Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake
If there’s one dessert that never lasts long, it’s cinnamon rolls. Their soft texture, sweetness, and warm spice make them hard to pass up—but the traditional method can be time-consuming with all the rising and rolling.
This version simplifies everything by transforming those familiar flavors into an easy-to-make cake. It’s tender, moist, and features a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, giving you that classic taste without all the extra steps.
Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- ½ cup shortening
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream the shortening and sugar together until light and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter. Spread the remaining batter on top.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the layers, being careful not to fully mix it in.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Make the Icing
While the cake bakes, combine the icing ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over low, stirring until smooth.
Step 6: Finish
Remove the cake from the oven and poke small holes across the top. Pour the warm icing over the cake so it seeps into the holes.
Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
This cake delivers all the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls in a quicker, more convenient form—perfect when you want a homemade treat without the extra effort.
