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!
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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.
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!
Try my some of my other gluten-free dessert and gluten-free breakfast recipes.
- Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free}
- Easy Blueberry Banana Muffins {Dairy-Free & Refined Sugar Free Option}
- Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake {Dairy-Free Option}
- Gluten-Free Apple Dapple Bundt Cake {Dairy-Free Option}
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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).
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
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
Instructions
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Spray a 9×13 glass baking pan with cooking spray.
- 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.
- Once combined stir in the melted butter.
- The cake batter will be very thick and sticky. Pour into the prepared 9×13 baking pan.
Topping:
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, gluten-free flour and cinnamon together with a mixer.
- Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the butter mixture into the cake batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the butter mixture through the cake.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Use a toothpick to check and see if the center is done.
Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk and pure vanilla extract together.
- Pour over the warm cake.
- Enjoy!
- Store in an air-tight container.
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
Katie says
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!
Audrey says
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.
Suzette says
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?
Audrey says
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.
Heather says
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!!
Audrey says
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.
April says
This looks like a super yummy recipe. My mom is gluten-free so I need this one!
Audrey says
Thank you April! I hope you both enjoy it.
Ashley F says
My brother in law has Celiac disease and this is a family favorite!
Audrey says
That makes me so happy to hear Ashley!
Jennifer says
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.
Audrey says
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.
Karen says
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.
Audrey says
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
Melinda says
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!
Audrey says
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.????
Heather says
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!!
Audrey says
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!
Nancy says
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!
Audrey says
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!
Aimee Shugarman says
LOVE that this is gluten free. And packed with flavor too!
Audrey says
Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! Yes, gluten-free can be just as tasty. Thanks again!
April says
These turned out great! You would never ever guess they were made with gluten free flour. SO GOOD.
Audrey says
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.
Renee says
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.
Audrey says
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!
Nikki says
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
Audrey says
Hi Nikki. Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star recipe rating! It makes my heart so happy to hear you enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. I hope your team enjoys the cake also. It’s really awesome to hear from you all the way in the UK. Could you email me the photo to audrey@mamaknowsglutenfree.com? Or you could go to my Facebook page and post it under its post here: https://www.facebook.com/mamaknowsglutenfree/photos/a.1265240083595762/1852418338211264/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC3FCakWyHWXfoncJav4-vJKck_EAJ5z6gffYpukbcbl7tbgloeYxkJk5bUFMYQY4-0SJDVmWBusGb8gL47iVBT_kWGno66M9ECKnWN8liyGeeRdkgqZNqkqzt2qdVjz1bDUT9uCT5ETuSXvovc1U3gCYa7LYtglwVpQYbI2tbeKQkcTeljY_SnGgCUcWSG4z3BPqzHDAgM6sWTXqO8SKCVWzI&__tn__=-R
I would love to see it! You are so welcome Nikki, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thanks again for the recipe review it really blessed me!
Rhonda says
This sounds amazing! I am cooking for a dinner party for 12. Will be quite busy and need oven space. One gal is gluten free. Will this recipe be okay to make a day ahead??
Thank you so much!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Rhonda! Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. Just make sure you cover it really well or store it in an air-tight container. My 9×13 pan has a lid. You are so welcome. I hope everyone enjoys it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Amy Erickson says
Just made this cake for a family Thanksgiving looks like it turned out pretty good
Audrey says
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!
Erin Rogers says
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!
Audrey says
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.
LADONNA MORGAN says
Oh my gosh ,, This was AMAZING! Truly brilliant. I would call this a Cinnamon roll coffee cake! Soo Good! Thank you
Audrey says
Thank you so much for the 5-star recipe review Ladonna! I am so happy that you enjoyed the cinnamon roll cake. Thanks again!
Meredith says
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!
Audrey says
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!
christie says
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!
Audrey says
Hi Christie I hope you enjoy the cinnamon roll cake! It’s my family’s favorite cake. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!