Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this incredibly moist and flavorful Cinnamon Cake Roll. This delightful Swiss roll cake, generously filled with a rich cream cheese frosting and aromatic cinnamon, has consistently been the star centerpiece at our gatherings. It’s the perfect treat to share with friends, or to keep all to yourself with a relaxing afternoon tea or coffee.
There’s a special kind of warmth and nostalgia that comes with cinnamon-flavored desserts. We are always exploring new ways to enjoy the classic cinnamon roll experience, and this recipe stands out as one of the easiest and most rewarding Swiss roll cakes you can ever bake. Its simple preparation belies a sophisticated flavor profile that will impress everyone.
Why This Cinnamon Cake Roll Will Be Your New Favorite
This Cinnamon Cake Roll isn’t just another dessert; it’s a baking triumph designed for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned pros. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished addition to your repertoire:
- Foolproof Perfection: Say goodbye to baking anxiety! This recipe is incredibly forgiving and has been meticulously tested to ensure a perfect Swiss roll every time. Follow the clear, step-by-step instructions, and you’ll achieve a beautifully rolled cake without any fear of cracks or crumbling.
- Celebration-Ready Dessert: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a birthday celebration, or just a cozy family dinner, this festive cake elevates any occasion. Its elegant presentation and irresistible flavor make it ideal for special moments throughout the year.
- Cozy Autumnal Flavors, Anytime: The comforting blend of warm cinnamon spice and rich cream cheese filling makes this cake a perfect fit for fall parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or simply a treat during a chilly evening. Yet, its versatile appeal ensures it’s equally delightful no matter the season.
- Effortlessly Delicious Coffee Cake: Beyond special occasions, this cinnamon cake roll serves as a wonderfully delicious and easy coffee cake. It’s suitable as a light dessert after dinner, a delightful addition to your brunch spread, or a sweet pick-me-up with your morning coffee.
- Convenient Make-Ahead Option: Hosting a party or preparing for a busy week? This Swiss roll cake can be prepared a day ahead of serving, allowing you to focus on other preparations while ensuring a fresh, exquisite dessert is ready when you are. Just a quick chill, and it’s ready to impress!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Cake Roll
Crafting this luscious cinnamon cake roll requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples to create something extraordinary. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this page. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises beautifully to achieve that signature light and airy Swiss roll texture.
- Eggs: Separated, eggs are crucial for both structure and lightness. Egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks for airiness, while yolks add richness and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Used in both the cake batter and the cream cheese filling, it dissolves easily to create a smooth texture and balanced sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Providing its warm, aromatic, and comforting flavor to both the cake and the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Crucial for the velvety smooth and tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Unsalted Butter: Also at room temperature, butter adds richness and structure to the cream cheese filling, making it irresistibly creamy.
- White Vinegar (Optional but Recommended): A small amount in the egg whites helps stabilize them, ensuring stiff peaks are easily achieved and maintained.
- Warm Water: Added to the egg yolk mixture to help create a lighter, more pliable cake batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Perfect Swiss Roll
Making a Swiss roll can seem intimidating, but with these clear and detailed instructions, you’ll find the process enjoyable and the results incredibly rewarding. This section provides an overview; for the most comprehensive, detailed instructions, please consult the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Meringue: In a clean, dry bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with a portion of the vanilla and the white vinegar until they form stiff, glossy peaks. This step is vital for the cake’s light texture.
- Create the Yolk Mixture: In a separate large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the egg yolks, the remaining vanilla, and sugar. Beat these ingredients until the mixture becomes creamy and achieves a pale yellow color, then gently incorporate the warm water.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) to the egg yolk mixture. Mix carefully with a spatula, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Delicately fold the stiff egg whites into the batter using slow, gentle strokes. This preserves the air incorporated into the whites, which is crucial for the cake’s tenderness and rise.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your lined baking pan. Bake for a short period, typically 12-15 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and springs back when lightly touched. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cake difficult to roll.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While the cake is baking, prepare your luscious cream cheese filling. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Separately, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. It should still be warm enough to be pliable but cool enough to handle. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar before inverting it onto a clean kitchen towel or a fresh sheet of parchment paper. Gently peel off the original parchment paper.
- Fill and Roll: Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture over the warm cake, leaving a ½-inch border clear on all sides. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the cream cheese. Beginning from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the cake tightly with the aid of the towel. The towel helps prevent sticking and maintains the roll’s shape.
- Chill to Set: Once rolled, cover the cake completely with the towel or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling period is essential for the cake to set its spiral shape and for the filling to firm up, making it easier to slice cleanly.
Tips for Swiss Roll Success
Achieving a perfectly rolled and moist Swiss roll can be easy with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your Cinnamon Cake Roll turns out beautifully every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For both the cake batter and the cream cheese filling, ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows for smoother mixing, better emulsification, and a more uniform texture. Cold ingredients can result in lumpy batter or filling.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dense cake that can crack easily when rolled.
- Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks: The volume and stability of your whipped egg whites are crucial for the cake’s light, airy texture. Ensure your bowl and beaters are impeccably clean and grease-free. The vinegar acts as a stabilizer, helping the whites hold their shape.
- Do Not Overbake: Swiss roll cakes bake quickly. Overbaking dries out the cake, making it brittle and prone to cracking when you attempt to roll it. The cake should be lightly golden and spring back gently when touched in the center.
- Roll While Still Warm: The cake is most flexible and easiest to roll when it’s still warm, typically 5-10 minutes out of the oven. Rolling it hot can cause the filling to melt too quickly, while rolling it completely cold will cause it to crack.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Rolling: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is non-negotiable. It prevents sticking and provides a clean surface to invert the cake onto. Rolling it directly with the parchment paper (or a clean kitchen towel) aids in creating a tight, even spiral.
- The “Crack” Myth: Don’t panic if your cake develops small cracks while rolling. This is common, especially for beginners. The rich cream cheese filling and a generous dusting of powdered sugar will beautifully conceal any imperfections, making them part of its rustic charm.
- Chill Thoroughly: The chilling step is essential. It allows the cake to fully set its shape and for the cream cheese filling to firm up, making for clean, precise slices and an overall better eating experience.
Creative Variations to Explore
While the classic Cinnamon Cake Roll is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple variations to tailor it to your taste or occasion:
- Chocolate Cinnamon Twist: For chocolate lovers, you can easily substitute or combine cocoa powder with the ground cinnamon in the filling. A mixture of equal parts cocoa powder and cinnamon offers a delightful mocha-like flavor.
- Alternative Frostings: If you’re looking for a different tangy note, consider using a sour cream frosting instead of cream cheese. Its lighter consistency and distinctive tang can offer a refreshing twist. Alternatively, a simple vanilla buttercream or even a caramel frosting would also be divine.
- Nutty Addition: Enhance the texture and flavor by sprinkling finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the cream cheese filling before rolling. This adds a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
- Fruit Infusion: For a seasonal touch, lightly spread a thin layer of apple butter or pumpkin puree over the cake before adding the cream cheese and cinnamon sugar. This creates an extra layer of moisture and a complementary fruity note.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Cinnamon Cake Roll is fantastic for entertaining as it holds up well, and can even be prepared in advance.
Storage
To maintain its freshness and delightful texture, store any leftover slices of your Cinnamon Cake Roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make Ahead
Planning is key for stress-free entertaining. You can prepare the cake component a day in advance without the filling. Once baked and cooled, gently roll the plain cake (without filling) in a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply unroll the cake, spread the cream cheese filling and cinnamon sugar, and then re-roll it, following the rest of the instructions. This method ensures maximum freshness and prevents the cake from drying out.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings
While this Cinnamon Cake Roll is a showstopper on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes can elevate the entire dining experience. From savory mains to additional sweet treats, here are some ideas to serve alongside your delicious creation:
- Savory Delights: For a truly satisfying meal that precedes this sweet treat, consider serving hearty main courses. Try these mouthwatering, super-quick Baja Shrimp Tacos for a fresh and flavorful option, or this simple yet amazing Meatloaf Recipe with Bread Crumbs.
- Comforting Sides: Complement your main dish with comforting sides like creamy Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, creating a balanced and delightful meal before indulging in the cinnamon goodness.
- Pasta Perfection: My family loves it when I serve this rich Cream Cheese Pasta with meatloaves, or you can simply whip up a batch of this light Alfredo Sauce and add it to any pasta of your choice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Extra Decadence: For those who can’t get enough of creamy goodness, make a batch of this luscious Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting and serve it on the side. Guests can add an extra dollop for even more deliciousness.
- Beverage Pairings: This cake is a match made in heaven with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a warm latte, or a soothing cup of black or herbal tea. The flavors beautifully complement each other, making for a perfect dessert or afternoon snack.
Recommended Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, especially when it comes to a delicate recipe like a Swiss roll. Here are a few pieces of equipment that will help you achieve perfection:
A high-quality half sheet pan (approximately 17×12 inches) is ideal for this recipe. Its size ensures the cake bakes to the perfect thickness, making it pliable enough to roll without tearing. While you can use a smaller 13×6 inch pan, it might result in a thicker cake that is more prone to cracking during the rolling process. An electric mixer, either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, will be indispensable for whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and creaming the ingredients for the filling. Additionally, parchment paper is absolutely essential for lining the baking pan and aiding in the rolling process. Make sure to have a clean kitchen towel on hand for the initial roll as well.
More Delightful Dessert Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed baking this Cinnamon Cake Roll, you’re in for a treat with these other fabulous dessert ideas from our collection:
- Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake: One of the easiest and tastiest cakes to make, especially when apples are in season.
- Fall Cakes: Explore a variety of moist bundt cakes, decadent apple crumbles, sweet potato treats, and layer cakes to satisfy all your autumnal baking desires.
- Revani (Egyptian Semolina Cake): A classic Mediterranean semolina cake, drenched in lemon-infused simple syrup and topped with coconut flakes.
- Baked Apple Roses: Fresh apples and puff pastry are the main ingredients for these stunning and easy-to-make apple roses, delicately flavored with cinnamon and sugar.
- Chocolate Coconut Cake: The perfect simple and rustic dessert for a potluck or family gathering – always a crowd-pleaser!
- Cinnamon Swirls: Buttery, flaky pastries rolled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection for any sweet craving.
Indulge in Creamy Dessert Delights
For those who adore rich, velvety textures and luscious fillings, our collection of creamy desserts offers even more irresistible options:
- Tiramisu without Alcohol: A holiday and party staple, incredibly easy to make with a step-by-step tutorial for a classic, family-friendly version.
- Trilece (Turkish Tres Leches): A delicious Turkish twist on the popular Tres Leches cake, featuring a rich and silky caramel layer.
- Grandma’s Date Cake (Modern Spin): A modern take on a beloved classic, this date cake is simply awesome and full of nostalgic flavor.
- Fluffy Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting: The best easy-to-make frosting with just a handful of ingredients, perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
- Snowball Cake (No-Bake): A melt-in-your-mouth fluffy, moist, and incredibly easy no-bake cake. Made with just a few ingredients, this adorable treat requires minimal effort and mostly chilling time.
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Cinnamon Cake Roll Recipe
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Ingredients
For the cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature, separated
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon white vinegar
- 6 Tablespoons warm water
- 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
- 1 cup All purpose flour (120g)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder (10g)
Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ -1 cup of powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar mix:
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons sugar (brown or granulated)
Optional:
- More powder sugar and/or ground cinnamon for dusting.
- Caramel sauce, cream cheese sauce, chocolate sauce for decoration.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with oil, then set aside.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites, vinegar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat egg yolks, the remaining vanilla, and sugar until creamy and pale yellow.
- Mix in the warm water.
- Sift the flour with the baking powder into a third bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the egg yolk mixture and mix with a spatula until the flour just disappears.
- Gently fold in the stiff egg whites with slow, gentle strokes to maintain airiness.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
- While the cake is in the oven, prepare the filling: beat all filling ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge.
- In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar for the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes, until it’s warm enough to handle.
- Dust the top of the cake with about two tablespoons of powdered sugar, then invert it onto a clean kitchen towel or a fresh piece of parchment paper. Carefully peel off the original parchment paper from the top of the cake.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving about ½ inch clear from all sides.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over the filling, then roll the cake tightly with the help of the towel, starting from one of the longer sides.
- Cover the rolled cake well from all sides with the towel or using plastic wrap. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for about an hour before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Optionally, dust with more powdered sugar and cinnamon, and drizzle with caramel lines to decorate before serving.
Notes
- You can use cocoa powder instead of, or in addition to, ground cinnamon in the filling.
- I recommend baking this in a 17×12 inch baking sheet. Using a smaller 13×6 inch pan may result in a thicker cake that is more prone to tearing while rolling.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 35g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 11g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 0.2g |
Cholesterol: 98mg |
Sodium: 194mg |
Potassium: 63mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 24g |
Vitamin A: 409IU |
Vitamin C: 0.03mg |
Calcium: 105mg |
Iron: 1mg
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First published February 19, 2016. Last updated November 1, 2022, with important tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and improved readability.
My Love Affair with Cinnamon Rolls: A Personal Journey
My journey with cinnamon-infused desserts began many years ago, probably around 12 years ago, when Cinnabon first opened its doors in Egypt. The experience was transformative. Let me clarify: Cinnabon in Egypt offers a distinctly different, arguably more heavenly, cinnamon and caramel sauce than what I’ve encountered here in the US – or at least in Colorado. There’s an inexplicable difference in their divine concoction that truly captivates the senses.
It’s a mystery why the taste experience is so dramatically different, but it is. So, a word of advice: if you ever find yourself in Egypt, seize the opportunity to grab one of their cinnamon rolls. Make sure it’s generously covered with all their glorious toppings; you will undoubtedly thank me later for this recommendation.
This homemade Cinnamon Cake Roll has a similar magic. It rarely lasts more than 12 hours in my home; usually, it disappears much sooner! My children adore it, enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, an after-dinner treat, and truly, as a year-round dessert. To make myself feel better about their indulgence, I try to serve it alongside some fresh fruits, justifying having more than one piece.
I’ve baked this cake countless times for guests and potlucks, and it’s always a resounding success. Without fail, everyone asks for the recipe. The wonderful thing about this cake is that you don’t need to be overly cautious when rolling it. Even if it develops a few cracks, the generous dusting of powdered sugar will beautifully conceal any imperfections. So, do not panic – embrace the process, and enjoy the delicious outcome!
This recipe brings a piece of that cherished cinnamon experience directly into your kitchen, providing a delightful and surprisingly simple way to create a memorable dessert. Enjoy every tender, cinnamon-spiced bite!