Grandma’s Cinnamon Roll Cake
It’s like a warm hug in every bite.
There’s something magical about grandma’s baking—maybe it’s the love, maybe it’s the butter, or maybe it’s the cozy memories that come flooding back with every bite. This Cinnamon Roll Cake captures all of that warmth and nostalgia with a fraction of the effort. It’s buttery, gooey, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts into every crack and crevice. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a holiday breakfast, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box—usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make the Magic
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix up the yellow cake batter according to the box instructions and pour it into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Swirl in the Cinnamon Goodness
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this delicious mixture evenly over the cake batter. Now take a butter knife and swirl it through the batter—just enough to create that classic cinnamon roll swirl effect.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like heaven.
Step 4: Glaze It Up
While the cake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle generously over the top, letting the glaze soak into the warm cake.
Serve, Smile, and Repeat
Serve slices warm for the full cinnamon roll experience. It’s soft, sweet, and just the right amount of gooey. Pair it with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and you’ve got yourself a little piece of grandma’s kitchen wherever you are.
Tip: This cake is also amazing the next day—just warm it slightly and let the glaze melt all over again.
