There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen. It’s the scent of cozy mornings, festive gatherings, and cherished family traditions. This Cinnamon Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines a light and fluffy sponge cake with a luscious cinnamon-infused filling, all wrapped up in a beautiful spiral.’
If you’ve ever admired the elegant swirl of a cake roll but felt intimidated to try making one yourself, don’t worry! This recipe will walk you through the process step by step, with helpful tips to ensure success—even if it’s your first time.
Perfect for the holidays, a weekend treat, or a special dessert to share with loved ones, this cinnamon cake roll is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy Texture – The sponge cake is airy and soft, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Rich Cinnamon Flavor – The warm spice pairs perfectly with the sweet filling for an irresistible combination.
- Beautiful Presentation – The classic swirl makes this cake look elegant and impressive with minimal effort.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – This cake stores well, so you can prepare it in advance for special occasions.’
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
How to Make Cinnamon Cake Roll
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make rolling the cake much easier later on.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This process, which takes about 4–5 minutes, helps incorporate air into the batter for a light and airy cake.
Add the vanilla extract and milk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
Starting from one short end, gently roll the cake with the towel into a log shape. Let it cool completely while rolled—this step helps prevent cracks later.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake Roll
Once the cake has cooled, unroll it gently and spread the filling evenly across the surface. Then, carefully roll it back up without the towel.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to help it set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Slice and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures smooth mixing, especially for the filling.
- Don’t Overbake – A dry cake will crack when rolled, so keep an eye on it while baking.
- Roll While Warm – Rolling the cake immediately after baking prevents cracks.
- Chill Before Slicing – This helps the cake hold its shape when cut.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Sifting the Dry Ingredients – For an extra light and fluffy cake, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together before adding them to the wet ingredients. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution.
- Be Gentle When Rolling – Don’t press too hard while rolling the cake, as this can cause cracks. Rolling it with the towel while it’s still warm helps maintain flexibility.
- Chilling is Key – Allowing the cake roll to chill before slicing helps the filling set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
- Customizable Filling – You can experiment with different flavors by adding a hint of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a bit of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Avoid Overbaking – A dry cake is more likely to crack, so check for doneness by gently pressing the surface. If it springs back, it’s ready.
- For a More Decadent Touch – Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or melted chocolate for an extra special finish.
- Serving Suggestion – Pair this cinnamon cake roll with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect cozy treat.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the cinnamon cake roll in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
What if my cake cracks?
Small cracks are normal and can be hidden with powdered sugar. If the cake is too dry, try rolling it while slightly warmer next time.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to the filling.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
Making a Cinnamon Cake Roll at home is easier than you think! With its soft and fluffy sponge, rich cinnamon filling, and stunning spiral shape, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want a cozy treat with your coffee, this cake is a delicious choice.
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Cinnamon Cake Roll
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen. It’s the scent of cozy mornings, festive gatherings, and cherished family traditions. This Cinnamon Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines a light and fluffy sponge cake with a luscious cinnamon-infused filling, all wrapped up in a beautiful spiral.
If you’ve ever admired the elegant swirl of a cake roll but felt intimidated to try making one yourself, don’t worry! This recipe will walk you through the process step by step, with helpful tips to ensure success—even if it’s your first time.
Perfect for the holidays, a weekend treat, or a special dessert to share with loved ones, this cinnamon cake roll is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make rolling the cake much easier later on.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This process, which takes about 4–5 minutes, helps incorporate air into the batter for a light and airy cake.
Add the vanilla extract and milk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
Starting from one short end, gently roll the cake with the towel into a log shape. Let it cool completely while rolled—this step helps prevent cracks later.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake has cooled, unroll it gently and spread the filling evenly across the surface. Then, carefully roll it back up without the towel.
Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to help it set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Sifting the Dry Ingredients – For an extra light and fluffy cake, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together before adding them to the wet ingredients. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution.
- Be Gentle When Rolling – Don’t press too hard while rolling the cake, as this can cause cracks. Rolling it with the towel while it’s still warm helps maintain flexibility.
- Chilling is Key – Allowing the cake roll to chill before slicing helps the filling set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
- Customizable Filling – You can experiment with different flavors by adding a hint of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a bit of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Avoid Overbaking – A dry cake is more likely to crack, so check for doneness by gently pressing the surface. If it springs back, it’s ready.
- For a More Decadent Touch – Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or melted chocolate for an extra special finish.
- Serving Suggestion – Pair this cinnamon cake roll with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect cozy treat.