Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could transform the irresistible flavors of a cinnamon roll into a shareable, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is your dream come true. Imagine moist, buttery cake ribboned with a brown sugar-cinnamon swirl and topped with a velvety glaze—all the nostalgia of your favorite pastry, all in a fuss-free pan. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet finish to dinner, this classic delivers warm comfort in every slice and is guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe works some serious magic, creating that signature pillowy crumb, gooey swirl, and sweet finishing drizzle. Let’s walk through each ingredient with a quick tip to help you achieve cinnamon cake perfection!
- Yellow Cake Mix: The base for easy prep—using a boxed mix ensures a tender, golden cake every time.
- Eggs: Four large eggs give the cake structure, richness, and help everything bake up soft and tall.
- Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the crumb delicate; whole milk gives the best texture, but any milk works!
- Sour Cream: For irresistible tang and extra moistness—don’t skip this secret weapon.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft even after a day or two; any neutral oil does the trick.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Forms the base of the gooey swirl—use real butter for best flavor.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Deepens the sweetness and helps create that caramel cinnamon layer.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Fresh cinnamon makes all the difference for aroma and taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Whips into a perfectly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the sugar for drizzling; swap in cream for an extra decadent treat.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and rounds out the sweet, spiced flavors.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter. This ensures your Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake slips out easily and keeps those edges beautifully golden.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Whisk or beat until the batter is completely smooth and creamy—be sure there are no lumps, as this leads to that luscious, tender crumb we love!
Step 3: Pour and Spread the Batter
Transfer the cake batter to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into every corner, creating an even layer so the cinnamon swirl stays balanced throughout the cake.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, fragrant paste. This luscious mixture is truly the heart of the Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake, adding those signature pockets of spice and sweetness.
Step 5: Swirl and Bake
Spoon dollops of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter. Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the mixture into the batter—don’t overmix; you want bold ribbons, not blended-in flavor. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Glaze While Warm
While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Once your cake is out and has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm top so it soaks in. The result: a perfectly gooey, sweet-topped masterpiece!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake
Garnishes
Garnishing Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake is all about showing off those irresistible swirls and gooey glaze. Try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a few chopped pecans, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a finishing touch that makes every slice bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cake with the right sides truly takes it over the top. Serve it with a big mug of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. If you’re making brunch, add a crisp bacon platter, a bowl of fresh berries, or even eggs for a balanced spread that lets the cake shine as the superstar sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake into cubes for a brunch buffet, or plate warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can even use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for special occasions—kids love these little surprises!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, simply cover the cake well or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay tasty and moist at room temperature for up to three days—just make sure it’s sealed to lock in the gooeyness.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive that warm, just-baked vibe, pop slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. The glaze will melt just a bit and every swirled bite will taste as delicious as day one!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix keeps things classic, a white or spice cake mix also works beautifully, adding a fun twist to your Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten free yellow cake mix and check that your other ingredients are gluten free. The results are just as delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
You sure can! Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a handful of raisins for a little chew—those extras add great texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon mixture?
Use a butter knife or wooden skewer to gently create swirled ribbons. Avoid over-mixing—just a few figure-eight motions keep the layers distinct and gooey!
Can I make Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day ahead and store covered at room temperature. Glaze just before serving for the freshest and gooiest effect.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers everything you love about cinnamon rolls in an easy, no-fuss format that’s perfect for sharing. One bite and it’s clear why this cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat wins raves at every table—so gather your favorite people, pour the coffee, and bake up some sweet memories with this irresistible cake!
Print
Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake that combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the simplicity of a cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, sour cream, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour into the baking dish.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Spoon over the cake batter and swirl gently.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Glaze and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half of the milk in the glaze with heavy cream.
- This cake tastes best fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
