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Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake

Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake – The Ultimate Shareable Brunch Dessert

This giant cinnamon roll cake is fluffy, gooey, and layered with sweet cinnamon-sugar swirls. Perfect for brunches, birthdays, and holidays, this 9-inch beauty serves 12 and tastes as good as it looks. Includes tips, substitutions, and overnight prep options.
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Recipe Type: Breakfast, Dessert
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 330kcal

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • ¾ cup whole milk 100–110°F
  • 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose
  • 1 tsp fine grain salt

For the Filling

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, stened
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Optional Gooey Bottom

  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar

Optional Fluffy Boost

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Cream Cheese Icing

  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Activate the Yeast: Heat milk to 100–110°F (38–43°C). In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and salt until a dough forms.
  • Knead: Knead for 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until dough is smooth and elastic.
  • First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled.
  • Prepare Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Shape the Roll: Roll dough into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly with your hands. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over butter and press in gently.
  • Cut & Roll: Slice into 6 long strips. Roll the first strip tightly, then continue adding strips around it to form one giant roll.
  • Pan Prep: Grease a 9-inch springform pan. For extra gooeyness, sprinkle 2 tbsp brown sugar on the bottom. Place roll inside.
  • Second Rise: Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
  • Optional Heavy Cream: Just before baking, pour ¼ cup heavy cream over the roll.
  • Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Make Icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in vanilla, then powdered sugar.
  • Finish & Serve: Spread icing over warm roll. Slice and enjoy.

Overnight Prep Options

  • Option 1 – Fully Bake Ahead: Bake the roll, cool, wrap tightly. In the morning, reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes, then frost.Option 2 – Chill Before Baking: After shaping the giant roll, wrap pan in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let rise at room temp for 1 hour, then bake as directed.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 12g | Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 25g