Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake that is easy, uses minimal ingredients, and takes the labor intensive steps of rolling and kneading away.
The cake is swirled with cinnamon, then topped with a glaze, turning a classic gluten-free breakfast into a simple morning treat.
For a more traditional cinnamon rolls recipe you'll want to make my Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls.
If you like simple gluten-free breakfast, or baked gluten-free breakfast treats that you can have in the oven in less than ten minutes, check out my Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread is also always a big hit!
For more breakfast ideas check out my Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
A few weeks back I made a Gluten-Free Vegan Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Cake. It was a huge hit, and won the Go Dairy-Free Frozen Fridays Recipe Contest, cashewmilk category.
Ever since then, my girls have been asking me to make it again. I don't want them eating ice cream all the time, so I opted to make them the cake portion.
Although the ice cream cake is vegan, I use an egg in this recipe. You can use a flax egg in this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake - it comes out just as good. The only reason I added egg is because I wanted extra protein in the cake. We can eat eggs, so I still bake with them every once in a while.
How do you make a flax egg?
To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Whisk together and let sit for 10- 15 minutes or until it thickens.
This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll cake is the real deal, without the work. You can mix it up in less than ten minutes and have it in the oven by the time it's done preheating.
Drizzle it with glaze (or enjoy it without) and savory the delicious flavors you'd find in a cinnamon roll.
Can I use regular milk and butter in this gluten-free cinnamon roll cake recipe?
Yes. I've made it both ways. You can use your milk of choice in this recipe, and regular butter if you choose.
The cake is fluffy, and has a slight crumble that you'd get with any good cake. The cinnamon swirl is soft and sweet, just the like the center of a cinnamon roll.
My kids and husband test tasted this cake for me and recommended I add it as a separate recipe here. That way you will know that you can enjoy this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake without the ice cream.
Can I make this gluten-free cinnamon roll cake in a muffin tin?
Yes, such a great idea! Then it would be single serving. Just make sure to grease each well in the muffin tin generously so it doesn't stick. Also, you'll need to reduce the cooking time and watch it for doneness.
How well does this freeze?
Believe it or not, it freezes really well. I discovered that when I made an ice cream cake out of this cake recipe. I froze the cake before I topped it with ice cream to make it easier to spread the ice cream without crushing the cake.
If you make this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake stop back by and let me know what you think.
Also, if you have any questions please leave a comment and I will get back to you.
This gluten-free cinnamon roll cake recipe was adapted from the Life in the Lighthouse Cinnamon Roll Cake.
If you make this gluten-free cinnamon roll cake please leave a starred rating and a comment below letting me know what you though.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake that is easy, uses minimal ingredients, and takes the labor intensive steps of rolling and kneading away.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten free flour, not the all purpose gluten-free flour)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup dairy-free milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 large egg OR flax-egg (1 tablespoon ground flax seeds + 3 tablespoons water, mixed)
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter, melted
For the cinnamon swirl:
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the cinnamon glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free milk (or milk of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a round 8-inch cake pan; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
- Add in dairy-free milk, flax egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- For the cake topping: In a separate small mixing bowl mix melted dairy-free butter,brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon over cake.
- Use a butter knife to swirl it into the cake batter.
- Bake for 26-28 minutes or until the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer the cake from the pan to a wire rack.
- Once completely cool.
- For the cinnamon glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, cinnamon, and dairy-free milk. Drizzle over the top of the cake.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 229Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 231mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 5g
Lanamama
It was delicious. Very moist coffee cake. I loved it and will be making again and again. I poked holes with a toothpick to get some of the frosting in the cake. It was wonderful.
chrystal
I am so glad to hear you like this cake! Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Jaye
Giiirrrrlll, this was so good! Even the gluten eaters in my family enjoyed it. It was easy. I didn't make the glaze. Instead I rubbed more vegan butter on top and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. I was really missing cinnamon rolls, so thank you so much!
chrystal
Haha, so glad to hear everyone loved it. Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Lisa
Can you use the all purpose baking flour ? If you don’t have the 1 to 1 ?
chrystal
Hi Lisa,
I don't recommend the all purpose in my recipes. It tends to do funny things, possibly from the chickpea flour. Readers have tried it in this recipe and it tends to seem oily, and it shrinks after it cools.
Sorry!
Chrystal
Tessa
This was amazing!!!!! Thank you!
chrystal
So glad you like it 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Teresa Botkin
I’m making this for the second time in a week for a potluck! I used a bigger pan so made one and a half recipes and it turned out perfect, I used melted coconut oil for all the butter, also pit pecans on the top with the glaze! Tastes like real cinnamon rolls!
chrystal
I'm so glad you like it. Thank you for taking time to stop back by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Donna szuflada
Thanks so much for all your wonderful recipes. I have made your carrot cake which is extremely moist and amazing. I made the cinnamon bun cake today and my son is a happy camper he has celiac .I'm going to try some donuts next. When you say to use flour blend can you use the 1 to 1 or just use gluten free baking flour?
chrystal
Hi Donna,
I'm so glad you like my recipes. I would use the Bob's Red Mill 1-tp-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, not the gluten free all purpose flour from Bob's Red Mill.
Best,
Chrystal
Lee D
This cake was a HUGE hit with my family! It was very easy to put together and all ingredients were items I would always have in my kitchen. Thanks you for sharing!
chrystal
I am so glad everyone loved it. Thank you for taking time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
cathie bambrick
My grandson has just recently been diagnosed with a wheat allergy & I was wondering if this cinnamon roll cake could be made with oat flour?
chrystal
Hi Cathie,
I haven't personally made it with oat flour. Sorry I can't be more help.
Best,
Chrystal
Nicole Sheldon
Is there a reason you don’t use the all purpose gluten free flour? Will it not turn out? (I only ask because I already have some.) I’m excited to try this recipe for a Christmas party this weekend!!!
chrystal
Hi Nicole,
I bounce between my flour blend and Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour. I usually go with what it less expensive at the time. You can use Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour (not their all purpose gluten free flour) in this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Asha
For muffins, how long do you think would be a good starting point? I'm planing on making this in the morning but not sure I will have the 25 mins of bake time. Or if I made tonight for tomorrow how would you recommend warming it up?
chrystal
I would start with 16 minutes if you're doing muffins.
Best,
Chrystal
Sarah
Hello! I am anxious to try this recipe but am not a huge fan of Bob's 1 to 1. I have another brand of all purpose mix and almond flour and was considering combining the two. What are your thoughts?
Thank you!!
chrystal
Hi Sarah,
I've seen a few readers say they've used king arthur gluten free flour and gf jules flour in this recipe. I haven't personally tried it. Check out the comments and see if any others were mentioned.
Best,
Chrystal
chrystal
Oh! And a few readers have used the Pillsbury gf flour blend.
Wendy
Thank you for the fantastic recipe. I made the following choices based on what I had on-hand: a large egg, Great Value GF AP Flour, Nutiva shortening for the dairy-free butter and lactose-free Carnation evaporated milk. I increased the cinnamon swirl topping to 1/3 c Nutiva shortening, 1/3 c brown sugar and 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon (only because I melted too much Nutiva) plus 1/4 tsp nutmeg. The dessert was baked in an 8x 8 metal pan greased with Nutiva. I had a can of cream cheese frosting, so I used that in place of the glaze. Hopefully, this review is helpful to others who want to make this. The final product was enjoyed warm, and the family loved it. Thanks again for sharing the recipe.
chrystal
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for sharing what you used. I'm so glad you like this cake recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Deb
This recipe is wonderful!! My grandkids ages 6 and 8 asked for seconds. Kid approved!! I will be making this again
chrystal
Hi Deb,
I am so glad you and your grand kids love it. Thank you for sharing.
Best,
Chrystal
Erica
I made this last weekend and it was a huge hit with kids and adults alike! Cup4Cup is my go-to gf blend so that's what I used and it turned out awesome. Thanks for a great recipe!
chrystal
I am so glad you and your kiddos loved it. Thank you for taking time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Paula Mix
I really have enjoyed your recipe for the Cinnamon Roll Cake.
I am wondering can I double this recipe for a 9x13 pan?
Thank you
chrystal
Hi Paula,
I haven't personally doubled it, but it should work. You'll have to watch the baking time for doneness.
Best,
Chrystal
Paula Mix
Thank you so much !!
Amy Wessel
This has to be one of the best things I’ve ever tried and I’ve had Celiac Disease for 15 years. Thank you so much!!!!!!
chrystal
I am so glad you like this cake. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Michaela S
My boyfriend deals with celiac disease and this is the only site I use for desserts because they always turn out amazing. His favorites are the blueberry lemon donuts and the chocolate cupcakes.
I made this cake today and it was perfect. I only used half the swirl sauce and used the rest for the glaze. Mixed in the powdered sugar and added walnuts. Actually better than cinnamon rolls in my opinion!
chrystal
I am so glad that he is enjoying my recipes. Thank you for trusting my recipes in your kitchen.
Best,
Chrystal
Susan
Thank you for this great recipe! I made it this morning and it was delicious!
chrystal
I'm so glad you love it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Cynthia
I made it this morning. Wow at last a glutenfree good desert
chrystal
I'm so glad you like it!
Thanks for letting me know.
Best,
chrystal
Davida
This cake is awesome.
chrystal
I'm so glad you liked it.
Terry
I just found this recipe and it sounds delicious!
Could I use almond and coconut flour like 1/2 and 1/2 or just use one or the other?
Thanks so much!!
chrystal
I haven't tried using almond or coconut flour in this recipe. You could make my paleo chocolate chip muffins, leave out the chocolate chips, and swirl in the cinnamon and sugar.
Best,
Chrystal
Aletheia Barach
I made it for my mum for Mother's day. I used my dad's gluten free flour mix, and it turned out very flat. It was very delicious though.
chrystal
I'm glad you liked it. What's in your dad's flour blend?
Best,
Chrystal
Susie
I just finished making this. I didn't have Bob's on hand so I used the Safeway Compliments all-purpose flour blend (white corn flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, carboxymethyl and xanthan gum). As I poured the batter in the pan it was kind of gummy and I had to spread it myself, and it didn't even reach the edges fully. I must admit I was thinking this would be a flop. I cooked it only for 20 minutes (any longer and it may have burnt). To my delight the batter spread out and became fluffy! It is still cooling down before I put on the icing but I tried a small piece. Very wonderful! Thank you for your recipe!
chrystal
You are very welcome. I'm so glad you like it.
Best,
Chrystal
Jan Asher
Great!! I used King Arthur 1:1, baked in muffin tin for 17 minutes.
chrystal
I am so glad you like it.
Best,
Chrystal
Nathanial
This was lovely! As someone with IBIS I missed having dessert bread but this worked lovely and did not upset my tummy!
chrystal
I am so glad you liked it.
Best,
Chrystal
Rita
We loved this recipie . I tough it would be a bit more fluffy. Any suggestions ?
The only difference is I used monk fruit sweetener and grass fed butter.
chrystal
Hi Rita,
I am so glad you liked it. Butter tends to lend a denser crumb then oil also monkfruit sweetener is also a bit heavier in recipes. For a more fluffy cake I recommend at least using oil next time.
Best,
Chrystal
Shoshanah
This was AMAZING! My family will be making it again and again!
chrystal
I am so glad you like it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Mary Hampton
Would I double everything to make it in a 9 x 13 pan?
chrystal
Yes, then watch the time for doneness. It should take a little longer to bake, but not double the time.
Best,
Chrystal
Alicia
We used to have donuts for our kids birthday breakfasts. Now that we have a Celiac diagnosis this is our birthday breakfast treat. I will be making it for the third time tomorrow morning for the birthday of our Celiac kid!☺️
chrystal
I am so glad you love it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Renee
I just made this. It’s like a cinnamon roll and a coffee cake had a baby. AH-MAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing this. Will be on rotation for sure!
chrystal
I am so glad you like it! Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Jari
Oh my gosh, that was to die for! I just made it tonight! I followed all your recommendations and used coconut milk since that's what I had. It was so good and my husband went back for seconds, as well as me too! 🙂 YUMMY!
chrystal
Awe, I am so glad you love it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Lori
I have King Arthur measure for measure flour which contains no xanthan gum. Does your flour have this? I plan on making this for Christmas breakfast. Thank you for your help. Lori
chrystal
You don't need to add xanthan gum to this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Misty
This recipe is awesome and I’ll be making this cake every Christmas morning! Thank you so much!
Melissa
I have made this cinnamon cake 2 times and it is just so perfect. Honestly, this cake taste just like a cinnamon roll . It’s. So soft and buttery and cinnamoney-is that a word haha . Anyways go make this cake , it doesn’t take a lot of ingredients which I love . I subbed out the butter for coconut oil and it worked perfectly for dairy free and gluten free ❤️
chrystal
I'm so glad you liked it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal