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Cinnamon Roll Cake {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option}

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Do you miss cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns since going gluten-free? Now you don’t have to! This gluten-free cinnamon roll cake has both the texture and the taste of a gooey cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls are not just for breakfast anymore! 

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake slice on a white plate with a white coffee cup, fork and another cake slice in the background.

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Cinnamon Rolls

I absolutely adore cinnamon rolls, really cinnamon anything! One of the things I missed the most since going gluten-free was cinnamon rolls.

I was looking for gluten-free cinnamon roll and cinnamon buns recipes online and they seemed so labor intensive. These recipes had lots of steps and took lots of time.

This busy mama of four does not have time for that!

So when I found this recipe for cinnamon roll cake on Chef In Training‘s blog I was so excited. I found that the cinnamon roll cake was easy to modify to be gluten-free.

A lot of gluten-free cooking is finding ways to modify your favorite recipes to be gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Baking

I have also included a dairy-free option to my gluten-free cinnamon roll cake recipe.  My husband, my youngest son, and I are all dairy-free.

I promise it is just as delicious made with the dairy-free butter and dairy-free milk. For this recipe, I like to bake with almond or cashew milk and Smart Balance or Earth Balance butter.

So, you too can enjoy a gluten-free and dairy-free cinnamon roll cake.

two slices of gluten-Free cinnamon roll cake on white plates with a white coffee cup.

Gluten-Free Roll Cinnamon Cake

Gluten-free cinnamon rolls can be hard to recreate. With this gluten-free cinnamon roll cake recipe, you get all of the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns without all of the work!

This is not your average cinnamon cake. It has both the texture and the taste of a gooey cinnamon roll.

Seriously this is one of my favorite gluten-free cakes!

Cinnamon rolls are not just for breakfast anymore. Enjoy!

I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

I also have also turned this amazing cake into a recipe for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Muffins too!

gluten-free cinnamon roll muffins

Try my some of my other gluten-free dessert and gluten-free breakfast recipes.

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★Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★

Recipe adapted to be gluten-free from the Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe from Grin and Bake It (it’s not linked because the blog is no longer exists).
5 from 11 votes
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Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake

Do you miss cinnamon rolls since going gluten-free? Now you don't have to! This cinnamon roll cake has both the texture and the taste of a gooey cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls are not just for breakfast anymore.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword gluten-free cake, gluten-free cinnamon cake, gluten-free cinnamon roll cake
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 345 kcal
Author Audrey from Mama Knows Gluten Free

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 3 cups *gluten-free flour I like Pillsbury gluten-free. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum leave out if your flour already contains it.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups milk For dairy-free I like cashew milk, almond milk or coconut milk.
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted (For dairy-free I like Earth Balance or Smart Balance.)

Topping:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (For dairy-free I like Earth Balance or Smart Balance)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 5 tablespoons milk dairy-free use cashew, almond or coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

  2. Spray a 9×13 glass baking pan with cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl add the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (leave out if your flour already has it), salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla and mix until fully combined.
  4. Once combined stir in the melted butter.
  5. The cake batter will be very thick and sticky. Pour into the prepared 9×13 baking pan.

Topping:

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, gluten-free flour and cinnamon together with a mixer.
  2. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the butter mixture into the cake batter.
  3. Use a knife to swirl the butter mixture through the cake.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Use a toothpick to check and see if the center is done.

Glaze:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk and pure vanilla extract together.
  2. Pour over the warm cake.
  3. Enjoy!

  4. Store in an air-tight container.

Recipe Notes

*Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. I like Pillsbury gluten-free.

For dairy-free option: I like to bake with Smart Balance butter and almond, cashew or coconut milk.

Store in an air-tight container.

Mama says "Check all of your labels!"

Did you make a recipe? Tag @mamaknowsglutenfree on Instagram, Facebook  or @mamaknowsgf on Twitter! I would love to see what you created!

Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 345 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 68mg 23%
Sodium 221mg 9%
Potassium 166mg 5%
Total Carbohydrates 44g 15%
Sugars 42g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 12.1%
Calcium 9.9%
Iron 1.9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. These pictures are UNREAL and they sound so delicious. I wonder if I could mix up this recipe and make it vegan? Substitute eggs for apple sauce.. hmm wonder if they’d still come out as good as they look here! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much! I’ve never tried an egg free version, but I do use apple sauce in my gluten-free baking often to help with moisture. It would definitely be worth a try! If you try it please let me know how it turns out.

      Reply

  11. Do you think you can make the batter the night before (let’s say Christmas Eve) and then put it together and bake it the following morning?

    Reply

  12. I just made this and it was a success! Thank you!
    I would like to serve the rest tomorrow – What is the best way to store this cake overnight? Fridge or room temperature?

    Reply

  13. Just make this and had to trying it before serve it on Christmas morning? Best cake ever! Thanks for sharing! I swapped the eggs for flax eggs and used almond milk (hubby can’t have eggs or dairy) Still turn out perfect. Keeper for sure?

    Reply

    • Hi Ellen! I am so happy that you and your family enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. It is my family’s favorite cake. I am so glad that you were able to use the flax eggs. I also use dairy-free milk when baking because my husband is also dairy-free. Thank you again for sharing you enjoyed the cake. It really made my day!

      Reply

  14. My daughter was diagnosed on Christmas Eve at the age of 4 with Celiac Disease. Since then, it has been an ongoing challenge to find recipes that are delicious and that others will eat. I have a large family with 6, and unfortunately holiday time is a time when we have 44 people. Nobody but I will bring GF to our celebration times. I made this cinnamon roll cake for Christmas, and it was a huge hit! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Kim, Thank you so much! This makes my heart so happy. I love sharing what I make for my family. I am so happy that you enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake.

      Reply

  15. I don’t usually make things with flour. I was not great at it even before being diagnosed celiac. Lol Can you at least give some kind of idea on what type of gf flour to use please? Is Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 cup something that would work? From what I’ve seen others talk about, certain flours just don’t work for certain things. Thank you in advance! I have been craving anything cinnamon roll like for over 3 years! ?

    Reply

    • Hi Brandi! I usually use Gluten Free Mama’s almond flour blend with this cake. It has been out of stock lately, so I use Pillsbury gluten-free which is a cup for cup flour. I use the Pillsbury for just about everything. I buy it at Walmart for less than $5 for a 2 LB bag. I hope you enjoy the cake! It’s one of my favorites.

      Reply

    • If you try Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 baking flour, let us know how it turns out. I use this frequently because it is available in stores.

      Reply

      • Hi Deb! I have never tried Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1, but a lot of my friends love it. I will have to see if I can find it in my local stores. Thanks for the recommendation.

        Reply

  16. I absolutely love this recipe. I have made this 3 times in the past 2 months. Everyone loves it at work. It’s too much for my husband and I to eat so I have cut small squares,wrapped in Saran wrappped and placed in small freezer containers. I throw it in my lunch bag from the freezer and enjoy it as a lunch desert. Amazing!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Jukie! This makes my heart so happy to hear.? I love sharing what I make for my family. I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Such a smart idea to freeze it!

      Reply

  17. I just bought Pillsbury flour but haven’t used it till today. I tried this cake (halved the recipe, because new gluten free recipes and flour make me nervous). Baked it in a 8 x 8 glass pan. It is fantastic! I haven’t had a cinnamon roll in years but this tasted very much like one (and the smell, yum). I didn’t make glaze. Never liked it on my cinnamon rolls. Thank you for a wonderful recipe. I will make 9×13 pan the next time. I also forwarded this recipe to a few friends. Just found your blog so off to check out your other recipes. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Deb! You are so welcome. I love sharing what I make for my family. I am so happy that you enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. Thank you so much for sharing it with your friends. I hope you find some more recipes you would like to try.😊

      Reply

  18. Thank you so much for making this recipe! We have a Christmas tradition of having cinnamon rolls but my mom has been going through chemotherapy, so understandably, she wasn’t up to making them. I’ve had to take over kitchen duty and I’m pretty new to cooking and baking so i wanted something that would be that would be a good “replacement” and not be too difficult.

    Pretty sure a heavenly chorus rang out as soon as I took that first bite. I’ve been gluten free for over 10 years and I’ve had some really good foods but this was magical. My parents really liked it too.

    The only difference is I used Featherlight flour mix. I forget who makes that one so I hope I’m not violating any copyrights or anything. I will be making it with pillsbury tomorrow though as that’s what we have available currently.

    So, thank you for making this. 🙂

    Reply

    • I am so glad that you enjoyed it Jen! That makes my heart so happy. Thank you so much! I have never tried Featherlight flour. I am so glad that it worked with the recipe. There are no copyrights when it comes to using a particular gluten-free flour. I just happen to really like and use the Pillsbury gluten-free flour. You are so welcome! I love sharing what I make for my family.

      Reply

  19. I made this and just about cried because they were so good. I haven’t had a cinnamon roll in years and have missed them so much since going GF. These are absolutely to die for!!!! Thank you so much!!

    Reply

  20. Made this today with Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 flour and it turned out great. It is delicious warm or cooled! My 8-year old celiac, who was a big fan of cinnamon rolls pre-diagnosis, loved it. Thank you so much for sharing–this recipe is a keeper!!

    Reply

    • Hi Valerie! I am so glad that you and your son enjoyed it! It really makes my heart happy to hear that your son loved it! You are so welcome. I love sharing what I make for my family. I will be posting the recipe for gluten-free cinnamon roll muffins this week! 😊

      Reply

  21. I used Bob’s gluten free and it turned out great!!
    I’m wondering if storing it in the fridge might be better? I baked it in a glass dish but the lid won’t fit because the cake rised too high. Would the glaze and such keep better if I refrigerate this cake? I need it to last several days. Thanks so much for this delicious recipe!

    Reply

    • Hi Katie. I am so glad that you made it and it turned out great! I have never stored it in the fridge before. If you do, you will probably want to heat it up a bit when you serve it. You are so welcome. I love sharing what I make for my family.

      Reply

  22. Hi!! I started a ketogenic lifestyle 5 months ago and would love to try this recipe! Any idea if almond flour would work in place of the GF flour?

    Reply

    • Hi Suzette! I think the almond flour will be too dense for this recipe. Take a look at my Paleo Muffins as they are made with almond flour. I’m working on a Paleo cinnamon roll muffin recipe.

      Reply

  23. This is AMAZING! I’ve tried making gluten free cinnamon rolls but they are super messy and time consuming. These taste just as good and took less than 10 min to prep. I used King Arthur’s all purpose gluten free flour. Even my husband who is hesitant of my gluten free bakes loves it, definitely a keeper, thank you!!

    Reply

    • Hi Heather. Thank you so much! I am so happy that you enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. You are so welcome! I love sharing what I make for my family.

      Reply

  26. Was this ever so good!!!
    Just started my gluten free eating and thanks to my sister found your web page.

    I changed the glazed to a cream cheese frosting.

    Reply

    • Hi Jennifer! I am so happy that you enjoyed it! I bet the cream cheese frosting was amazing on it. Please let me know if I can help you in any way in your new gluten-free journey.

      Reply

  27. Quick question…what does the zanthan gum do? I am new to gluten free eating and trying to make some of the comfort foods I used to make.

    Reply

    • Hi Karen! I like ot use flours that are cup for cup and already have the xanthan gum already in it (like the Pillsbury gluten-free flour). Here’s the reason why xanthan gum is used in gluten-free baking. “Because baked goods made with wheat flour depends on gluten for structure, those made with gluten-free flours will often require a thickener to keep them from crumbling. For this reason, many gluten-free baking recipes call for Xanthan Gum to replace the elasticity and texture of gluten.” from https://www.thespruceeats.com/xanthan-and-guar-gluten-free-cooking-1451162

      Reply

  28. I will never go through the work and mess of making gluten free cinnamon rolls again! This cake was so easy and delicious. My mom and dad who are not gluten intolerant loved it too!

    Reply

    • I feel exactly the same Melinda! I love the big cinnamon roll flavor of the cake without the time and mess of making cinnamon rolls. I am so happy you and your parents enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake! Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star recipe review.😊

      Reply

  29. I just made this cake and it is almost time for it to come out of the oven and I can hardly wait. I am a teacher (yay for summer break) and I love baking for my family and they are HUGE breakfast eaters. I too use the Pillsbury gf flour, but I also by Bob’s Red Mill 1- to-1 baking flour at a Cash and Carry in 25lb bags for about $22. I am glad to hear others tried it with Bob’s and it turned out great. This recipe is a keeper and I love how easy it is to make! Thank you soooo much!!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! That’s awesome about the large bags of Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1. I have not seen it where I live. I am so happy that you and your family enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. You are so welcome I love sharing what I make for my family!

      Reply

  30. AMAZING!!! Used Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 flour. You would never guess it was GF! Brought only raves at monthly birthday treats at work. Can’t wait to peruse the rest of this site. This is going to be the answer to my prayers! Thank you, thank you!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Nacy for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! It makes my heart so happy to hear that you enjoyed the cinnamon cake. It’s one of my family’s favorites. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family!

      Reply

    • Hi April! I am so happy that you enjoyed the cake. Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star review. I always say that no one ever knows that this cake is gluten-free.

      Reply

  33. Made this yesterday as a practice run for Christmas. So easy to make and delicious. My daughter is the only one in our family who is GF and everyone loved it. Could not tell used GF flour. Used Robin Hood All Purpose Gluten Free Flour. Next time will try to bake as muffins.

    Reply

    • Hi Renee! Thank you so much for the wonder 5-star recipe review! It makes my heart so happy to hear that your family enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. It’s one of my family’s all-time favorites. I’ve never seen Robin Hood Purpose Gluten Free Flour. I’ll have to look for it. If you enjoyed the cake you should really like the muffins too. I hope you and your family enjoy them. Thank you again Renee!

      Reply

  34. Hi Audrey,
    Greetings from chilly old UK! Just got to say that I baked your cinnamon roll cake for the first time last night… Have come downstairs this morning, and just had to try some. It is A-maz-ing!! ☺
    I have to be GF and DF and you would never know, as its taste and texture is just gorgeous! Am taking some into work to share some with my team. This recipe is a keeper! ☺
    Thank you sooo much for this wonderful recipe!
    Take care, Nikki x
    PS I was going to send you a photo of my efforts, as I was so proud of how it looked when I took it out of the oven, but couldn’t see how to upload it x

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Amy for your wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that your family enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake for Thanksgiving. Thanks again Amy!

      Reply

  36. This was my first ever attempt at baking anything gluten free and it turned out amazing! Hubby and kids loved it (they are not fans of anything GF and this recipe has turned them around!) and the entire cake was consumed in under 6 hours! So pleased with how easy this was to make and how delicious it turned out. I can’t wait to try more of these recipes!

    Reply

    • This makes my heart so happy to hear! Thank you so much Erin for the wonderful recipe review. I am so happy that your family enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. It’s one of my family’s favorites. I always tell people that you’ll never know that it’s gluten-free. I hope you enjoy the other recipes you try. Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

      Reply

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