Name: Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 cups milk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups powdered sugar; 5 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re looking to capture all the magic of a classic cinnamon roll in the form of an easy, crowd-pleasing cake, the Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is about to become your new obsession. This dessert is everything you crave: tender vanilla cake, swirls of cinnamon-sugar bliss, and a silky glaze that seeps into every bite. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet finish to dinner, this cake will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery and your guests reaching for seconds.

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples into an unforgettable treat. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and those signature gooey swirls that make the Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake so irresistible.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives the cake its soft, fluffy crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake itself and helps create a golden top.
Baking powder: Essential for lift, ensuring your cake bakes up light and tender.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates a silky-smooth batter.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its structure.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a warm, comforting aroma.
Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses the batter with rich, buttery flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened): The base of that gooey cinnamon swirl everyone fights over.
Brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes to the swirled filling.
All-purpose flour (for swirl): Thickens the cinnamon mixture, so it swirls beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—earthy, sweet, and unmistakably cozy.
Powdered sugar: Whips up into a dreamy glaze that melts into every nook and cranny.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds one last note of warmth to the finishing touch.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing—this ensures every slice of your Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake pops out easily and intact. The even heat and roomy dish are key to achieving that perfect gooey center with golden, fluffy edges.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and salt so each bite is balanced. Add in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, then stir until everything is just combined. The batter should be smooth, silky, and almost pourable—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that tender crumb!

Step 3: Pour the Batter

Pour your cake batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into the corners if needed. This layer forms the soft base that will soak up all the cinnamon swirl goodness and glaze, so make sure it’s evenly distributed for maximum gooeyness.

Step 4: Make and Swirl the Cinnamon Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to create a thick, sugary paste. Drop generous spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture all over the cake batter. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter—don’t overdo it, as you want thick ribbons of cinnamon throughout your Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake.

Step 5: Bake

Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). The real magic happens here as the cinnamon filling bubbles and the cake rises around it.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until you have a silky-smooth glaze. This glaze is what takes the Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake to the next level, soaking into the warm cake and adding that signature sticky sweetness.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the top while it’s still warm. The glaze will melt into the swirls and cracks, making every bite decadently gooey. Serve warm for the most irresistible texture.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust the top of your Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a scattering of chopped toasted pecans. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream will make each slice feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and satisfying all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a medley of berries. For brunch, serve alongside a savory egg bake or some crispy bacon to balance all that sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for a playful twist at parties, or serve individual squares in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats. For a truly show-stopping breakfast spread, arrange slices of Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake on a platter with fresh fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (good luck!), cover the cake tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, place it in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 5 days. The flavors meld and the texture stays moist and gooey even after a day or two.

Freezing

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight—glaze and all.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. The glaze will melt and the cinnamon swirl turns deliciously gooey all over again. If reheating a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Drizzle the glaze just before serving for the freshest, gooiest experience.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins make a delicious addition to the cinnamon swirl. Simply fold them into the filling before swirling for extra texture and flavor.

Can I halve the recipe?

Definitely! Just cut all ingredients in half and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. Start checking for doneness around 25-30 minutes, as the smaller cake will bake more quickly.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when the edges are golden, the center is set, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The swirl may look slightly gooey—that’s the signature of a perfect Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake!

Is this cake suitable for breakfast or dessert?

Why choose? This cake is a hit at brunch, potlucks, or as a decadent dessert. Its sweet, cinnamon-laced flavors work beautifully any time of day, and it’s always the first thing to disappear at gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If the thought of warm, sticky cinnamon rolls makes you smile, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake. It’s simple enough for a cozy weekend breakfast and impressive enough for any celebration. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to treat—you’ll be glad you did!

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a warm, comforting Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake that captures all the flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls in a moist, fluffy cake form. This dessert features a rich cinnamon swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, granulated sugar, and baking powder, ensuring even distribution for a balanced rise.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the batter is smooth and fully combined, without overmixing.
Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon to create a thick, spready paste.
Create Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it throughout the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey texture.

Notes

For extra richness, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl before baking.
This cake is best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently in the microwave.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American