Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls but short on time? This recipe transforms a simple cake mix into a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Forget hours of kneading and rising – this Cinnamon Roll Cake Mix creation delivers all the cinnamon-sugar swirls and buttery deliciousness in a fraction of the time. It's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you want a show-stopping treat without the fuss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. If using nuts, add them now.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer, and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Step 4: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire cake. This adds extra moisture and richness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cake Mix Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- For a richer flavor: Use buttermilk instead of milk.
- Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, complex flavor.
- Make it a coffee cake: Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar before baking for extra crunch.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Enhance the dessert with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Add ½ cup of chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delicious twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 5-6g
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This simple recipe for delicious cinnamon rolls delivers amazing flavor and texture without the lengthy preparation time. It's a fantastic option for a quick dessert, a family gathering, or any occasion where you want a sweet treat that's easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!