The Easiest Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe You'll Ever Try
The Easiest Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe You'll Ever Try is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by PHILLIPS FamBam Vlogs on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $6.10 total, $0.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (15.25‑oz box, standard yellow flavor)
- 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 0.75 cup Vegetable Oil (neutral‑flavored oil)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat, for extra moisture)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 2 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 3 Tbsp Milk (whole milk, for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Set the oven to 325°F. Grease the 9x13‑inch baking pan with a thin layer of oil or butter and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 325°F
Mix Wet Ingredients
In the mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix, 4 eggs, 3/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup sour cream. Start on low speed, then increase to medium and beat until the batter is smooth and no dry flour remains.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Cinnamon‑Brown‑Sugar Topping
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Cake
Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon‑brown‑sugar mixture over the top. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the topping into the batter in a circular motion.
Time: PT3M
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 325°F
Make Glaze While Cake Bakes
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar and 3 Tbsp milk until smooth and pourable.
Time: PT5M
Cool & Glaze
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then drizzle the powdered‑sugar glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Time: PT10M
Serve
Cut the cake into squares (about 12 servings) and serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat, Soy (vegetable oil)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Yellow Cake Mix: Vanilla cake mix, Chocolate cake mix
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer, Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Melted butter
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla essence
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, Buttermilk
- Instead of Brown Sugar: White sugar + molasses, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon sugar
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Icing sugar
- Instead of Milk: Any milk (almond, soy, oat), Half‑and‑half
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9x13‑inch Baking Pan
- Oven
- Butter Knife
- Whisk (for glaze)
- Toothpick or Cake Tester (optional)
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix batter until smooth without over‑mixing.
- Swirl the cinnamon‑brown‑sugar mixture gently to create ribbons.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean; avoid under‑ or over‑baking.
- Prepare and drizzle the glaze while the cake is still warm.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra caramel note, substitute half of the brown sugar with dark brown sugar.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture for deeper spice flavor.
- If you prefer a richer glaze, replace half of the milk with melted butter.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense and not fluffy.
Do not over‑mix the batter; mix just until combined. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature and the oven is fully preheated.
Cinnamon topping sinks to the bottom.
Lightly press the topping into the batter after sprinkling and swirl quickly before the batter sets.
Glaze is too thick and won’t spread.
Add a few more teaspoons of milk, whisking until the desired pourable consistency is reached.
Cake sticks to the pan.
Grease the pan thoroughly and line with parchment paper for easy release.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap; lasts up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap each slice in foil then place in a freezer bag; up to 2 months.
Room temperature: If consumed within 2 days, keep covered on the counter.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, then store covered in the fridge. Add glaze just before serving.
- Glaze can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and kept in a sealed container at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake in American home baking?
Cinnamon roll cake blends two classic American treats—cinnamon coffee cake and cinnamon rolls—into a single, easy‑to‑make dessert. It became popular with the rise of convenience baking using boxed cake mixes, offering a nostalgic flavor with minimal effort.
What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon coffee cake in the United States?
In the Midwest, cinnamon coffee cake often features a crumb streusel topping, while in the South it may include a buttery glaze similar to a cinnamon roll. Some regions add nuts or fruit, but the core cinnamon‑sugar swirl remains consistent.
How is Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake traditionally served in American family gatherings?
It is typically served warm as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet breakfast treat, often paired with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Families may dust extra cinnamon sugar on each slice for added flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake commonly associated with in American culture?
The cake is popular for casual gatherings, birthday parties, potlucks, and holiday brunches because it can be prepared quickly and feeds a crowd. Its comforting cinnamon flavor makes it a favorite for fall and winter celebrations.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic cinnamon coffee cake versus the Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe?
A classic cinnamon coffee cake uses flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and a crumb topping, while the Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake substitutes a boxed yellow cake mix, sour cream for moisture, and a simple powdered‑sugar glaze, streamlining the process without sacrificing flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a tough texture, and under‑baking, which leaves a gummy center. Also, failing to swirl the cinnamon‑sugar mixture gently can result in a uniform brown layer rather than distinct ribbons.
Why does this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe use sour cream instead of plain milk for moisture?
Sour cream adds acidity and fat, which tenderizes the crumb and creates a richer, more moist texture than milk alone. The slight tang also balances the sweetness of the cinnamon glaze.
Can I make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Bake the cake up to two days ahead, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate. Add the powdered‑sugar glaze just before serving, or store the glaze separately at room temperature for up to a week.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake is done baking?
The top should be golden‑brown with visible cinnamon‑sugar swirls, and the edges should pull slightly away from the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
What does the YouTube channel PHILLIPS FamBam Vlogs specialize in?
PHILLIPS FamBam Vlogs focuses on family‑friendly cooking tutorials, quick and easy recipes using pantry staples, and fun “cook with me” videos that showcase everyday meals and desserts for busy households.
How does the YouTube channel PHILLIPS FamBam Vlogs' approach to American comfort desserts differ from other cooking channels?
The channel emphasizes simplicity, using boxed mixes and minimal equipment, and often incorporates kid‑friendly commentary and real‑time reactions, making the recipes feel approachable for novice home cooks compared to more technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
