Layered Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Glaze
A soft, swirled cinnamon roll cake baked in layers and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, perfect for brunch or dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup, warmed to 110°F whole milk
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Add 3/4 cup warmed whole milk (110°F), 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Roll the dough out into a 12x16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Step 7: Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Layer the cinnamon rolls in the pan, stacking if needed.
- Step 8: Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Step 9: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 10: Whisk together 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 3 tbsp whole milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Layered Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Layered Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Layered Cinnamon Roll Cake with Vanilla Glaze?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
