Name: Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star (1 standard packet); 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk; 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar or granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 22 reviews

If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for classic bakery flavors, you are going to adore this Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect way to deliver all the ooey-gooey cinnamon swirl goodness we crave—but on a fun, dramatic scale that’s perfect for sharing or feeling like you’re treating yourself to an extra-special, homemade indulgence. This cake combines soft, tender dough with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious vanilla glaze, creating a warm, aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible smells. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe turns a beloved classic into a showstopper that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with small, light brown yeast granules, placed in the center on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are three white packets of platinum superior baking yeast with visible black and red text and blue star logos. One packet is partly open and lays diagonally at the top left, another is flat at the bottom right, and the third lies underneath the top left packet, slightly covered but showing the text and logos. The overall scene is bright and clean, focused on the yeast and its packaging. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is easy because it relies on simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each ingredient plays an essential role from giving the dough its soft texture to creating that signature cinnamon-sugar swirl and irresistible glaze.

All-purpose flour (2 and 3/4 cups/344g): The foundation for the dough, giving structure and softness when properly mixed and kneaded.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup/50g): Adds subtle sweetness right into the dough for a delicate balance.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and perfectly balances the sweetness in the dough.
Platinum Yeast from Red Star (2 and 1/4 teaspoons): The magic agent that makes your dough rise beautifully, contributing to that tender texture.
Whole milk (3/4 cup/180ml): Gives the dough moisture and richness for softness and color.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup/56g and another 1/4 cup/56g softened): Melted for the dough and softened for the cinnamon filling, butter adds incredible flavor and tenderness.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough and adds moisture for better texture.
Light or dark brown sugar or granulated sugar (1/4 cup/50g): This is for the filling, adding deep sweetness and helping caramelize during baking.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives the roll its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup/120g): For the smooth, sweet glaze that perfectly finishes the cake.
Milk or heavy cream (2 tablespoons/30ml): Used to thin the glaze to a luscious drizzle consistency.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and richness to the glaze’s flavor.

How to Make Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl—this dry mix is the base of your dough. Warm the milk and butter until the butter melts and the mixture is just warm to the touch (around 100-110°F), then pour it into the dry ingredients along with the room-temperature egg. Mix everything until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls away gently from the bowl. If it feels too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour, but be careful to keep the dough on the softer side for deliciously tender rolls.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Either use your stand mixer with a dough hook for five minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface for the same amount of time. You’re aiming for a dough that’s soft but elastic, which you can test with the windowpane method. When it’s ready, form it into a ball, cover it with a towel or foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling out easier.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is resting, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make that signature filling. This luscious mixture will create the gooey, sweet spiral we all crave in cinnamon rolls.

Step 4: Roll and Spread the Dough

Roll out the rested dough into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon butter filling over the surface, ensuring every bite will be filled with that dreamy cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Step 5: Shape the Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake

Grease a 9-inch round pan and slice the dough into six strips about 2 inches wide. Roll the first strip tightly and place it in the center of the pan, then coil the rest around it, making one giant cinnamon roll. Don’t worry if some filling spills out—sprinkle it on top to catch that extra sweetness after shaping!

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the pan loosely and set it in a warm, draft-free spot to rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. For chilly kitchens, a warm oven trick helps achieve that perfect rise without rushing the flavor development.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes. If you notice any spots rising unevenly, gently press them down with a spatula to keep the surface even. Tent with foil if it browns too quickly. When golden brown and fragrant, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before icing.

Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Icing

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more milk for a thinner glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm cake for that final touch of irresistible sweetness.

How to Serve Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

A single slice of cinnamon roll sits on a white plate with a dotted edge design, placed on a white marbled surface. The cinnamon roll has multiple visible layers showing light golden brown dough with swirls of darker cinnamon filling inside. It is topped with a smooth, creamy white glaze that drips softly over the curved layers. Part of the cinnamon roll is eaten, with a few crumbs around. A fork lies on the plate near the bottom right, with traces of cinnamon and glaze on its tines. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, consider dusting the top of your cinnamon roll cake with a pinch of ground cinnamon or some crushed toasted pecans for added crunch. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries can provide a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with hot coffee or a creamy chai latte for breakfast or brunch. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy element complementing the warm cake perfectly. A simple glass of cold milk also works wonders for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a party or special event, consider cutting the cake into wedges and placing each piece on pretty plates, drizzling extra glaze on top. Individual portions warmed slightly and served with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone can make your guests feel extra pampered. For breakfast gatherings, serve alongside fresh flowers and mismatched mugs to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to keep the cake moist and fresh. It will stay delicious for up to four days, perfect for those who want a little treat ready to go.

Freezing

You can freeze the Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe either whole or in slices. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped well, the cake holds up for up to two months, making it a wonderful make-ahead dessert option.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm and soft, or warm the whole cake in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Reheating helps revive the gooey center and fresh out-of-the-oven aroma that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of yeast in the Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water first and adjust rising times accordingly. Instant yeast like Platinum Yeast simply streamlines the process, but alternatives work just fine with a bit of extra care.

What if I don’t have whole milk? Can I use something else?

Whole milk is best for richness, but you can substitute with 2% or even skim milk in a pinch. Adding a tablespoon of melted butter can help compensate for the lower fat content if desired.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough before baking?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffed up. A gentle poke should leave an indentation that slowly bounces back. That’s a great sign your dough is ready for the oven.

Why does the cinnamon roll cake sometimes crack on top while baking?

Cracks can form if the dough is overproofed or baked at too high a temperature. Make sure not to rush the rising, and keep your oven at the recommended 350°F for steady, even baking.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding finely chopped nuts or raisins to your cinnamon filling is a delicious twist. Just sprinkle them evenly over the buttered dough before rolling up your giant cinnamon roll cake.

Final Thoughts

This Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is truly a joy to make and an even greater joy to eat. It’s perfect for treating yourself or impressing friends and family with something homemade and heartfelt. Once you taste that tender dough, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze, you’ll understand why this recipe is destined to be a favorite go-to for cozy mornings and sweet celebrations. You’ve got everything it takes to make magic happen in your kitchen—so grab your ingredients, and happy baking!