There’s something utterly irresistible about the warm, gooey, and sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls. However, making them from scratch can be time-consuming. Enter the Cinnamon Roll Cake Casserole, an easy and delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, made even more convenient as a casserole. This dish captures the essence of cinnamon rolls while being perfect for a family breakfast, brunch, or dessert. In this article, we’ll walk through a simple and delicious recipe for a Cinnamon Roll Cake Casserole that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Finally, stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
2. Making the Cinnamon Swirl
In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles a thick, sandy consistency. This cinnamon-sugar mixture is the key to creating the classic cinnamon roll flavor in your casserole.
3. Assembling the Casserole
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect. This swirling technique ensures that each bite of the cake has a delicious ribbon of cinnamon flavor running through it.
4. Baking the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and moist.
5. Preparing the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
6. Finishing Touches
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. The glaze will seep into the cake, adding extra sweetness and moisture, while also giving it that signature cinnamon roll look and taste.
7. Serving
Serve the Cinnamon Roll Cake Casserole warm. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a complete and satisfying treat.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cake Casserole
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the cake light and fluffy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Even Swirling: To ensure that every bite has a good amount of cinnamon flavor, swirl the cinnamon mixture evenly throughout the batter.
- Glazing While Warm: Drizzling the glaze while the cake is warm helps it soak in better, making the cake even more moist and flavorful.
This easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Casserole is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough. It’s a great recipe to make for a crowd, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the comforting and sweet aroma of cinnamon that fills your kitchen as you bake this delightful treat!