Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake – Your New Favorite Easy Dessert
Imagine the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon filling your kitchen—this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake brings all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with none of the hassle. With layers of gooey cinnamon filling, a buttery cake topping, and a drizzle of sweet glaze, this easy dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, this effortless recipe will become a new favorite. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Effortless Baking: No complicated steps—simply assemble, bake, and savor the deliciousness.
- Warm Cinnamon Flavor: Every forkful delivers the comforting taste of a classic cinnamon roll.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a holiday treat, this cake fits the moment.
- Easy to Customize: Add nuts for crunch, drizzle with icing, or serve with ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Sure to Impress: A simple yet irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a warm, comforting dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Gather these simple yet delicious ingredients to create a warm and comforting Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:
Main Ingredients:
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls – Provides a soft, fluffy base with swirls of cinnamon spice.
- Brown sugar – Enhances the caramelized sweetness and deepens the cinnamon flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create a golden, gooey texture.
- Heavy cream – Keeps the cake moist while complementing the creamy cinnamon roll filling.
- Ground cinnamon – A must-have for extra warmth and spice.
- Vanilla extract – Boosts flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- Chopped pecans (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty depth.
- Powdered sugar glaze – Drizzle over the cake for an irresistible finishing touch.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter texture.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Add raisins or chocolate chips for extra bursts of flavor.
With these simple ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a decadent cinnamon-infused dessert!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Unwrap the cinnamon rolls and cut each one into 4 small pieces. Arrange the cut pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, add in the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
- Assemble the dump cake: Pour the creamy mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Lightly shake the dish to ensure the liquid spreads evenly across the surface.
- Optional toppings: For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cake before baking. These add crunch and extra flavor to the dessert.
- Bake the cake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cinnamon roll pieces are golden brown and the mixture is bubbling at the edges.
- Add the icing: While the cake is baking, set aside the icing packet that came with the cinnamon rolls. Once the cake is done baking and has cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the icing over the warm cake.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy the delicious cinnamon roll dump cake while it’s still warm, with gooey icing and a delightful cinnamon flavor.
This easy and indulgent dessert will have everyone asking for seconds!
Pro Tips and Variations to Try
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:
- Use fresh cinnamon rolls: For the best texture, opt for refrigerated cinnamon rolls rather than stale ones. They bake up soft and fluffy!
- Grease the baking dish well: Prevent sticking by lightly coating the dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cut rolls into smaller pieces: This ensures even baking and allows the flavors to blend seamlessly.
- Let it rest before serving: Giving the cake a few minutes to cool helps it set and enhances the flavors.
- Add a touch of spice: A dash of nutmeg or extra cinnamon can intensify the warm, cozy flavors.
Variations to Try:
- Caramel Drizzle – Swap the icing for a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Apple Cinnamon Twist – Layer in thinly sliced apples for extra sweetness and texture.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Edition – Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top before baking.
- Pumpkin Spice Version – Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a festive autumn touch.
These simple tweaks let you customize the cinnamon roll dump cake to your taste while keeping it easy and delicious!
Serving Suggestions and Storing
Serving Ideas:
- Freshly baked: Serve the dump cake warm straight from the oven for the best experience.
- With a scoop of ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warmth and richness of the cake.
- Top with icing: If you love extra sweetness, drizzle some cinnamon roll icing over the cake, or go for a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
- Add whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream provides a light, fluffy contrast to the decadent cake.
- Pair with a hot drink: Cinnamon roll dump cake is delightful with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or dessert.
Storing Your Cake:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: To keep the cake fresh for an extended period, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy it warm.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
These simple storage tips will help you keep your Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake fresh and ready to enjoy, whether you’re indulging immediately or savoring leftovers!
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the ultimate combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and a buttery cake topping, all made with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday gathering, or a last-minute dessert, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. With simple ingredients and a no-fuss preparation, it’s perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans optional
- Powdered sugar glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with oil or butter.
- Cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the dish.
- Whisk together melted butter, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Evenly pour the mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Add optional toppings like chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and firm.
- Drizzle the included icing over the warm cake before serving.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Yes! Homemade cinnamon rolls will work beautifully. Just ensure they’re partially baked or slightly firm before layering them into the cake to prevent sogginess.
2. What type of cake mix works best?
A cinnamon swirl or vanilla cake mix enhances the flavors perfectly, but a spice cake mix can add extra warmth and depth.
3. Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, since this cake contains cream cheese, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm, gooey texture.
4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra texture. A drizzle of caramel or a dusting of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor.
5. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Warm it in the oven before serving to restore its fresh-baked texture.