Easy Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe with Box Cake Mix

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cake Ingredients

• 1 box Jiffy yellow cake mix
• Ingredients needed on the back of the box

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Jiffy yellow cake mix according to the box instructions.
3. Grease your baking pan so the cake does not stick.
4. Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan.
5. Add spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture throughout the cake batter.
6. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Do not overmix.
7. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Start checking around 15 minutes because every oven bakes differently.
8. For the icing, mix softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
9. Add confectioners sugar and vanilla extract, then blend until creamy.
10. Let the cake cool slightly, then spread the cream cheese icing over the top.
11. Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Cake Works

The yellow cake mix gives this recipe a soft, fluffy base while saving time in the kitchen. The cinnamon swirl adds buttery brown sugar flavor throughout the cake, so every slice has that warm cinnamon roll taste.

The cream cheese icing brings everything together. It adds richness, sweetness, and that classic cinnamon roll topping flavor. This is a simple cake mix dessert that still tastes homemade and comforting.

Helpful Baking Tips

• Use softened butter and cream cheese. This helps the cinnamon swirl and icing mix smoothly.
• Do not over-swirl. A few gentle swirls are enough to create cinnamon ribbons inside the cake.
• Check the cake early. Some ovens bake faster, so start checking around 15 minutes.
• Let the cake cool slightly before icing. If the cake is too hot, the icing may melt too much.
• Serve slightly warm. This gives the cake that fresh cinnamon roll feel.

Recipe Variations

• Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl before baking.
• Extra Cinnamon Version: Add a little more cinnamon if you want a stronger cinnamon flavor.
• Holiday Version: Add a small pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture.
• Extra Icing Version: Make a little more cream cheese icing for a thicker frosted top.
• Vanilla Glaze Version: Use a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of cream cheese icing.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Cake

Because this cake has cream cheese icing, leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the cake covered tightly or place slices in an airtight container.

For the best texture, let a slice sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds until soft.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Hot coffee
• Cold milk
• Fresh fruit
• Breakfast eggs and bacon
• Holiday brunch dishes
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert

Watch the Full Video

Follow along with the full BeSureToCook video tutorial below to see the cinnamon swirl, cake batter, cream cheese icing, and final slice.