Yes, you can make a cinnamon roll cake using pre-made cinnamon rolls as the base, creating a hybrid dessert that combines the convenience of ready-to-bake rolls with the flavor and presentation of a classic cake. This approach is popular for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing results, especially among home bakers seeking shortcuts or creative spins on traditional recipes.
What Is Cinnamon Roll Cake Made With Cinnamon Rolls?
Cinnamon roll cake made with cinnamon rolls refers to a dessert where store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls are arranged in a baking dish, often layered or pressed together, then baked (sometimes with additional ingredients like icing, cream cheese, or extra cinnamon sugar) to create a cake-like treat. The result is a moist, rich, pull-apart cake with the familiar swirls and flavors of classic cinnamon rolls, but with the ease of assembly and serving that comes from a single cake form.
How the Method Works
Making a cinnamon roll cake with cinnamon rolls is straightforward and can be customized in several ways. Here’s a general overview of how it’s typically done:
- Arrange the Rolls: Place refrigerated or frozen cinnamon rolls (with or without icing) in a greased baking dish. You can keep them whole, cut them into pieces, or flatten slightly for more even layers.
- Add Toppings or Fillings: Many recipes call for pouring a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes cream or cream cheese over the rolls. Some add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
- Bake: Bake according to the package directions, often adjusting the time to account for the larger mass. The rolls will expand and bake into each other, forming a cohesive cake.
- Top with Icing: Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle with the included icing packet or homemade cream cheese frosting.
This method offers flexibility: you can use any brand of cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury, Annie’s, or store brands), and adapt the add-ins and toppings to your taste.
Origins and Popularity
The idea of transforming cinnamon rolls into a cake has grown in popularity with the rise of semi-homemade and shortcut baking, especially as social media platforms showcase quick, impressive desserts. While traditional cinnamon roll cakes are made from scratch with a batter or yeasted dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, the version using pre-made rolls is a more recent adaptation. It appeals to busy home cooks, brunch hosts, and anyone looking for a reliable treat that doesn’t require kneading dough or waiting for multiple rises.
Choosing Cinnamon Rolls for Cake
The type of cinnamon rolls you choose can affect the final cake’s taste and texture. Here are key considerations:
- Refrigerated vs. Frozen: Refrigerated rolls are most commonly used, as they thaw and bake quickly. Frozen cinnamon rolls work but may require longer baking and thawing time.
- Size and Brand: Larger ‘Grand’ style rolls create a thicker, more substantial cake, while smaller rolls produce a thinner, more delicate result. Brands vary in sweetness and spice, so select one that matches your preference.
- With or Without Icing: Most pre-made rolls come with icing, which can be used for topping. If not, you can make a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting.
- Homemade Rolls: If you prefer, you can use your own prepared cinnamon rolls for a more personal touch, but the process is less of a shortcut.
Customizing Your Cinnamon Roll Cake
One of the main attractions of this cake is its adaptability. Here are some popular ways to customize it:
- Add Fruit: Scatter chopped apples, pears, or berries between the rolls for a fruity twist.
- Mix in Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and depth.
- Layer with Cream Cheese: Dollop sweetened cream cheese between layers for a rich, tangy flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice to the topping mixture.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Warm slices pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert.
Some bakers also pour a custard mixture (eggs, milk, vanilla) over the rolls before baking to create a bread pudding-like texture.
Common Problems and Solutions
While cinnamon roll cake made with cinnamon rolls is generally foolproof, a few issues can arise. Here’s how to address them:
- Undercooked Center: Because the rolls are packed closely, the center can remain doughy. To avoid this, bake at a slightly lower temperature for longer, and cover the top with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Dry Edges: Overbaking or using too small a pan can lead to dry edges. Check for doneness at the minimum recommended time and use a pan that allows for even spacing.
- Too Sweet: Some find the cake overly sweet, especially with extra toppings. Reduce added sugar or use unsweetened add-ins like fruit or nuts to balance flavors.
- Sticking to the Pan: Grease the baking dish thoroughly, or line with parchment for easy removal.
Comparisons to Other Cinnamon Roll Cakes
Cinnamon roll cake made with cinnamon rolls differs from traditional cinnamon roll cakes in several key ways:
- Simplicity: The shortcut version skips dough prep, rising, and rolling, making it much faster and easier.
- Texture: The result is more like pull-apart bread or monkey bread than a classic cake, with distinct swirls and pieces.
- Flavor: The taste depends heavily on the brand of cinnamon rolls used, whereas scratch recipes can be tailored more closely to personal preferences.
- Presentation: Shortcut cakes often look rustic and homey, while scratch cakes can be more refined with even layers and swirls.
Other related desserts include monkey bread (bite-sized dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar and baked together) and cinnamon roll bread pudding, both of which use similar techniques to repurpose cinnamon roll dough.
Cost and Convenience
One of the main advantages of making cinnamon roll cake with cinnamon rolls is cost and time savings. While prices vary by region and brand, a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls typically costs less than making dough from scratch (when accounting for yeast, flour, butter, and time). Additionally, the process takes under an hour from start to finish, versus several hours for traditional recipes.
This makes the method ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, holiday breakfasts, or when you want a comforting treat without much advance planning.
Food Safety and Storage
As with any baked good containing eggs, dairy, and sugar, proper storage is important for safety and freshness. Here are some guidelines:
- After Baking: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. If not serving immediately, cover loosely to prevent drying out.
- Short-Term Storage: Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. If the cake contains cream cheese or custard, refrigerate after 2 hours.
- Long-Term Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers, especially if using perishable fillings or frostings.
Alternatives and Variations
If you want a cinnamon roll cake but don’t have pre-made rolls, there are other ways to achieve similar flavors:
- Scratch-Made Cinnamon Roll Cake: Make a batter or yeast dough from scratch, swirl with cinnamon sugar, and bake as a cake.
- Monkey Bread: Use biscuit dough or bread dough pieces coated in cinnamon sugar, layered in a bundt pan, and baked for a pull-apart effect.
- Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding: Cube leftover cinnamon rolls, mix with a custard, and bake for a rich, dessert-like pudding.
- Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: Prepare a simple coffee cake batter with a cinnamon sugar swirl for a lighter take.
Each alternative offers a different texture and level of effort, so you can choose based on your available ingredients and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make cinnamon roll cake with homemade cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can assemble and bake the cake using homemade cinnamon rolls, either freshly made or leftover. Just prepare your rolls as usual, arrange them in a baking dish, and follow the same baking and topping steps. - What size pan should I use?
Most recipes use a 9×13-inch baking dish for a standard can of 8-10 cinnamon rolls. For smaller batches, an 8×8-inch or 9-inch round pan works well. Adjust baking time as needed for the pan size and roll thickness. - How do I prevent the cake from being too gooey in the middle?
To ensure even baking, avoid overcrowding the pan and bake at a moderate temperature (around 350°F/175°C). Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - Can I add extra ingredients to the cake?
Absolutely. Many people add chopped nuts, fruit, or a cream cheese layer for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of added moisture, which may affect baking time. - Is it safe to leave cinnamon roll cake at room temperature?
If the cake contains only the rolls and icing, it can be left at room temperature (covered) for 1-2 days. If there’s a cream cheese or custard component, refrigerate after 2 hours to prevent spoilage. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Summary
Cinnamon roll cake made with cinnamon rolls offers a convenient, customizable way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon rolls in cake form. It’s accessible to novice bakers, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable with add-ins and toppings. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this shortcut cake is a reliable crowd-pleaser that simplifies the process of making a classic treat.