Cinnamon Roll Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make cake form. Below are the detailed ingredients needed to create this delicious treat.
INGREDIENTS
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups. Forms the base of the cake, giving it structure and lightness.
- Milk: 1 ½ cups. Adds moisture to the cake, ensuring it stays soft and tender.
- White Sugar: 1 cup. Sweetens the cake batter.
- Eggs: 2. Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Baking Powder: 4 teaspoons. Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the cake.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Butter (Melted): ¼ cup. Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prepare it for the cake batter.
- Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of milk, 1 cup of white sugar, 2 eggs, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix until well-combined and smooth. Stir in ¼ cup of melted butter until fully incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Topping
- In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the batter in the baking pan. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean.
- Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- While the cake is baking, mix 2 cups of confectioners' sugar, 5 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 6: Add the Glaze
- Once the cake is done, drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Cinnamon Roll Cake warm to enjoy its gooey texture and rich flavors at their best.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or dessert.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the cake moist, cover it with plastic wrap or foil.
- For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Helpful Notes
- For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute the brown sugar in the topping with an equal amount of maple syrup.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk to 3-4 tablespoons.
- Using a serrated knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter can help create more distinct layers and patterns.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "Always use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon can make a big difference."
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough."
- Chef Bobby Flay: "Let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze. This helps the glaze set better and prevents it from soaking into the cake too quickly."