozy afternoon treat. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a slice (or two)—you deserve it!