*Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll, but in cake form! This Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a delicious dessert treat.*
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of the mixture over the batter.
7. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Swirl the batter with a knife to create a marbled effect.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Servings: 12
– Calories: 275
– Carbohydrates: 42g
– Protein: 4g
– Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Cholesterol: 56mg
– Sodium: 291mg
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 24g
**Helpful tips:**
1. For added richness, you can drizzle a cream cheese icing over the cooled cake.
2. Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture.
3. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
4. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
5. You can prepare the batter the night before and bake it in the morning for a fresh breakfast treat.
6. Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
7. For a healthier version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
8. Make mini cinnamon roll cakes by baking the batter in muffin tins for individual portions.
9. Customize the cake with a cream cheese swirl by adding dollops of softened cream cheese before baking.
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter texture.
2. Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake texture.
3. Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Use high-quality cinnamon for a more aromatic and flavorful cake.
5. Melt the butter gently to ensure it mixes well with the other wet ingredients.
6. Experiment with different fillings like apple slices or chopped pecans for variety.
7. Bake the cake on the middle rack of the oven for even heat distribution.
8. If the top of the cake browns too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
10. Enjoy the cake warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.