Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake Recipe

Baking a big mamas cinnamon roll dream cake brings pure magic to your kitchen table.

Sweet aromas will dance through every room, tempting everyone nearby.

Layers of warm, gooey goodness promise an unforgettable dessert experience.

Soft cinnamon swirls nestled between delicate cake layers create a nostalgic comfort.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each delectable bite.

Rich cream cheese frosting adds a dreamy, indulgent touch that makes this treat irresistible.

Whip up this cake and watch smiles spread across hungry faces.

Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake to Swoon Over

  • Swirl and Savor: This cinnamon roll dream cake brings the beloved bakery flavor directly to your home kitchen, creating a delightful dessert that captures the essence of classic cinnamon rolls.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, the recipe requires minimal technical skills and offers straightforward steps that guarantee a delicious result every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches, this cake delivers a warm, nostalgic taste that appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet cinnamon swirls and creamy glaze.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a spectacular dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Ingredients Needed for Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Provide richness and help with the cake's texture.
  • Vanilla: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes to the cake's richness and moisture.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • Brown Sugar, Flour, Softened Butter, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy ribbon throughout the cake.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla: Provides a sweet, smooth topping that adds extra flavor and moisture.

How to Bake Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake Perfectly

How to Bake Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up Cake Foundation

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder

Pour in milk, crack in fresh eggs, and splash vanilla extract. Blend everything until silky smooth.

Gently fold in melted butter, stirring until the batter looks uniform and creamy. Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Swirl Magic

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients form a luscious, fragrant paste. Dot spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture across the cake batter.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns, transforming the plain batter into a marbled masterpiece.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Craft Dreamy Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes silky and pourable.

Step 6: Drench in Glaze

Once the cake emerges from the oven, immediately drizzle the glaze across the warm surface.

Watch as it seeps into the crevices, creating a glistening, irresistible topping.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes.

Cut into generous squares and serve while still slightly warm. Each bite promises a delightful blend of soft cake and cinnamon swirls.

Tips to Get Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake Right

  • Use a butter knife or wooden skewer to create beautiful, deep swirls through the cinnamon mixture for an eye-catching marble effect.
  • Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Pour the sweet glaze over the cake while it's still warm to help it seep into the cake, creating extra moisture and flavor.
  • Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother batter and more even baking results.
  • Cover the cake loosely with foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft, tender texture.

Flavor Variations on Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake

  • Cream Cheese Dream: Add a layer of cream cheese filling between the cake batter and cinnamon swirl for extra richness.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cinnamon swirl for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Apple Cinnamon Fusion: Fold diced fresh apples into the cinnamon mixture for a fruity, autumnal spin on the classic recipe.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Mix cocoa powder into half the cake batter and create a chocolate-cinnamon marble effect for a decadent treat.

Pairings That Enhance Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake

  • Decadent Dairy Delight: Pair this cinnamon roll dream cake with cold, creamy whole milk for a classic comfort combination that enhances the cake's rich, sweet flavors.
  • Coffee Companion: Match the cake with a smooth, medium-roast coffee or a velvety cappuccino to balance the sweetness and provide a warm, aromatic contrast.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream Indulgence: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a heavenly contrast between the warm cake and cold, creamy topping that melts beautifully.
  • Caramel Drizzle Adventure: Complement the cake with a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce, adding depth and a luxurious extra layer of sweetness that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Proper Storage to Keep Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake

Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the cake moist and fresh.

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating and maintain soft texture.

Warm the entire cake at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve the cake’s delicious cinnamon swirl.

FAQs

  • What gives this cake its unique swirl pattern?

The cinnamon mixture is carefully dropped and swirled through the batter using a knife, creating a beautiful marbled effect that adds both visual appeal and flavor to the cake.

  • Can I adjust the sweetness level of the cake?

Yes, you can control the sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar in the cake batter or by adjusting the glaze. Start with less sugar and taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

  • Is this cake suitable for making ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be prepared in advance and stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, making it perfect for planning ahead for gatherings or events.

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Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake Recipe

Big Mamas Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon Roll Dream Cake brings Grandma Big Mama’s sweet Southern comfort straight to your dessert table. Warm spices and creamy layers combine for a nostalgic experience that celebrates classic family baking traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch pan with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Craft the foundational cake mixture by blending dry ingredients – flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder – in a spacious mixing vessel.
  3. Introduce liquid components: milk, eggs, and vanilla essence, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Gently fold in the melted butter, ensuring complete integration without overmixing, then transfer the batter into the prepared pan.
  5. Construct the signature cinnamon swirl by thoroughly combining softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until achieving a luxurious, homogeneous texture.
  6. Strategically distribute dollops of the cinnamon mixture across the cake’s surface, then use a knife to create elegant marbled patterns by drawing graceful lines through the batter.
  7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges completely clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
  8. Simultaneously prepare the glossy finishing glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
  9. Upon removing the cake from the oven, immediately drizzle the prepared glaze evenly across the warm surface, allowing it to seep into the cake’s delicate crumb.
  10. Allow the cake to rest and cool slightly, permitting flavors to harmonize before serving to eager guests.

Notes

  • Customize the cake by swirling the cinnamon mixture more vigorously for a more dramatic marbled effect.
  • Opt for whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone to the cake.
  • Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that’s equally delicious.
  • Experiment with cream cheese frosting instead of the classic glaze for a richer, tangier topping.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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