The aroma of cinnamon rolls without the work of yeast dough – this cake was born in my test kitchen when developing recipes for a local coffee shop. It delivers all the comfort of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make cake format.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 12 slices
Calories: 375 per slice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Bun Cake transforms the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into a quick, no-yeast cake format. A buttery swirl of cinnamon sugar runs through tender vanilla cake, topped with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients & Equipment

Cake Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup melted butter

Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ¼ cup flour

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt

Equipment:

• 9×13 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Line pan with parchment
• Grease sides

1. Make Cake Batter:

• Mix dry ingredients
• Combine wet ingredients
• Mix just until combined

1. Make Swirl:

• Mix butter, sugar, cinnamon
• Add flour until crumbly

1. Layer:

• Pour half batter in pan
• Add half cinnamon mixture
• Repeat layers
• Swirl with knife

1. Bake:

• 30-35 minutes
• Test with toothpick
• Cool completely

1. Frost:

• Beat cream cheese, butter
• Add sugar, vanilla
• Spread on cooled cake

Tips & Variations

Expert Tips:

• Room temperature ingredients
• Don’t overmix batter
• Swirl gently for defined layers

Common Substitutions:

• Milk → buttermilk
• All-purpose → cake flour
• Brown sugar → coconut sugar
• Cream cheese → mascarpone

Troubleshooting Guide:

• Dense cake: Overmixed
• Swirl sank: Too heavy
• Dry cake: Overbaked
• Runny frosting: Too warm

Variations:

• Add nuts
• Include raisins
• Add maple flavor
• Make streusel top

Storage

Keeps at room temperature 3 days. Refrigerate up to 1 week. Can freeze unfrosted up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I make ahead?
Yes, cake improves overnight.

Why add flour to swirl?
Prevents sinking.

Can I halve recipe?
Use 8×8 pan, reduce bake time.

Frosting too sweet?
Add cream cheese, reduce sugar.

Why room temp ingredients?
Better mixing, even texture.

This Cinnamon Bun Cake gives you cinnamon roll flavor without the work. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or coffee time.