Cinnamon Roll Cake with Box Cake – Easy, Gooey, and Irresistible
If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t always have the time (or patience) to make them from scratch, then this cinnamon roll cake with box cake mix is about to become your new go-to dessert. It’s warm, gooey, packed with cinnamon-sugar swirls, and topped with a luscious glaze that melts right into the cake. Even better? It all starts with a simple box of cake mix, saving you time in the kitchen while still delivering bakery-worthy results.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about making this shortcut cinnamon roll cake: the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step directions, tips for success, variations, storage, and even serving ideas. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or a sweet dessert, this recipe guarantees compliments every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cake with Box Cake
- Quick and easy – No yeast, no long rising times. Just mix, swirl, bake, and enjoy.
- Made with pantry staples – Boxed cake mix, butter, sugar, and cinnamon are all you need.
- Perfect for beginners – If you’re new to baking, this recipe is foolproof.
- Crowd-pleaser – Tastes just like gooey homemade cinnamon rolls but in cake form.
- Versatile – Works as breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cake with Box Cake
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (makes it moist and rich)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup milk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for richer glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. This will be the gooey swirl that gives your cake that iconic cinnamon roll flavor.
3. Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife. Add the remaining cake batter on top, then drizzle the rest of the cinnamon mixture and swirl again. Don’t over-swirl—just a few strokes will give you those beautiful ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout.
4. Bake the Cake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Make the Glaze
While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.
6. Glaze and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly for 10 minutes. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake so it seeps into all the nooks and crannies. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cake with Box Cake
- Don’t skip the sour cream – It makes the cake extra moist and gives it that rich bakery taste.
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor in the cinnamon swirl.
- Swirl lightly – Too much swirling can mix everything together, and you’ll lose the cinnamon ribbons.
- Serve warm – Just like cinnamon rolls, this cake tastes best warm when the glaze melts right in.
- Double the glaze if you love extra sweetness and gooeyness.
Variations You Can Try
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Swap the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese frosting to make it taste even more like classic cinnamon rolls.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake – Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a unique twist.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for added texture.
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake – Add a layer of diced apples for a fall-inspired treat.
- Mini Cakes – Make this recipe in muffin tins for individual cinnamon roll cupcakes.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Breakfast or Brunch – Pair it with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a sweet start to your day.
- Holiday Dessert – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter gatherings.
- Potluck Favorite – Bring this cake to family events or office parties; it disappears fast!
- With Ice Cream – A warm slice topped with vanilla ice cream turns this cake into an indulgent dessert.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to 5 days when covered. Warm slices in the microwave before serving.
- Freezer – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before glazing or serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any flavor of box cake?
Yes! Yellow or white cake mix is the classic choice, but spice cake or even butter pecan mix can give delicious variations.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the cake a day in advance and glaze it just before serving for the best texture.
3. What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt, which keeps the cake moist and fluffy.
4. Can I make this cake without glaze?
Yes, but the glaze makes it taste like true cinnamon rolls. If you want less sweetness, drizzle lightly instead of skipping altogether.
Why This Recipe Works
Using a box cake mix cuts down on prep time and ensures consistent results. The sour cream enriches the batter, while the cinnamon-sugar-butter swirl gives the cake its gooey, cinnamon roll taste. Finally, the glaze ties everything together, creating a dessert that’s comforting, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible.
Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Roll Cake with Box Cake
This cinnamon roll cake with box cake mix is the perfect solution when you want the taste of homemade cinnamon rolls without the work. It’s warm, gooey, and sweet with swirls of cinnamon sugar running through every bite. Whether you’re making it for family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a quick dessert, this recipe will become one of your all-time favorites.
So grab that box of cake mix from your pantry and whip up this irresistible cinnamon roll cake. Trust me—you’ll want to make it again and again!
