Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, buttermilk, and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and blended.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.
- Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, taking care to spread it evenly for the best result.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, whip up the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until creamy.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before spreading the frosting evenly over the top.
- For the ultimate experience, slice and serve warm!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving this cinnamon roll cake is straightforward yet delightful. A dusting of powdered sugar can elevate its presentation, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cake beautifully. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of fresh milk to round out your treat. You could also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or scatter some chopped nuts for added flavor and crunch!
How to Store & Freeze
To keep your Cinnabon-Style Cinnamon Roll Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze pieces of the cake wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, where they’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before bringing it back to room temperature or reheating.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overmix: A few lumps in the batter are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.
- Eggs at Room Temperature: If possible, use eggs that are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like butter and cream cheese blend better when they’re not cold; let them sit out for a bit before you begin.
Creative Twists
Looking to give this cake a twist? Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer for an extra crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolaty addition.
- Apple Cinnamon Delight: Layer thinly sliced apples in between the batter and cinnamon layer to create a comforting apple cinnamon variation.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to make this cake?
A: Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with a baking time of 35-40 minutes. So, you can have it ready in under an hour!
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Q: Is it okay to use a different frosting?
A: Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting is classic, but you can try a simple vanilla glaze or even a chocolate frosting for a new spin.
This Cinnabon-Style Cinnamon Roll Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
