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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.

Gluten-Free Flour

These gluten-free crepes were made with a rice flour blend.  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.

Pro Tip

The best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method. Using a spoon, scoop the flour into the measuring cup.  After you’ve spooned the flour into the measuring cup, use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup. Friends, please do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup.

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 in the comments!★

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 32 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.
  • The best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method. Using a spoon, scoop the flour into the measuring cup.  After you’ve spooned the flour into the measuring cup, use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup. Friends, please do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup.
  • 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  16. 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

  17. Oh my gosh ,, This was AMAZING! Truly brilliant. I would call this a Cinnamon roll coffee cake! Soo Good! Thank you

    Reply

  18. Just make it! It was so delicious! The cake was moist and full of flavor. It was just as delicious the next day. I can’t wait to try more recipes. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

    Reply

    • Hi Meredith thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. I hope you enjoy any other recipes that you try. Thanks again!

      Reply

  19. I am making this for Christmas morning breakfast! I was dx with Celiac disease 18 months ago and our tradition of cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning was really missed by us all last year! I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

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