Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake

Name: Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled, plus more as needed; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star (1 standard packet); 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk; 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter; 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar or granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

By:

Marry

Published:

September 19, 2025

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Gather around, friends! If you’re looking for a treat that’s as warm and inviting as the aroma of fresh cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, look no further than this Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake. Picture this: a soft, gooey creation that’s perfect for brunches or cozy weekend breakfasts, and it’s so easy to make! By combining layers of fluffy dough with a delightful cinnamon-sugar filling, you get a cake that’s not only stunning but also irresistible. Plus, you can drizzle it with velvety vanilla icing for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether you’re making this for a crowd or just to enjoy the deliciousness yourself, this Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake will surely become a cherished recipe in your home. Now, let’s roll into the details of making this showstopper!

Why This Recipe Works

This Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe leverages a shortcut dough method that balances simplicity with flavor, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. With the right combination of ingredients and technique, this delightful treat becomes a showstopper. It fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. The dough’s soft, fluffy texture and the generous layers of cinnamon filling work harmoniously to create a cake that is as tasty as it is visually appealing. So, even if you’re new to baking, this recipe gives you confidence to create something beautiful and mouthwatering.

Why You’ll Love This Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake

Imagine gathering around a table and sharing a slice of warm, gooey cinnamon roll cake with family and friends. Sharing this cake becomes a moment of joy, as everyone takes their first bite. It’s perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or even just as an indulgent treat after a long day. Besides being a delicious option, the cake is easy to slice and serve. It can be a delightful centerpiece on any table, promising smiles all around. That’s what makes this cake special: it’s more than just a dessert; it’s a way to create memories.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled, plus more as needed
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star (1 standard packet)
3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter
For the Filling:
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar or granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Icing:
1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Making the Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients

Begin your baking journey by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.

Heat Milk and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk and butter. Heat until the butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Ensure the mixture is warm to the touch, ideally between 100-110°F (38-43°C) – just warm enough to activate the yeast.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, pour that warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, and crack in an egg. Using a handheld or stand mixer with a dough hook, mix everything together until a soft dough forms. If you find the dough is a bit sticky, don’t worry! Gradually add 2-4 tablespoons of additional flour until it’s manageable.

Kneading the Dough

Knead to Perfection

Once your dough is formed, it’s time to knead. You can do this in the mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until your dough is soft, smooth, and slightly tacky. To check if it’s ready, you can try the windowpane test. If you stretch a small piece and it holds together without tearing, you’re good to go!

Allowing the Dough to Rise

Resting the Dough

Shape your kneaded dough into a ball. Now, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period gives the yeast time to work its magic, creating that delightful fluffiness.

Preparing the Filling

Roll the Dough

After the dough has rested, roll it out into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the entire surface, then sprinkle generously with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. This part is where the magic truly begins!

Shaping the Cinnamon Roll Cake

Create the Rolls

Next, cut the dough into six 2-inch wide strips. Start rolling one strip tightly from one end and place it in the center of a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Now, coil the other strips around the center roll to form a complete circular cake. This great look ensures everyone gets a piece of that delicious cinnamon swirl!

Rising Before Baking

Let the Cake Rise

Loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for that fluffy texture you’re craving.

Baking the Cake

Preheat and Bake

Once risen, it’s time to get baking! Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is a golden brown. If it’s browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.

Cooling and Icing

Cool and Prepare Icing

After the cake bakes, let it cool for 10 minutes. While it’s cooling, whisk together the icing ingredients. Adjust the consistency to your liking, whether you prefer it thicker or thinner.

Drizzle and Serve

Now comes the fun part! Drizzle the icing over the warm cake and serve immediately. You’ll want to watch everyone’s faces light up when they see this beautiful Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This delectable Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Pair it with steaming cups of coffee or tea, and maybe add some fresh fruit on the side. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would complement it beautifully for dessert.

Tips for Success

Ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for optimal mixing and rising.
Always proof your yeast in warm milk to guarantee it’s active before mixing.
Tweak flour amounts slightly depending on your humidity levels; you want the dough to stay soft and pliable.

Variations

Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cake: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for extra flavor and crunch.
Fruity Addition: Toss in some fresh berries or apple chunks in the filling for a fruity surprise that’ll brighten each bite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you want a warm treat, reheat slices in the microwave for a delicious pick-me-up.

FAQs

1. Can I make Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Shape and bake it in the morning for fresh results.

2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator lasts up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Just wrap the cooled cake tightly first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

4. How do I reheat frozen cinnamon roll cake?
Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat the slices in the microwave or oven until warm.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute it, but you might want to mix it with all-purpose flour to maintain that soft, fluffy texture we all love!

Baking this Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake brings so much joy to your kitchen! Not only does it taste amazing, but it also creates memories with every delicious slice. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, making every moment spent over a piece of this cake truly special. Enjoy creating and sharing this fluffy, gooey delight whenever you crave something sweet!