Description
Layers of nostalgia dance in this cinnamon roll layer cake, blending classic breakfast comfort with elegant dessert dreams. Silky cream cheese frosting and swirled cinnamon magic invite sweet indulgence that connects you to cherished morning memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Cake Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
Spice and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 23 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing, flouring, or lining with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter, oil, and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then blend in vanilla extract for additional depth of flavor.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth, consistent batter. Mix gently to prevent overmixing and maintain cake’s delicate texture.
- Evenly distribute batter among prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to create level layers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a golden exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Construct cake layers by placing first cake round on serving plate, spreading a thin layer of cinnamon filling, and repeating with subsequent layers.
- Create cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until achieving a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Generously coat entire cake with cream cheese frosting, ensuring even coverage on top and sides.
- Optional: Enhance presentation by drizzling additional cinnamon filling or a light powdered sugar glaze over the finished cake.
Notes
- Prep Technique: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Temperature Control: Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Cinnamon Intensity: Adjust ground cinnamon量 based on personal preference, starting with less and tasting as you go.
- Storage Hack: Refrigerate cake for easier slicing and to help frosting set firmly.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Bake cake layers a day in advance and store wrapped in plastic to maximize moisture retention.
- Swirl Distribution: Use a piping bag or spoon to create even, symmetrical cinnamon swirl layers between cake tiers.
- Frosting Consistency: If frosting seems too thick, add milk by teaspoon; if too thin, incorporate more powdered sugar gradually.
- Decoration Tip: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts around cake edges for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative for similar richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 50 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg