Name: Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box – typically eggs, oil, and water); 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup butter (melted); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re searching for the ultimate treat to delight your senses, look no further than this Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent! Imagine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—swirls of buttery, spiced sugar, melt-in-your-mouth cake, and a dreamy vanilla glaze—all baked effortlessly into a single pan. Whether you’re serving it at a festive brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply want to spoil your loved ones, this recipe promises layers of warmth, aroma, and pure nostalgia in every forkful.

Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how just a handful of pantry basics can transform into something so spectacular. Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent has a starring role, ensuring every bite is perfectly soft, gooey, and fragrant with cinnamon spice.

Yellow cake mix: Delivers a fluffy, reliable base and keeps prep time short and sweet.
Eggs, oil, and water (as called for on cake mix): These bind the ingredients and add moisture for that classic cake crumb.
Sour cream: Brings a wonderful tang and extra tenderness that elevates the cake’s flavor.
Butter (melted): Ensures a rich, buttery swirl that melts straight into the cake layers.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes, making those cinnamon swirls irresistible.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers the soul-warming spice that gives this cake its signature decadence.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Offers a toasty crunch—perfect for nut lovers, but totally optional.
Powdered sugar: The base of that silky-smooth, sweet glaze everyone craves on a Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for your glaze.
Vanilla extract: Brings a dreamy aroma and delicate flavor to the finishing glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Mix up the yellow cake mix according to box instructions, blending in those eggs, oil, and water. Once smooth, fold in the sour cream—that extra touch makes the crumb pillowy soft and a little richer than a standard cake. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish so you’ve got a beautiful blank canvas for those signature swirls.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. If you love a bit of crunch, add your chopped pecans or walnuts here. This gooey-sweet mixture is what transforms basic cake into Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent. Drop spoonfuls of it evenly over the cake batter, then take a knife and gently marble it throughout—there’s no right or wrong way, just let those cinnamon rivers swirl!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Slide your marbled masterpiece into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean from the center. The kitchen will fill with the most incredible, bakery-worthy scent—a sure sign you’re only moments away from enjoying something truly special.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While your cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. This simple glaze is the crowning touch, adding both sweetness and that classic cinnamon roll finish. If you like a thicker glaze, use a little less milk; for a more pourable drizzle, add a splash more.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes—just long enough for the flavors to meld but while it’s still warm and ready to soak up the glaze. Drizzle every inch generously, then dive in! You can serve it warm for that gooey, just-baked experience, or enjoy it at room temperature when the flavors have had time to settle.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent

Garnishes

To really dial up the Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent factor, sprinkle the top with extra chopped nuts, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a few white chocolate chips just after glazing. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes things right into dessert heaven for celebrations or special brunches.

Side Dishes

This cake is so full of flavor it can be the star of any spread, but it plays nicely with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas to lighten up each bite. For brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon, hot coffee, or a big fruit salad to add some contrast to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Make mini versions of Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent by baking in muffin tins for the ultimate grab-and-go treat. Or, cut the baked cake into neat squares and arrange them on a serving platter for a beautiful, fuss-free presentation at potlucks or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent tightly in plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, tuck it in the fridge where it’ll happily stay fresh and moist for three to four days—just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Cut completely cooled slices, wrap individually or as a whole, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When that craving hits, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a couple of hours, and your Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent will taste as dreamy as the day you baked it.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you’ve stored it in the fridge or freezer, allow it to reach room temperature, then heat briefly until that glaze is soft and inviting once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with white, butter, or even spice cake mix for a slightly different—but equally delicious—take on Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent.

How can I make this recipe nut-free?

Just leave out the pecans or walnuts; the cake will still bake up moist and flavorful, with plenty of cinnamon-sugar swirls to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Can I prep Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent ahead of time?

You bet! Bake the cake a day ahead, cover tightly, and glaze just before serving for that freshly-made finish. It’s perfect for holiday mornings when you want stress-free baking.

Is there a way to make it extra gooey?

Double the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a truly gooey center—just swirl it in gently so you don’t overmix. More swirls equal more decadence in every bite!

What’s the best way to cut neat slices?

Let the glazed cake rest for about 20 minutes before slicing, and use a clean, sharp knife (wiping between cuts) to keep those beautiful swirls intact.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a treat that wraps you up in sweet comfort, you absolutely must try this Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent. It transforms everyday ingredients into something truly unforgettable, and sharing it around the table never fails to bring out big smiles. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and let the cinnamon-swirled magic begin!

Cinnamon Roll Cake Decadent Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent flavors of a cinnamon roll in a convenient cake form with this easy-to-make and delicious cinnamon roll cake. Perfect for any occasion from brunch to dessert, this cake is sure to be a hit with its gooey cinnamon swirls and sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box – typically eggs, oil, and water)
1 cup sour cream

Cinnamon Swirl:

1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the cake batter: Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, then stir in the sour cream until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Make the cinnamon swirl: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts if using. Drop spoonfuls over the cake batter, then swirl gently with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over warm cake and serve warm or at room temperature.