Introduction

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is a decadent dessert that marries the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a cake. This delightful treat features a soft, moist cake base swirled with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds an irresistible sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake brings the indulgence of classic cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling and shaping dough. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to a meal, this cake promises to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

The History of Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon rolls have a long history dating back to ancient times, with origins traced to Northern Europe, particularly in Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” Over the years, cinnamon rolls have evolved into a beloved breakfast and dessert staple in many cultures, especially in the United States. The ooey gooey version of this treat emerged as home bakers sought to combine the traditional cinnamon roll experience with a more accessible, less time-consuming format. The concept of turning the cinnamon roll filling into a cake form gained popularity, especially in the 21st century, as it allowed for easier preparation while still delivering the beloved flavors and textures. This cake has become a favorite in many households, celebrated for its ease of preparation and the joy it brings to gatherings and family breakfasts alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

To create the perfect Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake, it’s essential to understand the role each ingredient plays in achieving its delicious flavor and texture.

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and stability. Using the right amount ensures a tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake batter and balances the flavors of the cinnamon filling.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show, providing that warm, aromatic flavor that cinnamon rolls are known for.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Softened butter helps create a smooth batter.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake with a delightful aroma and enhances the flavor profile.
Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb. Whole milk is often preferred for richness.
Brown Sugar: Used in the filling, it adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and enhances the gooey texture.
Cream Cheese: A key ingredient for the glaze, contributing to its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps achieve the desired consistency for drizzling.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and mix until just combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the batter, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Add Cinnamon Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon filling mixture evenly over the batter, ensuring it covers the surface.
Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon filling in dollops, then gently spread it out to cover as much of the filling as possible. It’s okay if some of the filling is still visible.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by beating the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled for about 10-15 minutes, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top while the cake is still warm.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your ooey gooey cinnamon roll cake warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother batter.
Do Not Overmix: When combining the batter, mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense texture.
Check for Doneness: The cake should be set in the center but may still have a slight jiggle. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
Add Extra Cinnamon: If you love cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the filling for a more intense flavor.
Serve Warm: This cake is especially delicious when served warm, as the gooey filling is at its best.

Variations and Customizations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a crunchy texture contrast.
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate fresh or dried fruits like apples, raisins, or cranberries into the batter or filling for added flavor and moisture.
Chocolate Swirl: Mix in chocolate chips or swirl melted chocolate into the batter for a decadent twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of this cake.
Frosting Alternative: Instead of cream cheese glaze, top with a simple vanilla icing or serve with whipped cream for a lighter option.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is undeniably a treat, it’s essential to consider its nutritional content. With ingredients such as butter, sugar, and cream cheese, this cake is high in calories and sugar. Moderation is key when enjoying this dessert, especially for those watching their sugar intake or looking for healthier options. To make it a bit lighter, consider reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe, using whole wheat flour, or substituting some butter with unsweetened applesauce. Despite its indulgent nature, the cake can provide a small dose of calcium from the milk and cream cheese, making it a delightful treat that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and drizzle with the glaze just before serving.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then glaze before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the glaze? You can substitute with Greek yogurt or a vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan for a bigger crowd. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the comforting flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cake, making it a delightful dessert or breakfast treat. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this cake is perfect for any occasion and sure to please all who try it.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings 12

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup salted butter melted

For the Cinnamon Filling

¾ cup salted butter softened to room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ cups of milk using a hand mixer until well combined.
With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add in ½ cup of melted butter and continue mixing until combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a medium or small bowl, combine ¾ cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture into the batter and use a butter knife to create swirls throughout the cake by dragging the knife through both the cake batter and the cinnamon mixture.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
For the glaze, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 5 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl. If the glaze isn’t thick enough, refer to the tips and tricks.
Pour the glaze over the warm cake, slice, and serve. Enjoy!

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